Punnayoorkkulam panchayat has several kaavus, big and small, that are rich in biodiversity. The sarppakaavus [snake groves] conduct festivals in the Ayilyam asterism of the Malayalam month of Kanni [September-October] to propitiate the snake-gods. Certain kaavus have ponds too. A few of them are Mullamangalam kaavu, Payyiruli kaavu, Govindapuram kaavu, Paazhiyurmana kaavu and Karumathazhathu mannur kaavu.

In kaavu usually, there will be a stone idol as a deity and a lighted stone lamp placed amid a thick forest patch. The chirping of birds and beetles enhances the beauty of these sacred groves. They are reminiscent of the past where people worship deities along with the nature.

Some of these kaavus are settled amid human settlements and urban areas. They are rich in biodiversity and have been protected by people for religious and cultural beliefs. Many unique species can be found in kaavus.