Paravur, Kollam

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Paravur, Kollam

Paravur is a small municipality in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. It lies about 12 kilometers southeast of Kollam city and is part of the Kollam metropolitan area. The town sits between the backwaters and the sea, with the Ithikkara River flowing through it.

Administration and area
Paravur Municipality governs several areas, including Kottapuram, Koonayil, Thekkumbhagam, Chillakkal, Perumpuzha, Nedungolam, Pozhikara, Maniyamkulam, Kurumandal, Kottamoola, Attinpuram, and Kochalummoodu. It is classified as a Grade-II municipality.

People and language
As of 2011, Paravur had a population of 37,245 (16,874 men and 20,371 women). The literacy rate is high at 92.5% (men 94.7%, women 90.7%). About 9% of residents are under 6 years old. The official languages are Malayalam and English.

Geography
The town is about 10 meters above sea level. It stretches along a narrow strip of land between the sea and the backwaters. The Ithikkara River runs through Paravur.

Transport and development
Paravur railway station (code PVU) is the last station in Kollam district on the line toward Thiruvananthapuram. It is designated an Adarsh station. A 14.1 km Paravur–Kollam Coastal Road connects the town with Kollam along the coast. There are plans to set up an IT park (about 5 acres), a coir manufacturing unit, a handloom unit, and possibly a food park, with future rail-road linkages.

Putti ngal Devi Temple and culture
Puttilngal Devi Temple is a notable temple on the coast. Its major festival occurs when Bharani treads Meenam. In 2016, a tragic fireworks accident at the temple killed 114 people and injured many others.

History and heritage
Paravur has ancient connections, including references to Pozhikkara Sasanam from the 12th century and mentions in old literary works. The area had a Travancore mint in the past and played a role in local administration. Paravur Panchayat was formed in 1936, became a municipality in 1988, and the town has a history of early printing and publishing in the 19th century.

Climate
Paravur has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons (Aw).