Punalur

Punalur is a town in Kollam district that spreads along the Kallada River in the foothills of the Western Ghats. It covers roughly 34 square kilometers at an elevation of around 56 meters, with residential areas, local roads, and riparian zones that shape how the space is organized.

The town's story centers on a paper mill founded in 1886 that processed local reeds and plant fibers in its early decades. This industry brought change to the region until the facility closed in 1987, marking a shift from industrial activity to other local economic bases.

Punalur reflects Kerala's river-based way of life, with the Kallada River remaining central to how people move through and use the town. Local markets and riverside spaces show how daily routines still follow patterns shaped by water, trade routes, and regional customs.

The town sits about 45 kilometers northeast of Kollam and roughly 68 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram, making it accessible by road from nearby cities. Walking through different neighborhoods is straightforward, with the river serving as a helpful reference point for getting around.

The area sits within tropical evergreen forests that contain native plant species rarely seen elsewhere, such as Terminalia paniculata and Emblica officinalis. Heavy monsoon rains, averaging around 2,700 millimeters yearly, create lush green surroundings that feel distinctly different from the plains below.