The district of Pathanamthitta in the southernmost state of Kerala, is bordered by the Western ghats, the Kollam (Quilon) district in the south, Alapuzha (Allepey) in the west and Kottayam and Idukki in the north.

It enjoys an elevation of 500 to 1000 metres above the Sea Level which is ideal for all the extensive plantations. The topography of Pathanamthitta is full of undulating hills and mountains scattered with palm trees.

Pathanamthitta has three west flowing rivers – Pamba, Manimala and Achankovil which add to the beauty of this scenic district.

History:

It is presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly under the Pandalam reign which had connections with the Pandya Kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile Kollam, Alappuzha and Idukki Districts.  Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranny, Konni and Kozhencherry are some of the important places taken from Kollam District where as Thiruvalla and Mallappally are the major places taken from Alappuzha District.

 Pathanamthitta is a combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta which mean an array of houses on the river side. This district was formed on 1st November 1982 in the interest of hastening the process of development. The total area of the district is 2642 sq. kms., of which 1390.73 sq.kms come under forest cover.

Best For:

Pathanamthitta is frequented by visitors from India as well as abroad for its water fiestas, religious shrines and cultural training centre.

The weather of Pathanamthitta is dry and cool from December to February while the summer months of March, April and May are relatively warm with temperatures rising up to 39 C. The southwest monsoon hits the area from June to September. The rainfall is very heavy and accounts for 75% of the annual rainfall received so it is advisable not to travel during this period.

Pathanamthitta can be reached by travelling up to Chengannur by train and then proceed by road. It can also be reached by bus from any of the cities of Kerala as the Kerala State Road Transport Service (KSRTC) has a wide network. Thiruvanantapuram International Airport is at a distance of 92 kms.

Flights operate from cities all around the world to the three international airports of Kerala at Thiruvanantapuram, Cochin and Calicut.

Road
Pathanamthitta town is the district Headquarters so it is well connected by road to Thiruvanantapuram (119 kms), Kottayam (56 kms) and Kochi. Car rentals and limousine services are available on prior booking.

Train
The nearest railway stations are at Chengannur 25 kms away and Thiruvalla 30 kms away.

Parthasarathi Temple, built about 700 years ago, is on a platform on the banks of the River Pamba. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has four entrances. The entrance on the eastern side has 18 steps which are wide enough for elephants to climb. A grand procession of elephants can be witnessed here on the 10th day of the festival and visitors are treated to performances of the Parichamuttukalli, a folk art consisting of steps that resemble martial art steps; Mayooranritham or the peacock dance and the Ammandudam Velakali or dance symbolic of ancient warfare. 

Kadammanitta is a village 8 kms from Pathanamthitta. It is famous for ‘padayani’, an important ritual dance form performed in the premises of the Kadammanitta  Devi Temple.

Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala, constructed in the early tenth century.

Thekekudi Cave Temple built in the 8th century is a rare cave temple constructed in the Pallava architectural style.

Shree Vallabh Temple at Thiruvalla is an important Vaishnavite site. A granite pillar carved out of a single rock, with a sculpture of Garuda on the top, stands in front of the temple. The pillar, which serves as a flag mast, is sixty feet high. Kathakalli, the folk dance of Kerala is performed almost every day in the temple premises.

Muloor Smarakom is dedicated to Muloor. S. Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1931), one of the veteran poets and important social reformers of the century. His home at Elavumthitta has been preserved as a monument by the Department of Culture of the State Government.

There are numerous churches at Pathanamthitta.

Manjinikkara Church is the place where the mortal remains of Mar Ignatius Elias III are kept as he died here in 1932. 

Maramon Church near Kozencherry 16 kms east of Thiruvalla, is the venue of a mammoth religious convention for Christians. It is held every year during the month of February and lasts for a week. People gather in large numbers on the sandy beds of the River Pamba to listen to discourses by renowned Christian scholars from all around the world.

Niranam, located 6 kms from the headquarters of the Thiruvalla Revenue Division, derives its importance from the Orthodox Syrian Church there. It is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St Thomas himself. A few yards from this place, the great Malayalam poet Kannassa Panicker lived and wrote his main poetic works.

Muslims form the majority in Pathanamthitta town so it is no surprise that a beautiful mosque is located in the town centre. Its feastival Chandanakudam, is celebrated every year during the second week of February, when visitors get to see a colourful procession accompanied by bejeweled elephants.

Contour Jungle Resorts offers exclusive accommodation in the evergreen rainforests at Konni, which is regarded as the Cherapunji of Kerala. It has the largest elephant training centre in India. Guests staying here can indulge in treks, mountain walks, as well as rock climbing and bird watching expeditions or avail of a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

Fresh organically grown vegetables are served in a hygienic manner.

The other accommodation facilities at Pathanamthitta are available at Hotel Mayfair, Ashoka International, Lal’s Residency, Shine Tower, Hotel Dolphin and Therakath Gardens.

The Vanjipuzha Palace Heritage Resort is at Chengannur 25 kms away and Thulasidhalam is at Thiruvalla.  

The local dance centre at Aranmula hosts old Kathakalli dance dramas which are performed by seasoned dancers dressed in traditional costumes.

Aranmula Vallmakali (Boat Race) is the water fiesta of Aranmula, held every September, during the festival of Onam. It owes its origin to the Shree Parthasarathy Temple and its commencement event. The snake boats assemble near the temple early in the morning and are a sight to behold as they take off in pairs in the afternoon. The boats are 30 feet long and can accommodate 4 helmsmen, 100 rowers and 25 singers.

Charalkunnu is a picturesque hill station near Pathanamthitta. It offers a panoramic view of the River Pamba.

Kakki has an artificial lake which is visited for a unique boating experience. The dense forest cover surrounding this reservoir abounds in wildlife such as tigers, monkeys, elephants and deer.

Konni, an important junction on the Kottayam-Punalur route, is known for its elephant rides.

Perunthenaruvy has waterfalls which attract thousands of tourists.

Sabarimala, 72 kms from Pathanamthitta, is the hill shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappan.      

Pathanamthitta is recognized as the Headquarters of pilgrimage tourism in Kerala and is famous for its rural lifestyle which is now being promoted by the Kerala Tourism Department. It is also known for its Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam, which imparts training in traditional Kerala architecture. Aranmula, the picturesque village in Pathanamthitta district has been declared as an international tourism destination by the Union   Government and has been included in the Cultural Tourism Programme.