Travel and Tourism of Pathanamthitta District

About Travel and Tourism of Pathanamthitta District

Sabarimala

Sabarimala situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, is the 'Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa' and one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centers in the country. The traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli. Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara and Chalakkayam via Plappally. These routes are famous for their scenic splendour and mythological value. The holy shrine is located amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western Ghats inhabited by various wildlife species. Millions of pilgrims from all over the Country assemble here during the most arduous festivals called as 'Vishu Vilakku' in April, 'Mandalapooja', in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu and 'Makaravilakku' in mid January, coinciding with Sankramam.

Aranmula

Aranmula is a little temple town in Pathanamthitta District, surrounded by undulating green hillocks and girdled by the holy river Pampa. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors made of bell metal which is known as 'Aranmula Kannadi'. It is believed that a divine visitation inspired a window of this village to discover a mysterious blend of bronze which could be waxed bright in to crystal clear mirror. The town is also famous for the Aranmula Vallamkali (Boat Race), which is held on the annual commemoration of the week long Onam festival. The exciting event begins in the afternoon, with each snake boat being 30 feet long containing 4 helmsman, 100 rowers and 25 singers. It also has Vasthuvidya Gurukulam which is a unique institution for ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings.

Cherukolpuzha

The Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha is a religious convention of the Hindus held at Cherukole on the banks of River Pamba, usually in February every year. This famous convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

Kadamanitta

The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival.

Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam

Kodumon is also the birth place of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author of Ascharya Chudamani. The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases. The Mahalakshmi of this temple is worshipped by all people irrespective of caste and creed.

Konni

A hill town, Konni is famous for timber trade and wild elephant training centre. This is a charming town with lush meadows and hills stands on the bank of river Achakovil. It is surrounded by clove and pepper plantations. Elephants trapped from the forest area are also tamed here.

Kozhencherry

Lying on the left bank of river Pamba, Kozhencherry is a trading centre and flourishing market for agricultural goods.

Maramon

Situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the venue of a mammoth religious convention of Christians from all over the world.

Manjanikara

Mar Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot’s mortal remains are preserved at Manjinikkara church. The annual festival of Ormaperunnal is held in February.

Mannadi

Mannadi is the place where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy Temple here has some exquisite stone sculptures. It also has the Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts.

Muloor Smarakam

This is a memorial to Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker, a renowned social reformer and poet. It is located at Elavumthitta. His home at Elavumthitta is preserved as monument by the Department of Culture of the State Government.

Pamba

Located on the way to Sabarimala, it is also known as Thriveni Sangamam where the three rivers meet.

Parumala

Parumala is popular for the Ormaperunnal, the commemoration day celebrations of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan and the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church.

Pandalam

Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human birth in this place as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil has been modelled on the Sabarimala shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makaravilaku festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.

Perunthenaruvi Water falls

The spectacular waterfalls flow down into a ravine from a rocky height of 60 to 100 ft.

Thiruvalla

Thiruvalla is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Sree Vallabha temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.

Niranam

Niranam is famous for the oldest church, believed to have been built by Saint Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD. Also, the Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings.

Kaviyoor

The Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple, which was constructed in the early years of the 10^th century, is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala. It also has the references in the Kaviyoor Shasanas of 950 A.D. about the gifts that were offered to this temple. It is also believed that the 'Darusilpas' seen around the temple belong to the 17^th century.