Pathanamthitta
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. 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.
Pathanamthitta district is recognised as the `headquarters of pilgrimage tourism', in the State of Kerala and is also famous for its Rural lifestyle which is now promoted by the tourism dept of Kerala.
Aranmula,the picturesque village in Pathanamthitta district has been declared as an international tourism destination by the Union Government. It has also been included in the Cultural Tourism programme.
Pathanamthitta is nourished by three west flowing rivers -Pamba, Manimala and Achankovil. It abounds with natural splendours - undulating hills, dark mysterious forests, exotic wildlife and enchanting valleys.
 
Charalkunnu
Location : 17 km northwest of Pathanamthitta town, 5 km away from Kozhencherry 
Charalkunnu is a popular hill station in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. Charalkunnu offers a panoramic view of the low lying areas including the Pamba River. The place provides both dormitories and rooms in a comfortable camp house. |
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Kaviyoor
Location : 5 Kms East of Thuruvalla (Railway Station)
The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple, also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, Located on the banks of the river Manimala,
is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological 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 Shiva, represented in the ' Shivalinga' 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 Temple which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala.
Location : 5 Kms East of Thuruvalla (Railway Station)
The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple, also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, Located on the banks of the river Manimala,
is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological 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 Shiva, represented in the ' Shivalinga' 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 Temple which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala.
Perunthenaruvi Falls
Location : 36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira, 10 km from Erumely
Perunthenaruvi 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. The awesome view of water flowing down a rocky path into the ravine is a real feast to the eyes.
Location : 36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira, 10 km from Erumely
Perunthenaruvi 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. The awesome view of water flowing down a rocky path into the ravine is a real feast to the eyes.
Kumbhavuruthy Falls
Location : 11 km from Pathanamthitta
Kumbhavuruthy is a refreshing waterfall located deep inside the reserved forests of Konni. The waterfall is accessible by two days of trekking.
Location : 11 km from Pathanamthitta
Kumbhavuruthy is a refreshing waterfall located deep inside the reserved forests of Konni. The waterfall is accessible by two days of trekking.
Konni
Location : 11 km from Pathanamthitta
Konni is a small hilly town in the heart of Pathanamthitta.The lush green land has been prominent since time immemorial as a
haven of wild elephants and as an elephant training centre.
The acres of thick forest with wild animals has now made Konni emerge as another adventurous tourist spot for safaris and trekking. The ride on the animals make the forest safari very exciting. The trek to the hill top and the view from the hill-top offers an amazing sight.
Acres of thick forest with wild animals like bears and leopards have now made Konni emerge as another ecotourism spot.
The animals make the forest safari very exciting.
Another attraction is the Kattathipara in Kokkathodu, which is a few kilometres away from Konni. Kattathipara is particularly attractive with its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon.
Anakkoodu, where wild elephants are tamed, is another must-see. The Elephant Training Centre or aanakoodu, facilitates elephant viewing, elephant feeding, elephant ride etc. An Elephant Museum, planned to be developed as a complete natural history museum based on elephants, has been set up here.
The Elephant Camp at Konni serves as a hub for forest-based ecotourism activities and various other locations in the forest too have been developed as camp sites, which can be accessed through trekking. Visitors going on treks will be assisted by trained guides.
Location : 11 km from Pathanamthitta
Konni is a small hilly town in the heart of Pathanamthitta.The lush green land has been prominent since time immemorial as a
haven of wild elephants and as an elephant training centre. The acres of thick forest with wild animals has now made Konni emerge as another adventurous tourist spot for safaris and trekking. The ride on the animals make the forest safari very exciting. The trek to the hill top and the view from the hill-top offers an amazing sight.
Acres of thick forest with wild animals like bears and leopards have now made Konni emerge as another ecotourism spot.
The animals make the forest safari very exciting. Another attraction is the Kattathipara in Kokkathodu, which is a few kilometres away from Konni. Kattathipara is particularly attractive with its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon.
Anakkoodu, where wild elephants are tamed, is another must-see. The Elephant Training Centre or aanakoodu, facilitates elephant viewing, elephant feeding, elephant ride etc. An Elephant Museum, planned to be developed as a complete natural history museum based on elephants, has been set up here.
The Elephant Camp at Konni serves as a hub for forest-based ecotourism activities and various other locations in the forest too have been developed as camp sites, which can be accessed through trekking. Visitors going on treks will be assisted by trained guides.
Aranmula
Location : 16 km from Pathanamthitta town.
