Places of Interest

Pathanamthitta is the head quarters of Pathanamthitta district . The district was formed on Ist November 1982. It was carved out of Idukki, Alappuzha and Kollam districts.The district is close to the western Ghats and is endowed with scenic landscape comprising of low undulating hills, extensive stretches of lush forests, rivers and charming countryside. It is also known for exuberant fairs and festivals. Pathanamthitta district is known as the ‘Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism’, of the State. Pathanamthitta has an important place in erstwhile Travancore state the biggest taluk in the old Travancore state was Pathanamthitta and the revenue collection from this taluk played a prominent role in filling the coffers of the state.The district headquarters is noted for communal and cultural harmony. There are numerous churches, temples and mosques built in close proximity. 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.

Gavi is an Eco-Tourism a project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation located in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Gavi, located in Pathanamthitta district offers its visitors activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents, and night safaris. Distance from Pathanamthitta To Gavi is 109 km 428 mtrs & Travel Time is 2 hour 5 mins By Road. Gavi is 14 km south west of Vandiperiyar, 28 km from Kumily, near Thekkady. Gavi is inside the Ranni reserve forest. Gavi is a part of Seethathode Panchayath in Ranni Taluk. Gavi is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and the route can be covered by car from Vandiperiyar. The entrance fee is 25 rupees per person and 50 rupees per vehicle. Cameras are 25 rupees and video cameras are charged 100 rupees. Both day and night stays are available. Forest tent camping is available from November through March.[citation needed]. It has been said that most enjoyable route to Gavi is the way from Pathanamthitta. The rough journey to Gavi may better be made on a sturdy vehicle like a jeep. Entry passes must be obtained from the Forest Check Post en route at Vallakkadavu. Advance booking with the Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd. is highly appreciable wherein such formalities will be taken care of by the company itself.

Sabarimala is situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi. It is the ‘Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa’ and one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centre in the country.The traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli (40 km.). Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara and Chalakkayam via Plappally. These routes are famous for these scenic splendour and mythological value. Sabarimala The holy shrine is located amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western Ghats. Inhabited by various wildlife species. Millions of pilgrims from all over the Country assemble here during the most arduous festivals called as ‘Vishu Vilakku’ in April, ‘Mandalapooja’, in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu (Nov. – Dec) and ‘Makaravilakku’ in mid January, coinciding with Sankramam.

This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam – the meeting point of three rivers. The pilgrims can reach Chengannur Railway station by train and from there by bus to Pampa. Nearest Railway Stations is Chengannur – 0479- 2452340. Pamba Railway Enquiry Counter – 04735- 203605.

The Kadammanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. The temple is situated about 8km away from Pathanamthitta town.

A natural fall, down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep is the Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls. It is during monsoons that one can truly appreciate the roaring waters of Perunthenaruvi falls. The name of the place translates to ‘great honey stream’ and it has turned into a famous picnic spot in Pathanamthitta district. Distance from the nearest railway station – Thiruvalla is about 44 km.

Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukolpuzha on the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year. This famous convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

Kozhencherry lies 13 km. from Pathanamthitta, on the left bank of Pamba river and is a trading centre and flourishing market for agricultural goods. Maramon situated near Kozhencherry on the right bank of Pampa river. The Maramon Convention, one of the largest Christian convention in Asia, is held at Maramon, Pathanamthitta, annually during the month of February on the vast sand-bed of the Pampa River next to the Kozhencherry Bridge. It is addressed by religious thinkers and Christian scholars from across the world.

Mar Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthiod while on a visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved at Manjinikkara church. Later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual festival (ormaperunnal) is held in February.It lies 13 km. from Pathanamthitta, on the left bank of river Pamba and is a trading centre and flourishing market for agricultural goods.

Parumala (10 km from Thiruvalla) : The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.

The headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church.The Sree Vallabha temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.

It is famous for the oldest church, believed to have been built by Saint Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD. The Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings.

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.

Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil has been modelled on the Sabarimala shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makaravilaku festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.

Kodumon is also the birth place of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author of Ascharya Chudamani.The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases. It is 15 km from pathanamthitta town.The Mahalakshmi of this temple is worshipped by all people irrespective of caste and creed.

12 km from Pathanamthitta town, the memorial to Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker(1869-1931), a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta. His home at Elavumthitta is preserved as his monument by the Department of Culture of the State Government.

It is situated 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 festival is held in February/March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts functions here.