Pathanamthitta
A hilly territory of pristine beauty, Pathanamthitta is popular as the headquarters of pilgrim worship in Kerala. Three rivers course through its rich terrains comprising natural divisions of the lowlands, the midlands and the highlands. Dotted with temples, rivers, mountain ranges and coconut groves, more than fifty percent of the total area of this region is covered by forests. Hailed as a heritage village, it attracts visitors from India and abroad for its spectacular water fiestas, religious shrines and cultural training centres. Pathanamthitta is also home to the unique Aranmula Kannadi-metal mirrors that are painstakingly handcrafted and the Vaasthu Vidya Gurukulam, a heritage village which practices the ancient Indian school of architecture, vaasthu vidya, in its purest form.
How to Reach
Telephone access code Pathanamthitta +91- 468, Adoor : +91 – 4734, Ranni - +91 – 4735, Thiruvalla +91 – 469
Air : Nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram (119km)
Rail : Nearest Railway stations : Chengannur (28km), Thiruvalla (30km)
Road : Pathanamthitta is well connected by an excellent network of roads to all major town in kerala
Tourist information offices :
Tourist information office Ph : 0468 2326409
DTPC Office Ph : 0468 2229952, Email : ptadtpc@yahoo.co.in
www. dtpcpathanamthitta.com
Devaswam Information centre, Pamba Ph: 04735 20339
Devaswam Guest House, Sabarimala Ph : 04735 202056
Devaswam Information Centre, Sabarimala Ph: 04735 202048
Place to Visit
Gavi: (105 km from Pathanamthitta and 28 km from Vandiperiyar): Blanketed by tea plantations, Gavi, near Kumily in Idukki district, is a picturesque destination. A haven for bird watchers with more than 260 species of birds, Gavi has been developed into an exclusive ecotourism centre. Active involvement of tribals in its developmental activities makes Gavi one of its kinds in the country. The two-hour jeep ride to this quiet haven passes through tropical forests, sprawling grasslands and cardamom plantations. The Bamboo Grove in the middle of Anavachal in Gavi has eco-lodges and a centre for experiential learning. Trekking, bird watching and boating options are also made available. Kerala Forest Development Corporation provides tented accommodation and boating facilities Ph: 0481-2581204
Kakki Reservoir: (62km from Pathanamthitta) Tigers, elephants and monkeys can be sighted in the forest surrounding the reservoir. The magnificent artificial lake provides an enchanting boating experience.
Aranmula: (13km from Pathanamthitta) The unique heritage village of Aranmula gets its name from the centuries old Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Chengannur, 10 km away, is the nearest railway station.
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple: Dedicated to Sree Krishna, this temple on the banks of the holy River Pamba, attracts large crowds of devotees. It is said that the idol was brought here in a raft made with aru (six) pieces of mula (bamboo) which gave the town its name Aranmula. Various cultural organisations at Aranmula imparts training in traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music and Kalaripayattu. Tourists stay here for long periods to get first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The temple has fine murals of the 18th century. Ph. 0468-2212170
Aranmula Boat Race: This famed water fiesta is held on the last day of the week-long Onam festival (Aug/Sept) to commemorate the consecration of the idol at the Parthasarathy Temple which occurred 700 years ago. One of the most popular boat races in Kerala, special boats called palliyodams assemble near the temple presenting an enchanting spectacle. Each boat is 100ft long and accommodates 4 helmsme, 100 oarsmen and 25 singers. These snake boats move in pairs to the- rhythm of full throated singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd. Palliyoda Seva Sangom: Ph: 0468- 2313010
Vastu Vidya Gurukulam: (Near Parthasarathy Temple, Open 0900-1600 hrs) A centre started to conserve and preserve the ancient art of traditional building and construction methods, the Gurukulam began functioning in 1993. The Indian science of eco-friendly construction and interior design is taught here and at the institute’s art gallery situated across the road, one can watch artists at work, demonstrating age-old techniques used to create murals on the walls of the temples. Ph: 0468-2319740
Aranmula Kannadi: Aranmula is synonymous with its very own metal mirrors, a unique craft which is not found elsewhere in the world. An alloy of copper and white lead is mixed in a particular ratio to make this non-refractive mirror, which is a closely guarded family secret.
Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls: (36km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira) This is a natural fall, down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot. It is accessible by road.
