Welcome to Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is a combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta which means an array of houses on the river side. This district was formed on 1st November 1982 with a view to hastenng the process of development. The total area of the district is 2642 sq.kms; of this 1300.73 sq.kms come under forest. Situated near the western ghats and bordered by the hills, Pathanamthitta district is a treat to the eyes with its vast unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed by nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals. The district is frequented by visitors from India and abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrines and the cultural training centre. Pathanamthiita, a true tropical diversity adorned with fertile agricultural land where plantations, Paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. The district known for it's extensive forest cover also abounds in rubber plantations. It is presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly under the reign of the Pandalam king which had connections with the Pandya kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile Kollam, Alappuzha and Idukki districts.

About Pathanamthitta Tourism
Located in Kerala, near the Western Ghats and surrounded by hills, Pathanamthitta district has stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. It is also famous for its many fairs and festivals. It is a rich biodiverse region and has many plantations and spice farms. Pathanamthitta is nourished by three west flowing rivers - Pamba, Manimala and Achankovil and is quite popular as a wild life and bird sanctuary. One of the most important pilgrimage centres for Hindus lies here at Sabarimala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappan.
Sightseeing Highlights:
Besides the scenic tours of the ghats and forests, one can go to visit Aranmula, a traditional, picturesque village that has been declared as an international tourism destination. It offers a peek into the life of rural Kerala and is famous for its many specialized handicrafts. Another popular

Forest and pilgrimage centres
Carved out of Quilon district, more than half of the area of Pathanamthitta district is forest land. The river Pamba flows through the district, which is bounded on the east by the Western Ghats. A large part of the district, then the eastern part of Quilon district, had been set apart for those who were evicted from the Idukki Hydroelectric Project area as well as for educated unemployed, ex-servicemen, Harijans and hill tribes. It was to provide these people with better amenities that the area was sought to be developed economically and socially. Thus was born, in November 1982, Pathanamthitta district. Perhaps the best-known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri mountains. The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over, especially from other parts of South India. The main pilgrimage season is November - January. The shrine is located 914 m. above sea level amidst dense forests. Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the last five kms, to the shrine can be reached only by trekking. But remember, tourists and foreigners, as well as women betweeen the ages of 14 and 40, are not allowed entry. Aranmula, a small town on the banks of the river Pamba, 10 km from Chengannur on the Trivandrum-Kottayam route, is famed fro its expensive hand-made mirrors of polished metal called the ‘Aranmula Kannadi’ or Aranmula Mirror. During Onam (August/ September), the Aranmula Boat Race takes place amidst celebrations and festivities. In February, devotees of the Marthoma Christian faith as well as other believers converge on Maramon near Kozhencherry, 13 km from Pathanamthitta, for the annual Maramon Convention . Held on the river bed of the Pamba, this is said to be Asia’s largest gathering of Christians. At Niranam is the oldest Christian church, believed to have been built by the Apostle St. Thomas in 52 A. D.

Those interested in culture and the arts would not want to miss the Vijana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre. Founded by Louba Schild, a French scholar under the Indo-French Cultural Exchange Programme, this centre was started with UNESCO support. The centre offers residential training courses in Kerala’s traditional arts and crafts like kathakali, mohiniattam, bharata natyam, kalaripayattu, music, wood caving etc. For more details, contact the Director, Vijana Kala Vedi Centre, Tarayil Mukku Junction, Aranmula 689 533, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.

At Kaviyoor, 5 km east of Tiruvalla, on the banks of the Manimala river, atop a hill is a Hanuman temple in the characteristic Kerala style. Not far away is another temple of archaeological significance. This rock- cut temple has been dated to the 18th century and is close to the Pallava style. Inscriptions on the central shrine are believed to belong to the Kali era.
The valiant ruler of Travancore Velu Thampi Dalawa spent his last days at Mannadi, 13 km from Adoor and 45 km from Quilon.The ancient Bhagwati temple here also houses the Kerala Institute of Folkore and Folk Arts, which has a museum of tapes and a library.
The Perunthenaruvi waterfall which flows down a rocky path into a ravine 100 feet deep, is accessible by bus from Quilon.
Places of Tourist Interest in Pathanamthitta
ARANMULA
The famous Parthasarathi temple on the banks of the holy river Pamba dedicated to Lord Krishna attracts large number of devotees. The annual commemoration of the installation of the deity falls on the last day of the Oman festival .It is as part of this celebration that the aranmula boat race is held on this day. The river Pampa at Aranmulla.is the venue of this famous snake boat race .The snake boats of an extraordinary shape with a length of about 100 ft., the year portion towering to a height of about 20 ft., and the front portion tapering gradually.The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised. The raise is held on the last day of the week long Oman Festival to commemorate Lord Krishna's crossing of the river. The participants cheerfully row up and down the river to the tune of songs known as vanchipattu. The Vinjana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts and crafts of Kerala.Kathakali, classical dance, classical music as well as kalaripayattu (the martial arts of Kara)are taught here. The centre is frequently visited by a number of foreign tourists who can stay here for varying periods and have a first hand knowledge about Kerala. culture. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors made of bell metal.This is a unique art which is not found any where else in the world . 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 misery of its production is a family heirloom handed down through generations.

