Pathanamthitta Information
Situated near the Western Ghats and hedged in by the hills,
Pathanamthitta is a treat to the eye with its vast, unending
stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed and
enriched by nature the district is famous for its scenic beauty,
fairs and festivals. Pathanamthitta, a hilly terrain of pristine
beauty is popular as the headquarters of pilgrim worship in Kerala.
More than fifty 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.
Getting There :
By Air
Nearest airport at Cochin, 152 km away.
By Rail
Rail link at Tiruvalla, 30 kms. away.
By Road
M C road, an important state highway passes via Pathanamthitta
district.
Tourist Attractions :
Kozhencherry
Situated 13 km from Pathanamthitta Town on the banks of the Pamba
river, the place is known for the Maramon convention held in
February - March, which is the biggest religious gathering of
Christians in Asia. Niranam, the oldest Christian church said to be
built by Apostle St. Thomas in 52 AD is situated here.
Sabarimala Sree Dharmasastha Temple
A well-known pilgrim center of Kerala, Sabarimala lies 191 kms away
from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 kms away from Cochin. The holy
shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 914 meters above sea
level amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of the Western
Ghats. Lord Ayyappa is looked upon as the guardian of mountains and
there are several shrines dedicated to Him all along the Western
Ghats.
Aranmula
Aranmula is situated on the banks of the river Pampa, 10 kms away
from Chengannoor on Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam route .The Krishna
temple here attracts a number of devotees and is an important
pilgrim center. The annual commemoration of the installation of the
diety-Parthasarathy falls on the last day of the weeklong
celebrations to the Onam festival. A snake boat race is held here as
part of the festival during August/ Spetember.
Niraname
The oldest Christian church believed to be built by the Apostle
St.Thomas in A.D.52, is situated at Niranam.
Thiruvalla Sreevallabha Temple
This temple is one of the most important pilgrim for Vaishnavites
all over India. A granite pillar carved out of a single piece with
an image of Garuda on its top stands in front of the temple. The
pillar, which serves as a flagstaff, is 60 ft. in height. Devotees
perform Kathakali, the classical dance of Kerala, all nights in this
temple as offerings. The temple is situated 3 kms away from the
railway station.
Paliakara Church
Situated in Thiruvalla town, this famous Christian church has a
collection of beautiful Mural paintings.
Pandalam
Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala, in sanctity and
significance. Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had
his human sojourn as the son of Raja of Pandalam. It is believed
that Raja constructed a temple close to his palace on the banks of
river Achankovil modeled on the Sabarimala shrine, which is the
present Valiya Koickal temple. Piligrims usually worship here before
proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to Makravilakku, the
chest containing Thiruvabharanam are taken in a procession from
Pandalam to Sabarimala.
Kaviyoor
Kaviyoor is situated 13 Kms 5 kms east of Thiruvalla on the banks
of the river manimala. The temple here dedicated to Sree Hanuman
stands on a small hill and has been built in the gable style of
architecture peculiar to Kerala.There is another rock-cut temple 2
kms away from the Kaviyoor temple, which is of great archeological
importance. The temple has been assigned to the 8th century A.D. due
to its close resemblances to the Pallava style.
