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Pathanamthitta, a hilly terrain of pristine beauty is popular as the head quarters of pilgrim worship in Kerala. More than 50 per cent of the total area of this land of temples, rivers, mountain ranges and coconut groves is covered by forests.
The district is frequented by visitors from India and abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrines and the cultural training centre.
Pathanamthitta is bordered by the western ghats on the east, Kollam district on the south, Alappuzha district on the west and Kottayam and Idukki districts on the north.
Perunthenaruvi
The Perunthnaruvi waterfalls on the banks of the Pamba River is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Arnmula
The famed Arnmula boat race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival. The Vijnana Kaladevi at Arnmula impart straining in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists 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.
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Arnmula Boat Race
This famous water fiesta is held during Onam
(August-September). The snake boats assemble near the Sri Parthasarathy Temple before the grand procession.
Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen and 25 signers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full throated singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd.
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Sabarimala
72 km from Pathanamthitta. Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, situated 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). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa Pilgrim season: November to mid January.
Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
People of all castes are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.
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Omallur
Omallur is famous for the Rakthakanta Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair held in the Malayalam month of Meenam. People from both within and outside the State participate in the fair.
Malayalapuzha houses the Bahagavathy Temple and the goddess here is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realize dreams. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.
Kadamanitta holds the Kadamanitta Devi Temple, famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/ May.
Konni is an agricultural region, rich in cash crops like rubber, pepper, coffee, ginger etc. It was once the centre for training elephants and is now known for its elephant rides and the Anakoody where elephants are tamed and trained for work.
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Kaviyoor
Located on the bank of the Manimala River. Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Kaviyoor Trikkudi Cave Temple, also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archeological Department.
It bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and has prompted historians to date it to a period as early as the eighth century AD.
The engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculptures in Kerala. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of the shrine Lord Siva represented in the "Sivalinga" which is about three feet high and carved out of rock. The shrine also has idols of Ganapathy, Maharshi and dwarapalakas.
Another noted shrine in Kaviyoor is the Hanuman Temp[le which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala.
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Kozhencheri
Situated on the banks of the Pamba River, the religious Maramon Convention is held annually in February/March on the river bed at Maramon Near Kozhencheri. This convention is supposed to be the biggest religious gathering of Christmas in Asia.
Mannadi
The ancient Bhagavathi temple here contains some interesting stone sculptures. The annual festival is in February/ March. Mannadi is also the venue of the Kerala Institute Of Folkare and Folk arts.
Niranam
The oldest Christian church, believed to have been built by St. Thomas the Apostle, in 52AD, is situated here.
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