Nearest Railway Station - Chengannur
Chengannur to Aranmual - 10kms.
Patthanamthitta (Headquarters )to Aranmula - 16kms.
CHANDANAKULAM FESTIVAL
The chandanakudam festival of the Patthanamthitta Muslim Jama-at Mosque held in February (Makaram28th) every year, attracts thousands of devotees. The Chandanakudam festival of Kattoor Mosque in Cherukole panchayath and Kalamala Mosque near Adoor are also famous
CHARALKUNNU
Charalkunnu is a picturesque hill station from where one can have a panoramic view of the low lying areas including that of the sinuous river Pump. There is a comfortable camp house which has both rooms and dormitories
CHERUKOLPUZHA
An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at cherukole on the river bed of Pampa usually in February every year.
KADAMMANITTA
Kadammanitta, a village only 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta is famous padayani,which is an important ritual art performed in the premises of the Kadamanitta .Devi Temple. This art from is an offering for the mother goddess. it is celebrated every year from the first day of Medam (Malayalam -era)to the 10th day (pathmudayam).
Nearest Bus Station - Patthanamthitta
Patthanamthitta to Kadammanitta - 8kms.
KAKKI
Kakki reservoir, set in sylvan background, is a 'tourists' delight. The splendid artificial lake offers exhilarating boating experience . The surrounding forest abounds in tigers, elephants, deers and monkey.
KALLOPPARA
St.Mary's church at Kalloopra stands in close proximity to the Bhagavathi temple which is an admirable example of communal harmony. There are two granite slabs inside the church with some inscriptions in Pali language.
KAVIYOOR
The Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple which was constructed in the early years of the 10th century is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala. References are there in the Kaviyoor Shasanas of 950 A.D. about the gifts that were offered to this temple.But it is believed that he darusilpas seen around the temple belong to the 17th century.
Thekekudi Cave Temple in Kaviyoor panchayat is one of the rare cave temples of Kara It is assumed that this temple is constructed in the Pallava architectural style and was built in the 8th century. Apart from Ganapathi, Maharshi, Dwarapalaka idols in the sreekovil which in inside the cave, there is also a Sivalinga which is about three feet in height .
KODUMON CHILANTHIYAMBALAM
Chilanthiyambalam is situated in Kodumon panchayat about 15 kms. from Pathanmathitta town. It is believed that this temple was built during the reign of the last king of the Sakthibhadra Kingdom The Mahalakshmi of this temple is worshipped by all people irrespective of caste and creed The water of the Chilaanthikinar in the premises of the temple is regarded as panacea for skin diseases.
KONNI
Konni is an important junction in Kottayam-Punalur route. It is about 11 kms. from the district headquarters .It is an important center for cash crops like rubber, pepper,coffee and ginger which forms the backborn of the agricultural economy of the state. Till recently it had importance as a place of training elephants . But elephant hatching by crude old method being forbidden by the central government, no wild elephant are brought here for training . But the big wooden cages used to put newly coughed wild elephant for training are still an attraction for people from far and near
Nearest Bus station - Patthanamthitta
Patthanamthitta to Konni - 11kms.
MALAYALAPPUZHA
The Bhagavathy temple here is believed to help people realise their dreams . People bring offering in different forms during the festival there are also beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone works
Patthanamthitta to Malayalapuzha - 8kms
MANJINIKKARA
Mar Ignatitus Elias 111, The holly Patriarch of Anthioch, while on his visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are kept in this church. Later this place was developed into a place of pilgrimage , Even today,pilgrims Indians as well as foreigners, visit this place frequently. The important festival is in February every year when devotees flock in thousands.
MANNADY
Veluthampi Dalawa, the great patriot, fought, against British imperialism and became a martyr on march 29, 1809 at mannadi. The monument of his martyrdom at mannadi in Adoor taluk is of great historical importance.
Nearest Bus Station - Adoor
Adoor to Niranam - 7kms
MARAMON
A mammoth religious convention of Christians,but attended by people belonging to all communities, is held at Maramon, near Kozencherry, every year on the vast sandy beds of the river Pamba. The conventions takes place in February in an atmosphere of devotion and lasts for a period of seven days. Addressed by speakers of international repute and attended by devotees innumerable, this is the largest Christian convention in the world. The centenary celebration of the convention was held in February 1995.
MULOOR SMARAKOM
Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1931) who was one of the veteran poets and an important social reformer of the century, was born at Elavumthitta 12 Kms. away from Pathanamthitta. His home at Elavumthitta is preserved as his monument by the Department of Culture of the State Government.
NILACKALA
It is five kms. away from Plappally on the Pamba-Pathanamthitta road. An old temple dedicated to Lord Siva is situated here. An Ecumenical centre of all denominations of Christians is also here.
NIRANAM
Situated about six kms. away from the headquarters of the Thiruvalla Revenue Division, Niranam is famous from very ancient times. Niranam derives its importance mainly from the Orthodox Syrian Church there, which is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas himself. It is only a few yards away from this place that the great Malayalam poets known as the Kannassa Panickers lived and wrote their main poetic works. A site has been identified to put up a memorial for them.
OMALLOR
Omallor is known to outsides for the famous 'Rakthakantha swamy Temple' and the annual cattle fair known as Vayalvanibham, which is held on the Malayalam month of Meenam. Peoples from very distant places and even from outside the state participate in this fair. Omallore is five kms south of the District headquarters.
Patthanamthitta to Omalloor - 5kms.
Railway Station - Thiruvalla
Patthanamthitta - Thiruvalla - 30kms.(by Road)

