The Fascinating Twin Village of Kodinhi in Kerala

Kodinhi, a village in Kerala, has gained fame for its astonishing number of twin births, with around 400 pairs of twins among 2000 families. This phenomenon has intrigued scientists, leading to research into the genetic factors that contribute to this unique occurrence. Residents share their experiences, revealing both the joys and challenges of raising twins. Discover the captivating story of this extraordinary village and the ongoing scientific investigations into its twin phenomenon.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 21:18 IST

A Unique Phenomenon in Kerala

Having twins is not an unusual occurrence, but when they are identical, it becomes quite remarkable. However, what if we told you that there is a village in India where the majority of the children born are twins? You might find that hard to believe. Even more astonishing is that all these twins are identical.

This is not just a figment of imagination; it is a reality that has been observed for decades in a village in Kerala. This unique village has become a subject of intrigue for scientists not only in India but also in London. Let’s explore which village is known for its high rate of twin births and what researchers have discovered.

The Village of Kodinhi in Malappuram District

The village known for its twins is located in the Malappuram district of Kerala, and it is called Kodinhi. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary village, but its name has gained recognition both nationally and internationally.

The reason for this fame lies in the village's unique characteristic: a significant number of twins and identical twins are born here. It may be hard to believe, but this fact is absolutely true. Most families in Kodinhi have twins or identical twins.

A Community of 2000 Families with 400 Pairs of Twins

Currently, Kodinhi is home to around 2000 families. Surprisingly, there are about 400 pairs of twins living in this village. This phenomenon has been ongoing for several decades, leading to the village being dubbed the 'Twin Village.' Interestingly, even newcomers to the village tend to have twins.

One resident, 46-year-old Shamasad Begum, moved to Kodinhi with her husband in 2000. When she had children, they too were twins. Shamasad mentions that in her family’s five generations, no woman had ever given birth to twins before.

A Blessing or a Burden?

For some, this phenomenon is a blessing, while for others, it can be a challenge. An auto-rickshaw driver named Abhilash shared that he has two pairs of twins, making it difficult for him to manage the responsibilities of raising four children.

Scientific Research on Twin Births

Researchers from Kerala and even London are studying the reasons behind the high incidence of twin births in this village. Samples of hair and saliva have been collected for analysis. While the exact cause remains unclear, scientists suggest that genetic factors may play a significant role.

Professor E. Preetam from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies has indicated that genetic reasons could explain why twin births are so prevalent in Kodinhi.