Konni: (11km from Pathanamthitta) A small hilly town, Konni is an important agricultural region rich in cash crops like rubber, pepper, coffee, ginger etc. Konni is famous for its Anakoodu or elephant training centre, which has huge structures of wood built to house elephants. These can accommodate 3to4 elephants at a time. Trainers here train baby elephants who get separated from their herd, or are found wounded or roaming in the forest. Experienced trainers, using systematic training methods, tame these elephants. Visitors can feed, ride and interact with the elephants. Built in 1941, this elephant sanctuary is one of the oldest in India. Eco Tourism Office, Konni Ph: 0468-2247645, Divisional Forest Office, Konni Ph: 0468-2242233, Anakoodu Ph: 0468-2342005
Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls: These beautiful waterfalls are located 11 km from Kozhencherry town and is near the Charalkunnu Thaliyoor.
Charalkunnu: This picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging. Ph: 0469-2672249.
Kozhencherry: Situated on the banks of the river Pamba, Kozhencherry is a famous trade centre connecting Maramon Charalkunnu and Cherukolpuzha by a bridge. The oldest St. Thomas Marthoma Church is situated in the heart of this town. Kozhencherry is also known as the place where freedom fighter Shri. C. Keshavan delivered his famous speech.
Mannadi: (13 km from Adoor) 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 temple festival is held in February/March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts functions here. A historical museum, a statue of Veluthampi Dalawa and an open-air theatre can also be found here.
Maniyar: (20 km from Pathanamthitta) This is a beautiful dam site.
Mallappally: Meenmuttypara Waterfalls in the Mallappally Panchayat is the main tourist attraction here. The St. Mary’s Orthodox Church and Kalloopara Devi Temple in a single compound reflects the communal harmony prevalent in the region. Also located here are the Ezhumattor Panamattathu Kavu Devi Temple and the Kottangal Devi Temple.
Muloor Smarakam: (57 km from Pathanamthitta) This memorial to Muloor, a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavanumthitta. Ph: 2258126
Moozhiyar: (57 km from Pathanamthitta) This is an enchanting dam site.
Nilackal: (5 km from Plappally) The old Siva Temple on the Pathanamthitta-Pamba Road is an important place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and the Ecumenical Centre of the Christians are located here. Ph: 04735-279500
Seethathode: The Kerala State Electricity Board has a power generating station here.
Thiruvalla: The largest town in Pathanamthitta District, Thiruvalla, known as the land of the NRIs, has a number of interesting sights in a 20 km radius. It is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings.
Thelliyoor Vrischika Vanibham: This annual fair at Thelliyoor is held during the 3rd week of November (1st week of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam). People from Central Kerala participate in this fair and as a religious offering to their deity, bring agricultural produce and traditional handicrafts. Ph: 0469-2662190
Places of Worship
The Rock Cut Cave Temple: The Rock Cut Siva Temple, dating back to the 8th century, is of great archaeological significance. The temple bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and the stone engravings are among the earliest specimens of stone sculpture in Kerala. Ph: 0469-269605.
Chandanapally: The annual festival on May 8th at St. George Orthodox Church is the main attraction here. Ph: 2250246
Cherukolpuzha: An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the river bed of the Pamba, usually in February every year.
Ezhamkulam Temple: This ancient Devi temple is famous for the Garudan Thookkam and the Kettukazhcha that take place as a part of the annual Kumbha Bharani Festival. Ph: 04734-240775.
Kadamanitta: (8km from Pathanamthitta) The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten-day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. Ph: 04735-245824 / 243474
Kadampanad St. Thomas Orthodox Church: According to the deep-rooted traditional belief of Syrian Christians, St. Thomas came to Malankara in 52 AD to proclaim the word of God and His Kingdom to the people of this land. Ph: 04734-282155, 281010 www.kadampanadstthomascathedral.com
Kalloopara Church: (6km from Thiruvalla town) The St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, also known as Kalloopara Church, is situated in Kalloopara village. The church has a legacy of over seven centuries and is a perfect example of the beautiful shingled rooftops of the early Travancore style. A worshipping place for thousands, this church has also been a topic of research for many. Ph: 0469-2677211
Kaviyoor: (5km east of Thiruvalla) Situated on the banks of the Manimala River, Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Hanuman Temple stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture singular to Kerala. Ph: 0469-2619665
Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam: (15 km from Pathanamthitta) The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this Durga Bhagavathi Temple is believed to cure skin diseases. Kodumon is also the birth place of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author of the famous Sanskrit play, Ascharya Chudamani. Ph: 04734-287002.