PANDALAM
Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala in sanctity and significient . Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala has his humon sojourn as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. It is believed that the raja constructed a temple close to his palace on the banks of the river Achenkoil,modelled on the Sabarimala shrine which is the present Valiyakoyikkal temple. Pilgrims usually offeres worship here before proceeding to Sabarimala .Three days prior to Makaravilakku , this sacret ornaments for loard Ayyappa are taken in the procession from Panthalam to Sabarimala Nearest Railway Station - Chengannoor
Chengannur to Pandalam - 14 kms.
PALIAKARA CHURCH
Situated in thiruvalla town , this famous christian church has a collection of beautiful mural paintings.
PARUMALA
It is here that Mar Gregories Metropolitan the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church take his eternal rest . The ormapperunnal celebrated on the first and second of every November, is very famous at this time a large number of people flock to this place for worship .The Travancore Devasam board has setup here a collage known as pampa college
Nearest Bus Station - Thiruvalla
Thiruvalla to Parumala -10kms.
PATHANAMTHITTA
Pathanamthitta is the head quarters of Pathanamthitta district .Even before getting this status Pathanamthitta has an important place in erstwhile Travancore state the biggest taluk in the old Travancore state was Pathanamthitta and the revenue collection from this taluk played a prominent role in filling the coffers of the state Pathanamthitta has more than five high School and a first grade collage there are a number of churches Mosques and Temples and people lived harmoniously . Muslims form, the majority in the Patthanamthitta town there is a beautiful Mosque in the heart of the town and the annual Chandanakudam festival here is important .The Pathanamthitta mosque is located at pathanamthitta town. The feast of this mosque known as 'Chandanakudam' is celebrated every year on the 2nd week of February. A colourful procession with caparisoned elephants lends colour and festivity to the occasion.
PERUNTHENARUVY
The water falls in the Pampa river at perunthenaruvi attracts thousands of people from inside and outside the District there is a beautiful natural water fall and ideal place of turist attraction it is only 10 kms from Erumely . this is a favorite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists
SABARIMALA
Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrim centers in India It is 72 kms from Patthanamthitta every year crores of devoties from all over India visit the shrine of lord Ayyappa for his blessing.The temple is situated in the interior of the mountain ranges of the western ghats and is inaccessible except on foot. The pilgrimage season starts in November and ends in mid January On the particular day of 'Makaravilakke' lakhs of devoties throng around the temple for a glimpse of 'Makaragyothi' .The temple is closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of the every Malayalam month and during 'Vishu'
Thiruvalla Railway Station to Patthanamthitta - 30kms.
Patthanamthitta to Pamba -67kms.
Pamba to Sabarimala - 5kms.
THIRUVALLA
Sree Vallabha temple here is one of the important pilgrim centers of Vaishnavites all over India A granite pillar carved out of single piece with an image of Garuda on its top stands in front of the temple The pillar, which serves as a flag staff, is 60ft high kathakali, the folk art of kerala, si performed almost on all days in this temple as offerings by devotees Thiruvalla is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Palikara Church here contains exquiste mural paintings.
Sree Vallabha Temple - 3kms. from Railway Station