This part of Kerala is famous for its fertile lands and rubber plantations. It is at an altitude of 495 Metres above MSL sea level. Ponkunnam is a part of Chirakkadavu grama panchayath. NH 220 (Kollam-Kottarakkara-Kottayam-Theni), the former K.K road (Kottayam-Kumily road), passes through the town. Kottayam is around 34 km. K.K road is an easy way to Madurai in Tamilnadu. The Main Eastern Highway
(Punalur-Pathanamthitta-Muvattupuzha Road / SH - No2 ) meets NH 220 at Ponkunnam. Ponkunnam is well connected to almost all the places of Kerala by road. Thekkady is 83 km far from here. It is also the main centre for Sabarimala devotess, as they pass through Ponkunnam to Erumely. Ponkunnam has all communities (Christians, Hindus, Muslims) mostly agriculturist. Famous novelist and short story writer Ponkunnam Varkey lived here. Ponkunnam Damodaran the famous Poet was born here. K.P.A.C Ravi , actor cm Singer, belongs to Ponkunnam. Malayalam Film actor Babu Antony and his brother Thampi Antony hail from Ponkunnam. The old name was Chirakadavu Vadakkum Bhagam.The name Ponkunnam was coined by Magistare T.Pappu Pillai about 100 years back, while inaugurating the vegetable market. Late A.K.Patchu Pillai is the Father of modern Ponkunnam. Karippaaparambil Dominc(Dummini Vakil), Pangappattu S.Ramanatha Pillai, Mulavelil Neelakanda Pillai, P.R.Rajagopal, Ex Minister P.T.Chacko and Rosamma Punnose were leading advocates of Ponkunnam Bar. Late P.N.Krishna Pillai,Punnamparambil was the first qualified Doctor of Ponkunnam. The operation theater of Kanjirappally Taluk Hospital is built in his memory.Palayakunnel Vaidyans were famous Ayurveda Physicians. Dr.C.P.S.Pillai is the Seniormost Modern Medical Practitioner. Vidvan A.P.Karunakaran Nair is a famous Sanskrit Scholar. Malayoram is the trimonthly published from Ponkunnam by Jose Pulluveli. KVMS, Santhi Nikethan and Sri Hari are the thre hospitals in Ponkunnam Town. Ponkunnam is well known for its rubber and hill other products. It was the main trade centre for hill products before decades.