Malayalapuzha: (8km from Pathanamthitta) The goddess at the Bhagavathy Temple here is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realise their dreams. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings. Ph: 0468-2300260
Manjanikkara Dayara: (6km from Pathanamthitta and near Omallur) The mortal remains of Mar Ignatius Elias III, the Holy Patriarch of Anthioch, are kept in this church. Today this place is a famous pilgrimage centre. The important festival of the church is held in February every year. Ph: 0468-2352292 www.manjinikkaradayara.org
Maramon: Situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the venue of a mammoth 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. Ph: 0468-2630499.
Niranam: (12km from Pathanamthitta) The church here is believed to have been originally built by the apostle St. Thomas in AD 52, making it one of the oldest shrines in India. The present building, supposedly the fourth, was constructed in 1912 and popularly known as the Karnassa Kavikal. Thomas Art Gallery is also located here. Ph: 0469-2611006 Ph: 0468-2314026 www.niranamchurch.com
Omallur: (5km from Pathanamthitta) The Rakthakanta 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 the State participate in the fair.
Pathanamthitta Mosque: Also known as Pathanamthitta Juma Masjid, this beautiful mosque is situated in the heart of the town.
Pandalam: (10 km south of Thiruvalla on M.C. Road. Nearest railway station: Chengannur-14 km. Open 0530-1200 hrs, 1730-1900 hrs) As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding diety of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. The Valiya Koikkal Temple near the palace on the banks of the River Achankovil has been modeled on the Sabarimala shrine. Murals, restored and protected by glass, cover the outer walls of the Sreekovil. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makaravilakku festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken on a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala. Ph: 04734-209725
Parumala: (10 km from Thiruvalla and 5 km ahead of Niranam) The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. Lakhs of pilgrims flock here to ask favours of the saint at this 2,000-year-old church believed to be one of the oldest in India. Ph: 0479-2312202 www.parumalachurch.com
Ranni Valiyapalli: Situated on the shores of the river Pamba, the St. Thomas Valiyapalli, commonly known as Ranni Valiyappalli, is the oldest and the first worshipping centre for Christians living in and around the eastern part of Pathanamthitta. Valiya Perunnal is observed on the 25th and 26th of December every year. Ph: 04735-226311 www.stthomasnj.org
Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla: (3 km from Thiruvalla Railway Station. Open 0430-1130 hrs, 1700-2000 hrs. Kathakali Puja 2200-0100 hrs) This 400 year old temple on the banks of the River Manimala has a beautiful 8 ft idol of Sree Vallabha within the sanctum sanctorum. The legendary architect Perunthachan, constructed the unique Garuda Sthambha, a 54ft flag mast made of a single block of granite. During the 10 day annual festival held in February-March, a whopping 12,000 bunches of padatti pazham (a variety of bananas) are made as offerings on the first day. It is also perhaps the only temple in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering every night. Ph: 0469-2700191
Sabarimala: (65 km from Pathanamthitta, 180 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi) One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is 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), which is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam the meeting point of three rivers. The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. www.sabarimala.org.
Pilgrim Season: November to mid- January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed for the rest of the year except on the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Nearest railway stations:
- Chengannur (93 km), Thiruvalla (99km). 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. Distance from Pamba (km).
- Pathanamthitta- 65, Pandalam- 80, Adoor -81, Chengannur-93, Thiruvalla-102, Punalur-101 Ochira -116, Alappuzha (via MC Rd.) 137, Kottayam (Via Pathanamthitta -Kozhencherry -Thiruvalla)-130, Thiruvananthapuram (via Pathanamthitta –Adoor) -180- Kottayam (via Manimala)-116, Kodungalloor-275, Guruvayoor -288, Palakkad- 330, Kozhikode -388, Kannur-486.
- St. John’s Cathedral, Thiruvalla: This new cathedral that looks like a temple and can accommodate 2,000 people has no pews.
Thekkekudi Cave Temple: (9 km from Thiruvalla. Open 05.00-11.00 hrs, 05.00-07.00 hrs) This 5ft high Siva Temple dating back to the 8th Century AD is of great archaeological significance. Built in the Pallava style of architecture, the carvings in the temple are believed to the earliest specimens of stone sculptures in Kerala. Ph: 0469-2619665
Thumpamon St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral: Commonly known as Thumpamon Valiyapally, this cathedral is the headquarters of the Thumpamon Dioceses of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It was first built in 717 AD and is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. Ph: 04734-266239
