A small district in Kerala, Pathanamthitta has in store lots of cultural heritage and natural beauty to offer to its visitors. Pathanamthitta is included in the Kerala pilgrimage tour itinerary.
If you crave for a holiday escapade far from the daily monotonous life, this site can be the right one for you. The valleys and the hills flanked by rivers are used by the localities for cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations. The other heritage attractions of Pathanamthitta are its temples, mosques and churches; the most renowned one is the Sabarimala temple that attracts a large number of pilgrims. The root words of Pathanamthitta are ‘Pathanam’ and ‘Thitta’ literally meaning houses on the riverside.
Season Timing :
Tour to Pathanamthitta will be a comfortable one if one chooses according to the best time. Heavy showers are seen during the two monsoon periods - June to August and September-October. The best time to visit is in between October and February as weather is cool and pleasant.
How to Reach :
By Air
One can reach from the Thiruvananthapuram airport located at a distance of 110 km away.
By Road
Pathanamthitta has well road networks to all major cities of Kerala.
By Rail
The nearest one is Chengannur station situated 26 km away from it; one can also reach from Thiruvalla railway station which is 30 km away.
Aranmula :
Surrounded by green hills along the bank of the Pamba River Aranmula temple displays the unique architecture especially with the Aranamula Kannadi which is a beautiful artifact. This artifact has its origins at Pathanamthitta made by the skilled artisans, the mirror of its unique made by polished metals.
Padayani :
A ritualistic dance performed at the Kadamanitta Devi temple where the performers wear masks of Pisachu, Kali, Pillatini, Kalan, etc. to display their images. The celebration holds for ten days during the months of April and May. All villagers participate at this celebration with great enthusiasm. The unique feature of this dance is that it displays the martial arts of Kerala. Music and dance are performed to add zest to the dance movements.
The fairs and festivals of Pathanamthitta are mainly related to the celebrations on the riverside. The banks of Pamba River witness celebrations of the Hindu and Christians. Tour to Pathanamthitta, Kerala with Indian Memoirz includes exploration of these fairs and festivals.
Vallamkali :
This boat race is arranged every year during the Onam celebrations. More than 100 rowers and singers take part in this boat race; the composite rower’s boat race creates a rhythmic music. People shout with joy.
Cherukolpuzha :
Thousands of Hindu pilgrims take part in this religious convention held on the bank of the river Pamba. It is held in the month of February. It is a great attraction for the Hindu scholars and devotees.
Maramon :
It is also held on the bank of the River Pamba, but it is a Christian one. Handmade strewn coconut leaves are carried out by the participants. Small shops and gatherings are seen on the banks of the river. Christian scholars and devotees from tall over the world attend this religious festival.
Trekking :
Offering various trekking paths along the side of Western Ghats Pathanamthitta is a paradise for the trekkers. Ranni is the best starting point to trek to Vandipperiyar via Rajanpara, Nilackal and Sabarimala. It is trek of around 5-6days. Those who prefer a shorter route then they can choose the trek from Thriveni to Kochupamba via Ponambalam which is a half-day trek only.
Tourist Places in Pathanamthitta
1Sabarimala :
One of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage centers of India, Sabarimala, the ‘Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa’ attract hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world. The season of Sabarimala falls between the months of November and March. The temple located amidst the forests opens for first five days of every month. The entire location is spectacular with green natural beauties. Due to religious beliefs devotees come here to worship the deity. Devotes on their way to Sabarimala celebrate a great event of music and dance called Erumeli Petta Thullal. Sabarimala visit is an important part of Kerala pilgrimage tour.
2Erumeli Mosque :
Hindu devotees while trekking to the Sabarimala region drop at this mosque seeking blessings. This mosque has been dedicated to Vavar; it is an attraction due to its location near the Sabarimala.
3Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam :
Located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pathanamthitta, the main deity of this temple is Mahalakshmi. People have a belief that the waters of the well have skin disease curing power. It is well known as the birthplace of Sree Shakthi Bhadra who is the author of Ascharya Chudamani.
4Perumthenaruvi waterfalls :
Pathanamthitta tour also includes the exploration of the cascading waterfalls of Perumthenaruvi which are a worth visiting site dotted near the Pamba river. The gurgling waters falling from height of 100 is awe-inspiring view.
5Mannadi :
Mannadi, situated near Adoor, is famous as a residence of Veluthampi Dalawa, a gallant fighter, who took shelters in his later life. The Bhagawati temple located near it is also known for its stone architecture. The Kerala institute of Folklore and Folk Arts is located at Mannadi.
6Pandalam :
The Pandalam temple, known as as a mini-Sabarimala which has the ornaments of the idol of Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims before visiting Sabarimala visit this temple.
7Konni :
Konni is sought after by tourists for its elephant training centre and the timber trade. Dotted on the bank of the river Achankovil Konni is bestowed with natural beauty.
Pilgrim Centre in Pathanamthitta
5Sabarimala (Pilgrim Centre)
Sabarimala (Pilgrim Centre) is a famous pilgrim center in Kerala located on the mountain ranges of Western Ghats. The altitude of the center is about 914 meter. One can reach on foot this pilgrim center walking from Pamba. The shrine of the temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The two main events of the temple are Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku which fall in the month of November to mid January. The temple is opened only for the five days of every Malayalam month and during 'Vishu' in April.Hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala surround Sabarimala. Men of all ages can enter this temple, but women only below 10 and above 50 ages are allowed to enter the temple.
5Aranmula
Aranmula houses the Parthasarathi Temple which is located on the banks of the holy River Pamba. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and it attracts a large number of tourists. Aranmula snake boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival which is a great attraction to the tourists. The 'Vijinana Kalavedi" at Aranmula is a training centre for traditional folk arts like 'Kathakali', classical dances, classical music as well as 'Kalaripayattu' martial art. The fine murals of the temple are worth viewing.
5Pandalam (Pilgrim Town)
Pandalam is a holy town located at a distance of 14 kms from Chengannur railway station. The Valiyakoikal Temple is located on the banks of River Achenkovil has a close resemblance to the Sabarimala Shrine. Before proceeding to Sabarimala, pilgrims worship at this temple.
5Kaviyoor (Temple Area)
Kaviyoor is located on the banks of the River Manimala and visited by the devotees for its temples. It is 5kms east of Thiruvalla. Both Kaviyoor Temple and the rock cut temple located in close proximity attract the devotees. The Hanuman temple is perched on a hillock and it displays the gable style architecture.
5Malayapuzha
Malayapuzha is visited by the Hindu devotees for its Bhagavathy temple. It is 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta.The main attraction of the temple are its wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.
The other religious centers of importance are Cherukolpuzha (Convention Place)at Cherukole Kadamanitta (Famous Temple), Kozhencherry (Maramon Convention), Nilackal (Place of Worship, Niranam (Oldest Church), Thiruvalla (Religious Place), Manjanikara Church, etc.
More great destinations can be found in the Explore India page.
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