Punthalathazham (പുന്തലത്താഴം)[Geography: 8°53'43"N 76°38'21"E][1] is a landlocked village situated in the Indian state of Kerala.
Etymology
There is a story for giving this name to the place. In olden days when people travel from distant places this junction is used as a resting point at night, and they used to get their supper from a rich & aristocratic family called 'Punthala'(പുന്തല). In Malayalam language 'Athazham'(അത്താഴം) means supper! Thus, the name punthala + athazham = punthalathazham.
[edit]Topology
Road Map of Punthalathazham
Punthalathazham is in Kollam Taluk and comes under Vadakkevila Village having population under 5000.[2] One 50-feet height elevated concrete Water Tank is a major landmark in Punthalathazham Junction. One could stand on a higher spot and enjoy the sight of the whole village.
Punthalathazham is surrounded by several small satellite villages: Palathara in the south, No.2(രണ്ടാംനമ്പര്) Junction in the west, Peroor in the north and Decent Junction in the east.
The terrain is flat.
[edit]Climate
Punthalathazham has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June–August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter starts from December and continues until February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall is 310 cm.
[edit]Government Offices
Veterinary Hospital (മൃഗാശുപത്രി)
Vadakkevila KrishiBhavan[Agricultural Office](കൃഷിഭവന്)
Ayathil Electrical Section
One Beverage Corporation(BEVCO) is also located in Punthalathazham.
[edit]Public Facilities
Y.M.V.A Library
The main centers of public activity in Punthalathazham consist of a market, a bus station and a library. The Y. M. V. A. Library(വായനശാല) was established in 1936. It is one of the oldest libraries in Kollam district registered under Thiruvithamkoor library council. The name of the bus stop itself is Punthalathazham Junction.
SNDP Branch
Milma Society (പാല്സൊസൈറ്റി) was established in 1993
Recently, kudumbasree units have been added to the community.
[edit]Economy
The people of Punthalathazham are generally employed in the service and private sectors. Others are daily earners. A large number of women work in cashew factories. Many youths serves as tutors in parallel tutorials, before getting a job.
The primary crops are coconut and banana supports the economy..
Punthalathazham housed many small-scale producers like Agro Trade International(cashew nut trading), Amrutha Trading Company(supply pencil slats), Santha Cashew Factory, Image Office Automation(marketing Canon products), Saindhava books publishers etc. Punthalathazham also has brick factories and saw mills.
