PATHANAMTHITTA

Treat your eyes with the vast unending, undulating forests and crisscross rivers that make the most of Pathanamthitta. The place serves a significant role in backing the economy of the state – the vast area of fertile lands here is adorned with variety of plantations and cash corps. Also, with the rarest of rare reserves of medicinal plants, Pathanamthitta is a boon for Kerala Ayurveda. With its extensive forest areas, the place presents one with a truly diverse flora and fauna!

Marked with a few of the renowned pilgrim centers of South India, Pathanamthitta is with a distinct culture, sprung up from the religious harmony the place upholds. Apart from the religious and cultural festivities, spectators can also engage themselves in the enthralling water fiestas, occurring in its dazzling rivers. Placed in the high range map of Kerala, Pathanamthitta open its door wide for its visitors, for whom eco-tourism and related adventures matter the most. Famous for its rural life style and nourished with three west flowing rivers, the place abounds with natural splendors, which will definitely bring out the dreamer in you!

 PATHANAMTHITTA

Pathanamthitta is the head quarters of Pathanamthitta

district .Even before getting this status 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 Pathanamthitta has more than five high School and a first grade collage there are a number of churches Mosques and Temples and people lived harmoniously .

Muslims form, the majority in the Patthanamthitta town there is a beautiful Mosque in the heart of the town and the annual Chandanakudam festival here is important .The Pathanamthitta mosque is located at pathanamthitta town. The feast of this mosque known as 'Chandanakudam' is celebrated every year on the 2nd week of February. A colourful procession with caparisoned elephants lends colour and festivity to the occasion.

 Gavi eco tourism

 

Gavi is a beautiful place located at the eastern part of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The main attractions of Gavi are Pamba biological garden and the ponds formed during the construction of Gavi, Kochu pamba, Mooziyar and Seethathodu dams. The Kerala Forest Development Corporation is providing facilities to the tourists coming to Gavi. The climate of Gavi can vary from 28 degree C to 20 degree C in summer season and it can vary from 25 degree C to 10 degree C in monsoon

 

Attractions at Gavi

1) The main attraction of Gavi is beautiful forest with wide variety of flora and fauna. As you pass through the forest you can see wild animals like elephants,lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri marten etc. This place is actually having more than 200 varieties of birds, butterflies and plant species. Outdoor camping in forest, birding and stay at top tree huts are some facilities offered at Gavi eco tourism.

2) Boating, Trekking: You can do boating in the Gavi and Kochu pamba lakes at reasonable rate. Trekking can be also done with the assistance of experts and you can also have a walk through the spice gardens near forest area. Casual light weight clothing are suitable while doing trekking and warm cloths are needed for night stays.

3) Night safari's: Night safari's are another attraction of Gavi. You can watch the wild life closely during the night hours through this night safari. The visitors are taken for a drive to the Pamba dam and Panchakkanam at night and it will be the most adventurous part of the visit at Gavi.

4) Visit to cardomom factory, Pamba biological garden and forest museum.

How to reach Gavi?

Gavi is situate in Pathanamthitta district and its about 100km from Pathanamthitta town. KSRTC bus services are available at 6.30 am and 12.30 pm from Pathanamthitta to Kumali through Gavi.

Kochi International airport is about 200Kms and Trivandrum international airport is about 250 Kms from Gavi.

The nearest railway station is Kottayam which is about 120 Kms from Gavi.

Accommodation at Gavi

Accommodation is provided at the Green Mansions forest lodge under the Kerala Forest Department Corporation and the rate is approximately Rs.1850 including trekking, boating etc. Swiss cottages with additional facilities are also available at the rate of Rs.2500 and Rs.4000. For camping inside the jungle you have to pay Rs.8000. This package includes stay in tents, boating, etc.

Facilities provided at Gavi

First aid and medical facilities are provided at Gavi in case of emergency. You can buy organic cardamom from the stores. Leech socks and binoculars are also available for the tourists. Only vegetarian dishes are provided at the hotels and lodges in the forest.

For more details and booking:

The Divisional Manager,

Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd.,

Gavi Via Vandiperiyar

Kerala, India.

Tourist information centre Kumily : 04869 - 223270. (9 am to 8 pm All Days)

 

Places of Tourist Interest in Pathanamthitta

 

ARANMULA

The famous Parthasarathi temple on the banks of the holy river Pamba

dedicated to Lord Krishna attracts large number of devotees. The annual commemoration of the installation of the deity falls on the last day of the Oman festival .It is as part of this celebration that the aranmula boat race is held on this day.

