10 Best Tourist Places in Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta (pronunciation: puh·thaa·nuhn·thee·tuh), is located in the Central Travancore area of Kerala, India. It serves as the district's administrative center in Pathanamthitta.

The district of Pathanamthitta is referred to as the Kerala State's Pilgrimage Tourism Headquarters. The Pathanamthitta district, which is surrounded by hills and is located close to the Western Ghats, is a visual delight with its endless stretches of woods, rivers, and rural panoramas. The area is well-known for its scenic beauty, fairs, and festivals because it has been blessed with nature. The slogan for Pathanamthitta tourism is "Land of Lord Ayyappa." Every year, a sizable number of tourists visit Pathanamthitta. The most popular destinations in Pathanamthitta are pilgrim centers and other eco-tourism destinations like Gavi and Adavi.

Here is a list of some of the renowned tourist places in Pathanamthitta.

1. Gavi

The village of Gavi is located in Kerala, India's Pathanamthitta district. It is a little community hidden between tea gardens and broad, lush forests, making it one of India's most stunning locations. The location is a model eco-tourism site that showcases the world's astounding abundance of flora and wildlife. It is a unique endekilometersavour in and of itself. Near Thekkady, Gavi is located 14 kilometers southwest of Vandiperiyar and 28 kilometers from Kumily. In many ways, Gavi, which is located within the Ranni reserve forest, is heaven on Earth.

The world has taken notice of the ambitious eco-tourism initiative of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Gavi, for its great model and utilization of locals for conservation & tourism. The pinnacle of Kerala tourism is a place that is brimming with stunning scenery, animals, amazing people, and exciting activities. The eco-tourism resort in the community is perfectly situated in front of a stunning lake, offering wonderful views of the lake and the surrounding forest. You can go hiking, camping, canoeing, and other places, or you can just relax along the lake and take in the scenery.

Tourists can stay at Gavi's own Jungle Lodge, although reservations are required in advance because space is limited. Other alternatives include sleeping in tree homes, which is a fantastic experience and using Swiss tents to camp in the bush. Kumily hamlet, which is close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, would be a wonderful alternative for individuals on a tight budget as there are several lodging options there. The entry fee is INR 25, the Vehicle entry is INR 50, and the Camera charge is INR 25.

2. Thriveni Sanganam

The Holy Pamba River meets the Manimala River in its north and the Achankovil River in its south at the Thriveni Sanganam, as the name suggests. It can be found along the route to Sabarimala. The worshippers stop here to bathe in the holy water to atone for their transgressions. Millions of tourists also flock here to take in the stunning scenery. The third-longest river in India's southern region, the Pamba River, sometimes referred to as the Dakshina Ganga or the Ganges of South India, originates from the Western Ghats. Believed by devotees, King Rajasekara had a glimpse of Lord Ayappa close to this sacred river.

It is said to be lucky for all pilgrims to take a bath in the river before and after trekking to Sabarimala since it is thought that the water of the Pamba River, which is as clean as the Ganges, may purify the bad and lift the curse. Each year, hundreds of devotees travel to Triveni Sanganam to not only bathe in the holy water but also to take in the panoramic grandeur of the area and its surrounding natural beauty.

Between September and February is the ideal opportunity to travel Thriveni Sangamam since the weather is really lovely and worth exploring. While the monsoon has considerable rains, the summers are hot and sunny, making it impossible to go outside. As a result, you should avoid going during the summer and monsoon seasons. Visitation hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Entry is free.

3. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple

On a small hilltop in Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta District stands the historic Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple. One of Kerala's most well-known and important Shiva temples, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The temple is also known as Thrikkaviyoor Mahadeva Temple and was constructed in a distinctive architectural style. The state of Kerala is known for its stringent rites and customs, which are a vital component of all temples, including this historic temple. Outside of the outside walls, non-Hindu is not permitted within the temple. Photography is categorically prohibited, and there is a strict dress code.

Here, Hanuman Jayanti is commemorated along with an annual event that is held in December or January. The Hanuman Temple is another name for the temple. Bhagavathy Temple, Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple, Kadamanitta Devi Temple, Valiyakoikal Temple, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, and Sree Vallabha Temple are some of the significant temples nearby.

4. Muloor Smarakam

Muloor Smarakam is a memorial honoring the social reformer and poet Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker from the pre-independence era. It is located in the little village of Elavumthitta, 12 kilometers from Pathanamthitta town. This memorial is a typical Keralan home that the poet formerly called home.

The Kerala State Government's Department of Culture turned the house into a memorial with the specific goal of preserving our culture. People from all over the world come here today to visit. The home draws a lot of historians, authors, and poets because of its historical significance and the unspoiled beauty of the surroundings.

Some of the attractions around the memorial are the Kadamanitta Devi Temple, Bhagvathy Temple, Manjinikkara Church, and Perunthenavuri Waterfall. Between October to February is the best opportunity to reach, and Pathanamthitta town is easily accessible by taxi or auto.

5. Manjinikkara Church

A monastery of the Syriac Orthodox Church is Manjanikkara Dayara. It may be found in Manjanikkara, close to Omallur, in the Pathanamthitta district in South Kerala, India. Mor Yulios Elias Qoro, a Patriarchal representative to the Malankara Church, founded the monastery. The Patriarchal Delegate to Malankara and the metropolitan of the Simhasana churches both have offices at the Manjanikkara Dayro.

