Pathanamthitta is popular for being the ‘pilgrimage capital of Kerala. The vast stretch of forests, rustic landscape and rivers are a real treat to the eyes of the onlooker. Along with scenic beauty, the district is quite famous for playing host to a number of fairs and festivals. This place is visited by a large number of tourists from all around the world for its boat races, cultural centre and its various religious shrines. Pathanmthitta is home to plenty of attractions, some of which are given below:
Perunthenaruvi Waterfall
Around 36 km from the town of Pathanamthitta, the enchanting Perunthenaruvi waterfalls are just 10 from Erumeli, placed on the banks of the river Pampa. This beautiful waterfall gushes down from a rocky trail right into a 100 feet deep gorge, forming an amazing sight. The place is quite famous in the form picnic spot.
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, located in Aranmula town in the Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to Parthasarathi, a form of Lord Krishna. Placed on the banks of river Pamba, the idol of the deity of the temple has a Chakra in his hand. Round in shape, this temple is erected in traditional Kerala architecture style.
Bhagavathy Temple
Around 9 km from Pathanmthitta, the ancient Bhagavathy temple is situated in the village of Malayalappuzha. This temple boasts of impressive ancient architecture, classic craftsmanship, striking wall paintings and stone statues. Dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, but the idol looks like Devi Bhadrakali.the annual 11-day festival of the temple is organized in February-March.
Kadamanitta Devi Temple
Kadamanitta Devi Temple, another famous temple, is placed just 6 km from the Pathanamthitta town. This temple is quite famous for 10- day long Padayani performances that are showcased during the annual festival of the temple, held in the months of April-May. This festival is attended by a crazy number of devotees.
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple
The ancient Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple was constructed way back during the initial years of the 10th century. It is also one of the famous ancient Mahadeva temples in the state of Kerala. Lord Vishnu is the main deity of this temple which is located in Kaviyoor village in the Pathanamthitta district but Lord Hanuman is also worshipped here. Built in traditional Kerala style of architecture, its annual temple is celebrated in December-January. Another good time to visit the temple is on the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Jayanthi.
Manjinikkara Church
Situated in south Kerala, the Manjinikkara church is around 6 km from Pathanamthitta. This church is famous for its holy tomb of late Ignatius Elias III, the Holy Patriarch of Antioch. Manjinikkara church is popular for having spiritual healing power of healing mental illness.
Sree Vallabha Temple
One of the important Vaishnava temples of India, Sree Vallabha temple is located in the Thiruvallam village of the Pathanamthitta district. Placed on the banks of the river Manimala, this temple has a striking 8 ft idol of Sree Vallabhain its sanctum. 10-day annual festival of the temple is organized in February-March. It is the sole temple of the state where Kathakali is performed as a ritual.
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
The pilgrimage of Sabarimala is famous for the Ayyappa temple, which is nestled amidst 18 hills. Encircled by mountains and thick forests, this temple is place on a hilltop and one has to climb the Pathinettampadi- 18 steps to enter the temple. One of the largest annual pilgrimages of the country, this temple is visited by millions of devotees every year. Women are not allowed to enter the site of the idol, as Lord Ayyappa is belived to be a Bramhachari. The male devotes visiting the temple have observe 41-day Vratham.
Valiya Koyikkal Sree Ayyappa Temple
Adjacent to the Pandalam palace, Valiya Koyikkal Sree Ayyappa Temple is another popular temple in the Pathanamthitta district. This temple is also dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Church
Located in Kallooppara in Pathanamthitta District, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church is an extremely well-known temple of South India. It is one of the oldest churches and is considered as a priced possession of Malankara Sabha. Around 7 centuries old, this church is now a part of the culture and legacy of the region. This church has an amazing architecture and is visited by thousands of devotes every year.
Aranmula
Aranmula is a beautiful village which is also an prime tourist destination in Kerala. This village is quite popular for Aranmula metal mirror and the yearly snake boat race, known as the Aranmula Vallomkali that takes place on the Aranmula river. This boat race is organized during Onam celebrations.
Niranam Church
Niranam Church, the oldest Christian church in the country, it was commissioned by one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, St. Thomas in AD 52. The town of Niranam is also the birth place of the Karnassa Kavikal, famous poets and social reformers. St. Thomas art gallery is also a popular attration here.
