Malayalapuzha (8 km from Pathanamthitta): The
goddess at the Bhagavathy Temple here is believed to grant boons to devotees
and help them realise dreams. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic
stone carvings.
Omallur (5 km from Pathanamthitta):The Rakthakanta Swamy Temple and the
annual cattle fair held in the Malayalam month of Meenam are the main attractions
of Omallur. People from both within and outside the State participate in the
fair.
Kadamanitta(8 km from Pathanamthitta): The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is
famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the
annual festival in April/May.
Konni (11 km from Pathanamthitta): An agricultural region, Konni is rich
in cash crops like rubber, pepper, coffee, ginger etc. It used to be a centre
for training elephants. Konni is also known for its elephant rides and the Anakooduwhere
elephants are tamed and trained for work.
Muloor Smarakam(12 km from Pathanamthitta): The memorial to Muloor, a
renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta.
Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam (15 km from Pathanamthitta town): The water
of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure
skin diseases. Kodumon is also the birth place of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author
of Ascharya Chudamani.
Perunthenaruvi (36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira): The Perunthenaruvi
waterfalls on the banks of the Pamba river is a favourite picnic spot for both
domestic and foreign tourists.
Sabarimala (72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram
and 210 km from Kochi): One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala
is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914
m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple
is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Pilgrim season: November to mid January. Mandalapoojaand
Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays
closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam
month and during Vishu (April). Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla (102 km)
People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry
is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.
Pamba: This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is
also known as Thriveni Sangamam- the meeting point of three rivers.
Aranmula(Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 10 km): The Parthasarathi
Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts
large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day
of the week long Onam festival. The Vijnana Kalavediat Aranmula imparts training
in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as
well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a
first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi Temple here
has fine murals from the 18th century.
Aranmula Boat Race: This famous water fiesta is held during Onam (August
- September). The snake boats assemble near theSri Parthasarathy Temple before
the grand procession. Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4 helmsmen,
100 oarsmen and25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated
singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd.
Aranmula kannadi: Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, a unique
craft which is not found anywhere else in the world.
Thiruvalla is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church.
The Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings. The Sree Vallabha
temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala where Kathakali is performed
as a ritual offering everyday.
Nilackal (5 km from Plappally): The old Siva Temple on the Pamba - Pathanamthitta
Rd. is an important place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation
and the Ecumenical centre of the Christians are located here.
Pandalam: (Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 14 km) As a holy town,
Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity
of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam.
The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil has
been modelled on the Sabarimala shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship
before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makaravilaku festival,
the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam
to Sabarimala.