Aranmula is located on the banks of the river Pamba. The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees.
The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival.
The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training 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 1 8th century. Aranmula is also known for the Vaasthu Vidya Gurukulam, the traditional way of constructing buildings.
Aranmula hosts the important annual event called the Maramon Convention.
The famous 'Aranmula Kannady' is made in this village by the traditional craftsmen. It is not made of glass but with bell metal. This is a unique art which is not found any where else in the world. Its techniques is handed down from generation to generation. The Aranmula Kannady is a unique object, mysterious in its creation unequalled in its beauty.
The metal mirror, a marvel in the annals of metallurgy was in vogue long before the appearance of today's Silicon synthetic glass mirror.It was in use far off Egypt and Bagdad. Its creation is a closely guarded secret, known to a few families .
Location : 16 km from Pathanamthitta town.
Aranmula is located on the banks of the river Pamba. The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees.
The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training 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 1 8th century. Aranmula is also known for the Vaasthu Vidya Gurukulam, the traditional way of constructing buildings.
Aranmula hosts the important annual event called the Maramon Convention.
The famous 'Aranmula Kannady' is made in this village by the traditional craftsmen. It is not made of glass but with bell metal. This is a unique art which is not found any where else in the world. Its techniques is handed down from generation to generation. The Aranmula Kannady is a unique object, mysterious in its creation unequalled in its beauty.
The metal mirror, a marvel in the annals of metallurgy was in vogue long before the appearance of today's Silicon synthetic glass mirror.It was in use far off Egypt and Bagdad. Its creation is a closely guarded secret, known to a few families .
Kakki
Location : 20 km from Pathanamthitta.
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. The top of kakki dam is 985 meters above sea level.
Location : 20 km from Pathanamthitta.
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. The top of kakki dam is 985 meters above sea level.
Niranam
Location : 10 km from Thiruvalla (Railway Station).
Niranam Church has a rich history of being the symbol of Christian faith in Kerala and a citadel of Orthodox Christianity since
its inception in AD 54 by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
St Thomas reached Kerala in AD 52 and started preaching the gospel. He founded 8 churches, which are called 'Ezhara Pallikal', meaning seven and half churches. Niranam Church is one of them.
Among the attractions at the church are a huge Cross made of granite, relics of St. Thomas, remnants of the old church, the golden cross etc
More Info Niranam Church
Location : 10 km from Thiruvalla (Railway Station).
Niranam Church has a rich history of being the symbol of Christian faith in Kerala and a citadel of Orthodox Christianity since
its inception in AD 54 by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. St Thomas reached Kerala in AD 52 and started preaching the gospel. He founded 8 churches, which are called 'Ezhara Pallikal', meaning seven and half churches. Niranam Church is one of them.
Among the attractions at the church are a huge Cross made of granite, relics of St. Thomas, remnants of the old church, the golden cross etc
More Info Niranam Church
Paliakara Church
Location : 1 km from Thiruvalla (Railway Station).
The Paliakara Church is one of the most famous religious place in Pathanamthitta. The beautiful church has some great architectural works on the building and walls. The typical christian style church has a lot of ancient Indian effect on it.
The church contains ancient mural paintings. Christmas Day and Easter are the major festivals celebrated with great zeal here. Due to the high concentration of christians here, Christmas carols and Fireworks are much awaited for, in the season.
The church is famous for its wide collection of beautiful mural paintings.
Parumala Church
Location : 10 km from Thiruvalla (Railway Station).
The church that contains the mortals of St.Gregorios of Parumala who was the first declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church
(Indian Orthodox Church). A famous centre of worship for all the religious communities in kerala and the largest pilgrimage centre for christians in
kerala.
The atmosphere provided by the altar in this church is rejunuvating to your mind and soul. You will feel your self melt in a holy trance once you are in the altar.
An architectural wonder, this church is must see.
Mannar famous for the construction huge brass bells and brass sculptures is just 1 Km from parumala
Sabarimala
Location : 65 Kms from Pathanamthitta, 128 Km from Kollam, 109 Km from Kottayam
Lord Ayyappan's temple is situated here in the midst of 18 hills. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1260 m/4135 ft. above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests.
Temples existed in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional and intact temples exist at many places in the surrounding areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, and Karimala, remnants of old temples are visible in the remaining hills.
Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi.Sabarimala is one of the most visited piligrim centres in the world with an estimated 4.5 - 5 crores devotees coming every year. The world's second largest annual pilgrimage, after Haj in Mecca, is reported to be to Sabarimala.
