PATHANAMTHITTA

Visitors to Pathanamthitta district are never really sure of what to expect from Aranmula. This is mostly due to the lore surrounding this exotic village, famous for the genius of its craftsmen and the ancient vibe one experiences the moment oneenters. Aranmula is famous for its Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirrors), the centuries’ old Sree Krishna Temple, the unique ritualistic feast of `Vallasadya,’ and famed Aranmula Boat Race and the list goes on. It gets its name from the centuries-old Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy River Pamba, a virtual hotbed of devotees. The murals, carvings and paintings here have inspired much awe and interest. It is also the venue for the Aranmula Vallasadya, a ritual offering to the deity Lord Parthasarathy in which the oarsmen of the snake boats are offered a feast. With over 70 dishes it is probably one of the largest vegetarian feasts in India. (Watch the video of Vallasadya) Its legendary Vijnana Kalavedi houses some of the finest classes and teachers for a variety of art forms like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music and Kalaripayattu. Visitors can stay here for an extended period and observe the ancient crafts being passed on diligently to the next generation. A trip is never complete without obtaining one of its special metal mirrors- the beautiful Aranmula Kannadi. From being gorgeous souvenirs to exquisite wedding gifts, these are unique to this locale and haven't yet been replicated anywhere else in the world.

More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple in Sabarimala annually, making it the largest in India and second largest in the world, after Hajj Pilgrimage of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Sabarimala is a temple town on the bank of the River Pampa. Named after the mythological character, Sabarimala shelters the famous Ayyapa temple. The temple is also known as Dharma Sashta and is believed to be the son of Shiva and Mohini, the feminine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People believe that Vishnu's incarnate, Parasurama, placed the Ayyappa Idol at the top of the mountain. One can notice that the traditions of Sabarimala are a blend of Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and other Sramana traditions. Women of age 12-50 years, during an active menstrual cycle, weren't allowed inside the temple until the supreme court overturned the restriction on 28th September 2018. The temple is situated amidst eighteen hills and dense forest surrounding the temple, which is known as Poongavanam. People trek up the mountains from Plapalli, proceeding to Aangaamuzhi, and then to Muzhiyaar and finally to Sabarigiri road. The temple is open on the first five days of each Malayalam month with it being most crowded during Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku or Makar Sankranti

Konni, a forested village in the State of Kerala in South India, situated on the bank of the mighty Achencoil River has a long and rich history of man-forest interface. Vast expanse of forests of Western Ghats in the background is crisscrossed by numerous streams and rivulets, which add to the exceptional scenic beauty of the landscape. The forests, repository of rich biodiversity were constituted in to Konni Reserve Forests and Achencoil Reserve Forests by the Maharaja of Travancore way back in 1897 and 1901 respectively, which are among the oldest reserve forests in the State.

A popular place in Kerala to relax, and rejuvenate, Perunthenaruvi waterfall by the bank of the Pamba River against the backdrop of the Western ghats is a treat to eyes. The waterfall got its name from the two Malayalam words - Perunthu (great honey) and aruvi (stream). Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls drops down from an elevation of 100 meters and the best time to see it in its full glory has to be the monsoon. Another prompt feature of this unique sightseeing place is its location, which is right on the border of Kudamurutti and Vechoochira.

One of the most beautiful places in India, Gavi is a small village tucked between tea estates and wide and dense forests. A unique project in itself, the place is a model of eco-tourism site bringing to the world its spellbinding abundance in flora and fauna. Gavi is situated some 14 km away from the famed Periyar Tiger Reserve and is heaven on Earth, quite literally. This ambitious eco-tourism project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, Gavi has caught the eye of the world for its excellent model and use of local people for conservation & tourism. A place which is full of breathtaking sceneries, wildlife, amazing people, and great activities is the epitome of everything that tourism in Kerala represents. The eco-tourist lodge at the village is located conveniently in front of a magnificent lake providing great views of a lake and the adjoining forest. One can enjoy trekking, camping, canoeing and other activities or just sit back near the lake and be blown away by the beauty of the place.

Muloor Smarakam is a memorial dedicated to a poet and a pre-independence era social reformer Muloor S Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1931). Situated at a small distance of 12 km from Pathanamthitta town at a small village Elavumthitta, this memorial is an ordinary Kerala house once inhabited by the poet himself. With a special motive of preserving our culture, the house was converted into memorial by Department of culture of Kerala State Government. Today, this place is visited by people from all around the globe. The house also attracts numerous historians, writers and poets owing to its historic significance as well as pristine beauty of surroundings. Sabarimala Temple Kadamanitta Devi Temple, Bhagvathy Temple, Manjinikkara Church and Perunthenavuri Waterfall are some of the attraction located in the proximity to the memorial. The ideal time to visit this place is October to February and taxis and auto are easily available from Pathanamthitta town till here.

An epitome of art and architectural marvel of old times, this temple is considered to be one of the largest Devi temples. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and it is a common belief that whoever worships here with true heart is granted his/her wished and is aided in realizing their dreams.

Another significant Syrian Christian's pilgrim center, Manjinikkara Church is placed in Manjanikkara on the top of a hill about 6 km from Pathanamthitta. This church was created by Mor Yullus Elias Qoro and is known for its remarkable altar with figures of Saint and Jesus. However, the salient feature of this church is ascribed as the presence of the holy tomb of Patriarch Mar Ignatius Elias III placed near the altar. It is said that the saint arrived at this place in 1931 and stayed here till his death in 1932. A festival in the honour of the saint is organized every year and is known as feast of the saint or Orma Perunnal. Paliakara Church is also located in the vicinity.

Parumala is a small village and also an island situated in the district of Pathanamthitta. The village is mainly renowned for the Tomb of St. Gregorios which belongs to the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This church is quite a popular pilgrimage site locally. Every year, an annual feast is held here which is attended by thousands of people every year in the month of November. Parumala Perunnal is a largely celebrated festival on this location which attracts a huge crowd and is also considered to be a highlight of the village. If you are soon planning a trip to this place, then, the best time to visit Parumala would be from the month of October to February.