They primarily inhabit the southern Kerala State, especially Silent Valley National Park, and are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes of the region.

Until the 1960s, they were leading a secluded life with very limited contact with mainstream urban society.

They live in rock shelters called ‘Kallulai’ or in open campsites made of leaves.

The Cholanaikans are very particular in observing the rules framed by their ancestors for the purpose of maintaining the territories under the Chemmam.

They subsist on food-gathering, hunting and minor forest produce collection.

[citation needed] They use dress and ornaments, household articles, tools and weapons in their daily life.

The collection and selling of minor forest produce is the major source of income.