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a singular example of one where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one mind and one `mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the presiding deity at the Holy Sannidhanam.
Vehicles can go up to Pampa. Thereafter, pilgrims have to follow a path approximately four kilometres up a steep hill. The path, now fully cemented, with shops and medical aid by the sides, used to be a mere trail through dense forest.
The shrine is open only for the first five days of each month and for the pilgrimage season, between mid-November and mid-January
More Info
Sabarimala
Location : 65 Kms from Pathanamthitta, 128 Km from Kollam, 109 Km from Kottayam
Lord Ayyappan's temple is situated here in the midst of 18 hills. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1260 m/4135 ft. above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests.
Temples existed in each of the hills surrounding Sabarimala. While functional and intact temples exist at many places in the surrounding areas like Nilackal, Kalaketi, and Karimala, remnants of old temples are visible in the remaining hills.
Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi.Sabarimala is one of the most visited piligrim centres in the world with an estimated 4.5 - 5 crores devotees coming every year. The world's second largest annual pilgrimage, after Haj in Mecca, is reported to be to Sabarimala.
The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a singular example of one where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one mind and one `mantra' dreaming constantly of the darshan of the presiding deity at the Holy Sannidhanam.
Vehicles can go up to Pampa. Thereafter, pilgrims have to follow a path approximately four kilometres up a steep hill. The path, now fully cemented, with shops and medical aid by the sides, used to be a mere trail through dense forest.
The shrine is open only for the first five days of each month and for the pilgrimage season, between mid-November and mid-January
More Info
Sabarimala
Kattathipara
Location : 11 km away from Pathanamthitta
Kattathipara, is located in a small rural inlet namely Kokkathodu.
What make its place attractive is its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon. The huge array of rocks narrates the story
of a hunter and his mistress, and attracts hordes of tourists.
You need to croos a river to get there, during rain season this becomes impossible. Only Jeep service is available to reach here.
The place also offers trekking facilities for the adventure lovers. The plane area above the kattathi para contains rare trees and grass medows that makes this place beautiful.
Location : 11 km away from Pathanamthitta
Kattathipara, is located in a small rural inlet namely Kokkathodu.
What make its place attractive is its gigantic rocks and the triple-echo phenomenon. The huge array of rocks narrates the story
of a hunter and his mistress, and attracts hordes of tourists.
You need to croos a river to get there, during rain season this becomes impossible. Only Jeep service is available to reach here.
The place also offers trekking facilities for the adventure lovers. The plane area above the kattathi para contains rare trees and grass medows that makes this place beautiful.
Neervilakom
Location : 5 km away from Chengannoor (Railway Station), 7 Km from Aranmula
Neervilakom is one of the beautiful villages situated between Aranmula and Chengannur. This place is blessed with natural
beauty where God has shown his artistic ability.
Like the tranquil, serene, beautiful nature, are the hearts of the inhabitants here. The holy river Pampa flows as near as 1.5 Kilometers from here.
A stream that originates from the Pampa river meanders in such a way that it creates the boundary for this beautiful village. Though this stream originates from the village Kotta, yet it pushes the major share of its resources through Neervilakam. It withstands all the challenges from scorching Sun even during the summer to uphold its virtue of being the reason for Neervilakam's beauty and greenery.
Neervilakom still persists its heritage. 80 percent of the roads in Neervilakom are mud roads. The instinct to be contemporary, annihilate the beauty of many villages by changing the face of the village by upgrading to asphalted roads instead of the mud roads.
Location : 5 km away from Chengannoor (Railway Station), 7 Km from Aranmula
Neervilakom is one of the beautiful villages situated between Aranmula and Chengannur. This place is blessed with natural
beauty where God has shown his artistic ability.
Like the tranquil, serene, beautiful nature, are the hearts of the inhabitants here. The holy river Pampa flows as near as 1.5 Kilometers from here.
A stream that originates from the Pampa river meanders in such a way that it creates the boundary for this beautiful village. Though this stream originates from the village Kotta, yet it pushes the major share of its resources through Neervilakam. It withstands all the challenges from scorching Sun even during the summer to uphold its virtue of being the reason for Neervilakam's beauty and greenery.
Neervilakom still persists its heritage. 80 percent of the roads in Neervilakom are mud roads. The instinct to be contemporary, annihilate the beauty of many villages by changing the face of the village by upgrading to asphalted roads instead of the mud roads.