The river Pampa at Aranmulla.is the venue of   this famous snake boat race .The snake boats of an extraordinary shape with a length of about 100 ft., the year portion towering to a height of about 20 ft., and the front portion tapering gradually.The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised. The raise is held on the last day of the week long Oman Festival  to commemorate  Lord Krishna's crossing of the river. The participants cheerfully row up and  down the river to the tune of songs known as vanchipattu.

The Vinjana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts

training in the traditional arts and crafts of Kerala.Kathakali, classical dance, classical music as well as kalaripayattu (the martial arts of Kara)are taught here. The centre is frequently visited by a number of foreign tourists who can stay here for varying periods and have a first hand knowledge about Kerala. culture.

Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors made of bell metal.This is a unique art which is not found any where else in the world . It is believed that a divine visitation inspired a window of this village to discover a mysterious blend of bronze which could be waxed bright in to crystal clear mirror

The misery of its production is a family heirloom handed down through generations.

Nearest Railway Station - Chengannur

Chengannur to Aranmual - 10kms.

Patthanamthitta (Headquarters )to Aranmula - 16kms.

CHANDANAKULAM FESTIVAL

The chandanakudam festival of the Patthanamthitta Muslim Jama-at Mosque held in February (Makaram28th) 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 Pump. 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 river bed of Pampa usually in February every year.

KADAMMANITTA

Kadammanitta, a village only 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta is famous padayani,which is an important ritual art performed in the premises of the Kadamanitta .Devi Temple. This art from is an offering for the mother goddess. it is celebrated every year from the first day of Medam (Malayalam -era)to the 10th day (pathmudayam).

Nearest Bus Station - Patthanamthitta

Patthanamthitta to Kadammanitta - 8kms.

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 he darusilpas seen around the temple belong to the 17th century.

Thekekudi Cave Temple in Kaviyoor panchayat is one of the rare cave temples of Kara It is assumed that this temple is constructed in the Pallava architectural style and was built in the 8th century. Apart from Ganapathi, Maharshi, Dwarapalaka idols in the sreekovil which in inside the cave, there is also a Sivalinga which is about three feet in height .

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 The Mahalakshmi of this temple is worshipped by all people irrespective of caste and creed The water of the Chilaanthikinar in the premises of the temple is regarded as panacea for skin diseases.

KONNI

Konni is an important junction in Kottayam-Punalur route. It is about 11 kms. from the district headquarters .It is an important center for cash crops like rubber, pepper,coffee and ginger which forms the backborn of the agricultural economy of the state. Till recently it had importance as a place of training elephants . But elephant hatching by crude old method being forbidden by the central government, no wild elephant are brought here for training . But the big wooden cages used to put newly coughed wild elephant for training are still an attraction for people from far and near

Nearest Bus station - Patthanamthitta

Patthanamthitta to Konni - 11kms.

MALAYALAPPUZHA

The Bhagavathy temple here is believed to help people realise their dreams . People bring offering in different forms during the festival there are also beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone works

Patthanamthitta to Malayalapuzha - 8kms

MANJINIKKARA

Mar Ignatitus Elias 111, 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.

MANNADY

Veluthampi Dalawa, the great patriot, fought, against British imperialism and became a martyr on march 29, 1809 at mannadi. The monument of his martyrdom at mannadi in Adoor taluk is of great historical importance.

Nearest Bus Station - Adoor

Adoor to Niranam - 7kms

MARAMON

A mammoth religious convention of Christians,but attended by people belonging to all communities, is held at Maramon, near Kozencherry, every year on the vast sandy beds of the river Pamba. The conventions takes place in February in an atmosphere of devotion and lasts for a period of seven days. Addressed by speakers of international repute and attended by devotees innumerable, this is the largest Christian convention in the world. The centenary celebration of the convention was held in February 1995.

MULOOR SMARAKOM

Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1931) who was one of the veteran poets and an important social reformer of the century, was born at Elavumthitta 12 Kms. away from Pathanamthitta. His home at Elavumthitta is preserved as his monument by the Department of Culture of the State Government.

NILACKALA

It is five kms. away from Plappally on the Pamba-Pathanamthitta road. An old temple dedicated to Lord Siva is situated here. An Ecumenical centre of all denominations of Christians is also here.

NIRANAM

Situated about six kms. away from the headquarters of the Thiruvalla Revenue Division, Niranam is famous from very ancient times. Niranam derives its  importance mainly from the Orthodox Syrian Church there, which is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas himself. It is only a few yards away from this place that the great Malayalam poets known as the Kannassa Panickers lived and wrote their main poetic works. A site has been identified to put up a memorial for them.

OMALLOR

Omallor is known to outsides for the famous 'Rakthakantha swamy Temple' and the annual cattle fair known as Vayalvanibham, which is held on the Malayalam month of Meenam. Peoples from very distant places and even from outside the state participate in this fair. Omallore is five kms south of the District headquarters.

