Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is located near the Western Ghats and bordered by the hills, this district has vast unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Nature is seen in its abundance in this district and is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.

Pathanamthitta is an example of true tropical diversity, it is adorned with fertile agricultural land, plantations and forest, paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. The district also abounds in extensive rubber plantations.

More than 50% of the total area of this simple land of temples, rivers, mountain ranges and coconut groves covered by forests, this little district is frequented by visitors from India and abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrines and cultural training centre.

Access
Air : The nearest airport is at Cochin, 152 km away.
Rail : Rail link at Tiruvalla, 30 km. away.
Road : Pathanamthitta is linked by motorable roads.

Places of interest
Sabarimala : Sabarimala is located on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). It is one of the most visited and important pilgrim centres in South India. The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. The main pilgrim is undertaken between November to mid January.

Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). Devotees undergo rigorous penance and austere living before starting on the pilgrimage. Devotees wear black 'dhotis' and are bare-chested as they prepare for the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Devotees take a ritual bath, while climbing up the hill in the holy river Pamba, which is believed to absolve one's sins. People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.

Aranmula : On the banks of the holy river Pamba, is situated the Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) which attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as well as Kalaripayattu. A lot of foreign tourists are seen here as they stay here for long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi Temple here has fine murals from the 18th century. The unique and famous craft of metal mirrors, is also found in Aranumala.

Kadamanitta : Kadammanitta, is famous for its annual Patayani festival that takes place in the premises of the Devi temple. The village 8 km away from Pathanamthitta. Patayani, a ritual art form is an offering to the mother Goddess.

This festival is conducted every year from the first day of the Malayalam month Medam (April) to the tenth day. The tenth day is considered to be the most auspicious day, which is celebrated as 'Pathamudayam'.

Kaviyoor : Kaviyoor is a city of temples and is famous for its rock cut temples. It is located on the banks of the Manimala river. The stone figures here are considered to be the earliest specimen of stone culture. The famous Hanuman temple is built in gable style architecture peculiar of Kerala. The rock cut Siva temple gives a remembrance of the Pallava style of architecture. The rock cut Siva Temple, half a kilometre away, is of great archeological significance. Dating back to the 8th century AD, this temple bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture.

Maramon : Situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the place of a religious convention of Christians from all over the world. It is attended by people from all communities. The convention which is usually held in February is addressed by religious thinkers and Christian scholars from across the world. This is perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia.

Mannadi : This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy Temple here has some exquisite stone sculptures. The annual festival is held in February/March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts functions here.

Niranam : 7 km from Thiruvalla. It is famous for the church, that is believed to be among one of the seven and a half churches originally established by St. Thomas in Kerala. This church displays a marked influence of ancient temple architecture. Niranam is also famous as the birth place of a band of 14th century poets known as the Niranam Kavikal or Kannassa Panikkaranmar. They were renowned for their many translations from Sanskrit to Malayalam, the most illustrious being 'Kannassaramayanam', a translation of the epic Ramayana.

Omallur : The Rakhtakanta Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair held in the Malayalam month of 'meenam' are the main attractions of Omallur. People from both within and outside participate in the fair