at Kottayam and moved to Painavu in June 1976. Developmental activities are co-ordinated by the District Rural Development Agency. Protected areas This district has several  protected areas  including:  Periyar Tiger Reserve  in the south,  Kurinjimala Sanctuary  to the east,  Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary  to the northeast,  Eravikulam National Park  and  Anamudi Shola National