Chittumala
Block Panchayat

Chittumala is a historically rich island-like village and block panchayat in Kollam district of Kerala. Surrounded by the Kallada River, Ashtamudi Lake and the Chittumala Chira (wetland), the name of the place roughly means "surrounded by mountains" (chuttumala) in Malayalam.

The area is deeply connected to ancient Dravidian traditions and the historical footprints of Buddhism and Jainism, which flourished in the southern parts of Kerala in the 3rd century BC.

Chittumala Sree Durga Devi Temple This centuries-old temple is located in the heart of the village. Dedicated to Adiparasakthi, it serves as the unifying cultural and religious centre of the 16 surrounding villages (karakals). The annual festival during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/April) attracts thousands of devotees

Chittumala Chira This 55-hectare freshwater wetland has supported the traditional agricultural practices and drinking water needs of the area for generations. Historically, it was a centre for punchakrishi (traditional paddy cultivation) and is currently being developed as an eco-tourism destination.

The paddy fields, chira and backwaters below the Chittumala hill are a scenic beauty. The tourist destination of Monrothurut is nearby.

Although it is a place known for its hilly terrain, local folklore suggests that the area was historically known by the name of an old matriarch named 'Chitta'.

Chittumala is a locality located in Kizhakke Kallada Grama Panchayat in Kollam district. It is a small junction where Kundara, Monrothuruthu and Sasthamkotta Bharanikavu roads meet.

Chittumala is located 23 km from Kollam city, 9 km from Kundara and 8 km from Bharanikavu. Chittumala is easy to reach as various roads pass through it. Chittumala is also included in the new alignment of National Highway 183.

Chittumala Block Panchayat is located in Kollam taluk of Kollam district. Chittumala Block Panchayat, which includes 07 grama panchayats namely Perinad, Kundara, East Kallada, Perayam, Monrothuruthu, Panayam and Thrikkaruva, has 14 divisions. The boundaries of Chittumala Block Panchayat are Kallada River, Chavara and Sasthamkotta blocks on the north, Vettikkavala, Kottarakkara and Mukhatala blocks on the east, Mukhatala and Kollam Corporation on the south, Ashtamudi Kayal and Chavara block on the west. Chittumala Block Panchayat is located in the northeast of Kollam Taluk. Most of the low-lying areas here are located in Monrothurut Panchayat. The highest rainfall is received here during the southwest monsoon season in the months of June-July. The north and west sides of the block are surrounded by water bodies. This area is located at an altitude of about 23 meters above sea level. The topography of Chittumala Block can be classified as highlands, sloping areas, valleys and coastal plains. The main soil types found here are loamy soil, gravelly soil, loamy soil and alluvial soil. Chittumala Development Block was established on 10th September 1963. At that time, Chittumala Block consisted of four panchayats namely Kizhakkekallada, Monrothuruthu, Mulavan and Perinad and the villages of Kizhakkekallada, Mulavan Perinad and Monrothuruthu. However, in 1969, Mulavana Panchayat was bifurcated and two more panchayats namely Kundara and Perayam came into existence. The headquarters of Chittumala Block is at Chittumala in Kizhakkekallada Panchayat. The first People's Administrative Committee was sworn in on 25th September 1995 with B. Rajendra Prasad as the President.

Administrative HistoryChittumala, one of the eleven block panchayats in Kollam district, has created history by winning the national recognition (PEAIS Award) for the excellent work of local administrations.

This area, which includes Munrothuruth in Ashtamudi Lake and the banks of Kallada River, is a major center in the state tourism map.

Chittumala Block Panchayat was formed under the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) of Kerala with the aim of comprehensive development of rural areas. This block, which occupies an important place in the development map of Kollam district, mainly covers areas known for agriculture and backwater tourism. Historically, the Panchayat Governing Bodies of the past have played a major role in uplifting the local economy and social upliftment.