Geography
Poothakkulam Grama Panchayat is a beautiful coastal village panchayat located under the Chathannoor Block Panchayat in the Kollam district. Its geographical features are as follows:
Boundaries
East: Kalluvathukkal Panchayat
West: Paravur Municipality and the Laccadive Sea (Arabian Sea)
South: Paravur Lake and Edava Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district
North: Chathannoor and Chirakkara Panchayats
Topography and Water Bodies
Based on its physical features, the region can be broadly classified into coastal plains, low hills, and valleys.
Coast and Lake: The western side of the panchayat features coastal areas sharing a boundary with Paravur Municipality, while the southern side opens up to parts of the scenic Paravur Lake.
Streams and Waterways: Small streams (thodu) and ponds flowing through the panchayat play a vital role in local agriculture and maintaining the groundwater levels. Elas (paddy fields), which once hosted extensive rice cultivation, are an integral part of its landscape.
Soil and Agriculture
The coastal tracts generally have sandy soil, while the elevated inland areas consist of laterite (red) soil.
Major Crops: Coconut is the primary agricultural crop of this region. Additionally, rubber, cashew, tuber crops, and various vegetables are also widely cultivated.
This unique geographical positioning, surrounded by the sea and lake, blesses Poothakkulam with immense natural beauty and provides ideal conditions for traditional sectors like coir-making and fishing.