Punthalathazham is a landlocked neighbourhood of the city of Kollam in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located around six kilometres east of the core Kollam (Quilon) city towards Kannanalloor (on Kollam-Kannanalloor-Ayoor road). This place has a little geographical importance and serves as the tail boundary of Kollam Municipal Corporation. Inhabitants belong to working and middle classes. 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 and aristocratic family called 'Punthala'. In Malayalam language means "supper". Thus, the name + = Punthalathazham. Topology Punthalathazham is in Kollam Taluk and comes under Vadakkevila Village having population under 5000. 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 Junction in the west, Peroor in the north and Decent Junction in the east. The terrain is flat. 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. Government Offices Veterinary Hospital Vadakkevila KrishiBhavan (agricultural office) Ayathil Electrical Section Public Facilities The main centers of public activity in Punthalathazham consist of a library, a bus station and a market. The Y. M. V. A. Library 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- Estd in 1993 Recently, Kudumbasree units are added to the community. 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. 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 sawmills. Education Punthalathazham has an average literacy rate