Every year, a celebration known as the festival of the saint or Orma Perunnal is held in the saint's honor. The nearby Paliakara Church is there as well.

From Pathanamthitta, there aren't many public transportation options for this location. The best method to travel here is in a private vehicle.

6. Sabarimala

The Sabarimala temple in Kerala receives more than 30 million pilgrims each year, making it the largest in India and the second largest in the world. After the Hajj pilgrimage of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Sabarimala is a temple town on the banks of the river Pampa that is situated inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Keralan district of Pathanamthitta.

It has the name of the mythological Shabari, a tribal follower of Lord Rama who appears in the Ramayana. The renowned Ayyapa temple is housed in Sabarimala. The shrine, also known as Dharma Sashta, is thought to be the offspring of Lord Vishnu's feminine avatar Mohini and Shiva. People hold that Parasurama, a manifestation of Vishnu, set up the Ayyappa Idol at the summit of the mountain.

It is clear that Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and other Sramana traditions are present in Sabarimala's traditions. Until the supreme court reversed the rule on September 28, 2018, women between the ages of 12 and 50 were prohibited from entering the temple while having an active menstrual cycle.

The Poongavanam temple, which is surrounded by eighteen hills and a thick forest, is also located in this area. From Plapalli, people hike into the highlands toward Aangaamuzhi, Muzhiyaar, and finally Sabarigiri Road. The temple is open the first five days of every Malayalam month, with Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku, or Makar Sankranti seeing the greatest visitors.

7. Paliakara Church

The historic Paliakara Church is a monument to the rich history and culture of the past. This church, which is located in Trivuvalla, has origins that date back to St. John the Evangelist's entrance there in 54 AD, making it one of the major religious sites for Syrian Christians.

Thomas. The building's exterior wall, which is decorated with carved latticework and engravings of numerous saints, is noted for its amazing architecture. The church's second main draw is its historic paintings on the eastern wall, which were created using natural vegetable dyes and are the pinnacle of craftsmanship. They represent the pivotal moments in Jesus Christ's life.

The twelve apostles of Christ are depicted in a picture, and the patron saint of the church, St. George, is also depicted. The wonderful fusion of Hindu influences in many sections of the church is the most fascinating feature of this building. Small elephant and tiger sculptures can be spotted on the wooden beams holding up the roof. Every year, a feast is planned for 10 days between mid-April and mid-May. Every day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the church is open to everyone.

8. Aranmula

Kerala, India's state capital, contains the temple town of Aranmula. It is regarded as the district's cultural hub and is located on the banks of the revered Pampa River, some 116 kilometers from Trivandrum, the state capital of Kerala. It is located close to Kozhenchery in the Pathanamthitta District and has long been a significant location for pilgrimage and trade when the river served as the primary mode of transportation. From the nearby (10 km away) Chengannur railway station, it is conveniently accessible.

Aranmula is a world-historic site recognized by the United Nations and is well-known for the tourist attraction "Vallam Kali," also known as the snake boat regatta. It is a holy place for Hindus and contains a network of temples and sacred trees all around the primary temple of Lord Parthasarathi.

The temple festival at this place includes a boat race. On the day of Uthrittathi in the month of Chingam, the boat race is held. Being a Vishnu temple near Sabarimala implies that Aranmula transforms into a true center for religious tourists during each Sabarimala season.

9. Malayalappuzha

A Bhadrakali temple named Malayalappuzha Devi Temple is located in the Indian state of Kerala's Pathanamthitta. The temple was allegedly constructed more than a thousand years ago.

Soon after destroying the demon Darika, Bhadrakali is seen in the temple in a fierce form. The primary idol, which is fashioned of katu sarkara yogam, is 5.5 feet high. Two more idols are also installed inside the sanctum sanctorum, one for abhisheka and another for the daily ritual of sreebali.

The Malayalapuzha Devi Temple is decorated with exquisite wall carvings. A distinctive figure of Goddess Parvati nursing infant Ganapathy on her lap can be found in the temple. Veera Bhadra's idol may be shown at the sanctum's entrance. Brahma Rakshas, Nagaraja, and a swayambu Shiva Linga are among the temple's sub deities.

For 11 days, the yearly event is observed. The event begins in the Kumba Masam (February-March) on the Thiruvathira nakshatra. On the fourth and fifth days, there are kathakali performances. The temple is accessible for darshan from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

10. Perunthenaruvi

The Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls are located in the Central Travancore region of Kerala State, India, 36 kilometers from Pathanamthitta. It is a well-known tourist site located in the Ranni taluk's Vechoochira Panchayat. Kudamurutty is on the waterfall's one shore, while Vechoochira is on the other. Later on, the creek merges with the Pamba River. It is stunning and perilous at the same time.

The principal path leading to this waterfall begins at Ranni, Athikkayam, Kudamurutty, and Perunthenaruvi. It is a lovely location for family time because of the calm ambiance. The width of the waterfalls is more well-known than their height. Perunthenaruvi is a combination of the Malayalam words perunthen (large honey) and aruvi (stream).