Located three km north-east from Perumbavoor town in the Perumbavoor taluka of Eranakulam district, the sacred grove can be accessed by several private buses that ply to the Iringole school. This is the largest sacred grove in the Travancore-Cochin region,1 covering lush evergreen forest land, though disturbed in certain sections. Studies indicate that the vegetation at Iringole Kavu is comparable to other evergreen formations in the Western Ghats with respect to floral species diversity and other characteristics. Waters from the Poorna irrigation project play a crucial role in keeping the forest lush and green. The sacred tank of the grove can be seen as one approaches the temple from the northern side.

Villagers strictly adhere to all traditional rules and regulations regarding maintaining the sanctity of the grove as well as regarding the resource collection from the grove. Some of these include:

1. No material (plant or animal) is permitted to be taken out of the sacred grove, except on certain exceptional cases or occasions after consulting the local priest.

2. Fallen twigs, branches of trees or leaves are also not taken out.
3. Women are not allowed to enter the grove during menstruation.
4. Pilgrims visiting the grove are permitted to dip in the sacred tank, but bathing is prohibited.

Violation of the rules that disturb or dispel the sanctity of the sacred grove and its immediate surroundings were considered to be unpardonable sins that would invite the wrath of the patron deity.

The local community does acknowledge the fact that the sacred grove has an important impact on the micro-climate of the region. The constant presence of groundwater in their wells is attributed to the fact that the grove is important in maintaining the local environment.

the sacred grove is faced by a series of threats:

1. Since the grove is not fenced and is open to entry, outsiders use grove for picnics and leave behind the usual picnic trash.