The community inhabits n Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, particularly in the higher reaches of the Pampa and the Achan Kovil rivers and at Thalappara and Karumpulli in the forests.
After independence the State Government constructed settlements for them consisting of brick and tile houses, but Malai Pandaram altogether used to desert them during the season for collecting NTFP (Non Timber Forest Produces).
Traditional area-wise grouping of the community is called kootam. No internal division is noted among the community.
Thalapara mala is one the major sacred religious sites for them. (Ancestral spirits are also worshipped) Semi nomadic life within a given territory has adversely affected their mobility and access to the facilities and services provided by the State government.
As per report on socio economic status of Scheduled Tribe Development, their population is 1662 consisting of 821 male and 841 female.