Patthanamthitta to Omalloor - 5kms.

Railway Station - Thiruvalla

Patthanamthitta - Thiruvalla - 30kms.(by Road)

PANDALAM

Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala in sanctity and significient . Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala has his humon sojourn as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. It is believed that the raja constructed a temple close to his palace on the banks of the river Achenkoil,modelled on the Sabarimala shrine which is the present Valiyakoyikkal temple. Pilgrims usually offeres worship here before proceeding to Sabarimala .Three days prior to Makaravilakku , this  sacret ornaments for loard Ayyappa are taken in the procession from Panthalam to Sabarimala

Nearest Railway Station - Chengannoor

Chengannur to Pandalam - 14 kms.

PALIAKARA CHURCH

Situated in thiruvalla town , this famous christian church has a collection of beautiful mural paintings.

PARUMALA

It is here that Mar Gregories Metropolitan the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church take his eternal rest . The ormapperunnal celebrated on the first and second of every November, is very famous at this time a large number of people flock to this place for worship .The Travancore Devasam board has setup here a collage known as pampa college

Nearest Bus Station - Thiruvalla

Thiruvalla to Parumala -10kms.

PERUNTHENARUVY

The name of the waterfall Perunthenaruvi literally means The Great Honey Stream. water falls in the Pampa river at perunthenaruvi attracts thousands of people from inside and outside the District there is a beautiful natural water fall and ideal place of turist attraction it is only 10 kms from Erumely . The waterfalls are renowned for the wide span of area these cover, rather than their height. The stream later unites with the Pamba River.This is a favorite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists(36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira) The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, is a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot.

SABARIMALA

Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrim centersin India It is 72 kms from Patthanamthitta every year crores of devoties from all over India visit the shrine of lord Ayyappa for his blessing.The temple is situated in the interior of the mountain ranges of the western ghats and is inaccessible except on foot. The pilgrimage season starts in November and ends in mid January On the particular day of 'Makaravilakke' lakhs of devoties throng around the temple for a glimpse of 'Makaragyothi' .The temple is closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of the every Malayalam month and during 'Vishu'

Thiruvalla Railway Station to Patthanamthitta - 30kms.

Patthanamthitta to Pamba -67kms.

Pamba to Sabarimala - 5kms.

THIRUVALLA

Sree Vallabha temple here is oneof the important pilgrim centers of Vaishnavites all over India  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 60ft high kathakali, the folk art of kerala, si performed almost on all days in this temple as offerings by devotes

Thiruvalla is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Palikara Church here contains exquiste mural paintings.

Sree Vallabha Temple - 3kms. from Railway Station

 

Festival

 

Chandhanakudam Festival

Celebrated amid pomp and splendor, this festival of the Pathanamthitta Muslim Jamaat mosque (situated in the heart of Patthanamthitta town) is held annually in the month of February drawing devotees in large numbers. Kattoor mosque in Cherukol panchayat and Kalamala Mosque near Adoor are also famous for Chandhanakudam festivals.

Maramon convention

Said to be the biggest religious gathering of Christians in Asia, this convention (started in 1896) draws devotees in plenty from various parts of India. The convention gives the chance for listening to evangelists and exponents of the Holy Bible from around the world. It’s on the vast sand bed of river Pampa that the weeklong Maramon Convention is held every year.

Manjinikkara

The pilgrim hub for Christians, the church has the mortal remains of the Holy Patriarch of Antioch, Mar Ignatius Elias III. Devotees flock in thousands during the main festival that falls in the month of February.

Omalloor

Marked with the procession of Gods on elephants during the festive time, the Ayyappa temple here celebrates its festival in the months of April and May. The 10th day of the festival is remarkable with a number of elephants lined up (goes up to 10), giving the spectators a delightful fiesta. The place is also famous for Rakthakantha Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair known as “Vayalvanibham”.

 

Location

Central Travancore region of Kerala state. A land-locked district situated in the southern part of Kerala, Patthanamthitta is bordered by Kottayam and Idukki districts in the north, Alappuzha in the west and Kollam in the south. The place is set at an altitude of 500-1000 m above sea level.

 

Climate

The place experiences a tropical climate, with monsoon starting its sway in June. During April and May, the place gets pretty humid. Temperature settles within a minimum of 22.0 degree Celsius and during summers, the temperature may go up to a maximum of 37.0 degree Celsius.

 

Best Time To Visit

August to March will be the best season to visit Patthanamthitta, so that you won’t miss the Aranmula Vallamkali (Aranmula Boat Race) during the Onam Season. Best weather: October-February