Pathanapuram is situated on the eastern part of the district, it covers an area of 248.32 sq.kms. Live-stock activities like dairying, poultry, goat rearing etc and industrial activities like brick making, bamboo weaving etc are the main occupation. The block is rubber predominant.

Population is 1.57 lakh. Panchayats are Pathanapuram, Pattazhivadakkekkara, Piravanthoor, Thalavoor, Vilakuddy and Pattazhy

Pathanapuram is an important trading center on the banks of the Kallada river. It is only 13 kms away from Punalur.

The Chandanakkudam mohotsava of the mosque there, celebrated every year in February-March, attracts thousands of devotees.