Pathanamthitta City Guide
Sreevallabha temple is one of the most important pilgrim centre for Vaishnavites all over India. Kathakali, the classical dance of Kerala, is performed almost all nights in this temple as offerings by devotees.
Location : The Sreevallabha Temple is located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
Best time to visit : October to March.
About Sreevallabha Temple
The Sreevallabha Temple, in Pathanamthitta, is in a small town called Thiruvalla. The Sreevallabha temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The people staying in the area are very much desicated to the temple. Sree Vallabha temple here is one of the important pilgrim centers of the Vaishnavites all over India. There is a lake in front of the temple, which is bellieved to be naturally made. A granite pillar carved out of single piece with an image of Garuda on its top stands in front of the temple. The pillar, which serves as a flag staff, is 60 ft high and is made of granite. It is believed that its bottom touches the water table. Kathakali, the folk art of kerala, is performed almost on all days in this temple as offerings by devotees. Ladies are not allowed near the sanctum sanctorum.
Festivals of the Temple
Annually two festivals are held, one in February - March and another in March - April. The Uthraseeveli festival is celebrated for one day on the Makayiram asterism in Meenam (March - April). Apart from the religious ceremonies, cultural programmes are the highlights of the festival. Among the articles offered in the festival fair, household utensils made of granite have been in great demand.
Getting There
By Air : Pathanamthitta is 152 km from Cochin, the nearest airport. Transportation services from Cochin includes KTDC's owned and privately owned taxis, buses and luxury coaches.
By Rail : Thiruvalla railway station(25 Km) is the nearest link to Pathanamthitta. Thiruvalla is well linked to the cities of Kerala.
By Road : Pathanamthitta is well connected to major parts of Kerala and states of South India. Some important distances are: Calicut- 358 Km, Cochin- 152 Km, Trivandrum- 96 km, Munnar- 217 Km .
Accommodations
Pathanamitta offer good places to stay. It includes comfortable luxury as well budget hotels, guest houses and lodges.
