» Introduction
» Prime Attractions of Pathanamthitta
» Tour from Pathanamthitta
How to Reach Pathanamthitta
By Air
The nearest airport is at Cochin, 152 km away.
By Rail
Rail link at Tiruvalla, 30 kms. away.
By Road
Pathanamthitta is linked by motorable roads to other towns in Kerala.
Climate
Temperature
Mean Max: 37.0 deg.C
Mean Min: 22.0 deg.C .
Altitude
500-1000 mt. above sea level.
Pathanamthitta - Centre of Pilgrimage
Situated near the Western Ghats and bordered by the hills, Pathanamthitta district is a treat to 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 is a true tropical diversity 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.
Prime Attractions of Pathanamthitta
Sabarimala
Hot to Reach
By Air
Ai Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery
By Rail
Kottayam, Chengannur & Punalur
Sabarimala is 72 km from Pathanamthitta. The Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala is the most sacred pilgrimage centre for the people of Kerala. Presiding deity of Sabarimala shrine is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. This is so because, Ayappan is said to be born of union between Lord Vishnu and Shiva when the former took the avatar of Mohini, the seductress. Shiva succumbed to the charms of Mohini and Ayappa was born out of this union. Hence Ayappa is also called 'Hari Hara Putra' where 'Hari' is Vishnu, 'Hara' is Shiva and 'Putra' means son. No wonder, Sabarimala attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country particularly, southern states of India every year.
The Pilgrimage
Devotees undergo rigorous penance and austere living before starting on the pilgrimage. Regardless of caste, creed and colour they wear black dhoties and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconuts filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
The temple dome is covered with gold and the devotees break the coconuts before climbing the steps.
Among the pilgrims, there are a few who are undertaking the pilgrimage for the first time while ther are a few who have been doing so for the past many years. The first timers are known as 'Kanni Swamis' and the leader of the group is known as 'Guru Swami' or the lead person of a team who is incharge of all the rituals.
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Devotees take a ritual bath while climbing up the hill in the holy river Pamba, which absolves one's sins. En route at Erumeli, in a supreme instance of communal harmony, they pay obeisance at the shrine of Vavar, a Muslim deity believed to be a close ally of Lord Ayyappa. |
To ease the ardour of the long trek through the forests to the temple at the peak of the Sabari Hills, devotees constantly chant the name of the holy one. No women in the fertility age group are allowed into the precincts of the shrine of the Lord who is considered to be an Eternal Bachelor.
Makar Villaku
One very important ceremony of Makara Villaku is the bringing of deity's jewellery, Thirivabharanam from the Pandalam Palace, three days prior to Makara Sankranthi. The sacred jewelry is kept in a box and is brought in a royal procession. Thousands of devotees line up on either side of the route for a glimpse of the box, which is carried by a priest, or oracle on his head. The oracle moves hysterically oblivious of the presence of thousands of people. He dances, but the box remains on his head as if it gets glued on his head. Procession halts at a few temples en route and reaches Sabaripettam in the evening of Makara Sankranthi. It then moves towards Sannidhanam amidst music, dazzling lights and lot of revelry. A strange phenomenon occurs at this time. A kite appears all of a sudden and starts hovering around the box. The incidence is well received by the devotees who get filled with joy.
Anandapalli Maramadi
Anandapalli, a tiny village near Adoor in Pathanamthitta district is famous for its annual Maramadi festival, an ox race carnival, commonly held in the villages of Kerala during the harvest season (August- September).
Vast stretches of freshly ploughed paddy fields (kandams) form the stadium for the race. Excited villagers crowd around the stadium to cheer the participants.
A pair of oxen managed by three persons form a participating unit. Nearly 30 such units participate in the race, which starts at noon and continues up to dusk.
Best Time to Visit : August-September.
Chandanakudam Festival
The Chandanakudam Festival of the Patthanamthitta Muslim Jamaat Mosque held in February, 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, Pumpa. 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 riverbed of Pampa usually in February every year.
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 the 'Darusilpas' seen around the temple belong to the 17th century.
Malayalappuzha
The Bhagavathy temple here is believed to help people realise their dreams. People bring offerings in different forms during the festival. There are also beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone works.
Manjinikkara
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.
Niranam
7 kms from Thiruvalla. It is famous for the church, 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. |
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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.
Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.
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Each boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, with the stem curved to resemble the hood of a snake and a tampering bow. Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by a crew of more than 100 men. |
Main Attraction : 100 Feet Long Boat Races.
Timings : August/September.
Aaranmula Temple
Parthasarthy temple, dedicated to Parthasarathi or Lord Krishna is said to date back to the days of the Mahabharata. The Vaishnavite Alwar Saints have sung its glory.
A famous pilgrim place for Hindus, the temple is in Chengannor on the Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam route. This temple is also associated with water sports involving snake boats.
A major attraction is the snake boat races held as part of the festival in August/September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi".
Significance : The temple dates back to the time of Mahabharata.
Tour from Pathanamthitta
Kadammanitta Patayani
Kadammanitta, a village 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta is famous for its annual Patayani festival held in the premises of the Devi temple. 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'.
Best time to Visit : April.
Krishnapuram Palace
Krishnapuram Palace located 47 kms from Alappuzha enroute to Kollam was built by Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. This double storeyed palace bears the stamp of Kerala's unique architectural opulence.
It also houses Kerala's largest Mural panels. A museum of antique bronze sculptures and paintings is another attraction. The Krishnapuram Palace, which was the residence of the rulers of Kayamkulam kingdom, is a rare specimen of the Kerala style of architecture, replete with gabled roofs, narrow corridors and dormer windows. Renovated some time in the 18th century, the palace is today a protected monument under the Archaeology department. Recently it has been again renovated according to the scientific techniques prescribed for the protection of heritage buildings.
Now, an archaeological museum, the palace has on exhibit the fascinating and huge 'Gajendra Moksham', the largest single band of Mural Painting so far discovered in Kerala. Literally, the salvation (Moksha) of the elephant king (Gajendra), the theme of the mural is mythological, which depicts the salvation of Gajendra, the king of elephants It is said that Lord Vishnu was the family deity of the Kayamkulam rajas.
As in all Keralan paintings every inch of the painting is packed with detail and the outer edges are decorated with floriate borders. A display case contains ceremonial utensils, oil lamps, fine miniature figures and small stone columns carved with serpent deities. |
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Other attractions here are the beautifully landscaped garden in the palace compound where one can see a variety of flora typical of Kerala, and a newly erected 'Buddha mandapam', where a recently recovered statue of the Buddha is housed. Other collections at the museum include rare antique bronze sculptures and paintings.
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.
Konni
Konni is an important junction in Kottayam-Punalur route. It is about 11 kms. from the district headquarters. It is an important centre for cash crops like rubber, pepper, coffee and ginger, which forms the backbone of the agricultural economy of the state.
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