Pathanamthitta District, Kerela
Location: Southern part of Kerela, India
District Headquarter: Pathanamthitta ( a town by the same name)
Distance: 146 km from Kochi, 56 km from Kottayam, 119 km from Thiruvananthapuram
Journey time: Over 15 hours by bus
How to reach there: By Kerela state bus, private bus, train or private vehicle
Route:
1. Bangalore – Hosur – Dindigul – Theni – Pathinamthitta (takes 17 – 18 hours)
2. Bangalore – hosur – Salem – (NH 47) Kottayam – KK road – Pathinamthitta
Where to stay:
1. Ashoka International
Opp State Bank of Travancore
College Road
Pathanamthitta
2. Elite Continental Hotel
MC Road, Tiruvella
Pathanamthitta Dist.
3. Panchami Hotel
Rly. St. Road, Tiruvella
Pathanamthitta Dist.
4. Hey Day Hotel
Near KSRTC Bus Stop
Pathanamthitta
Luxuary:
1. Hotel Voyage
Thiruvalla
2. Bessota International Hotel
Tiruvalla
Where to eat:
1. Hotel Amala, Near KSRTC bus stand, Pathanamthitta
2. Hotel Mannil Regency, Near Private bus stand, Kaipattoor Pathanamthitta Road, Pathanamthitta
3. Hotel Evergreen Continental, Near Private bus stand, Kaipattoor Pathanamthitta Road, Pathanamthitta
Language spoken: Malayalam, English, Hindi to an extent
Pathanamthitta was earlier ruled by Pandalam kings who were related to pandya dynasty of Tamil Nadu. Later in 1820 it was added to the state of Travancore. Finally on November 1, 1982 Pathanamthitta District was created. The economy of Pathanamthitta District is agriculture based. It is however very famous for religious tourism with a host of Hindu temples and the largest Christian congregation taking place here.
What to See:
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple: Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is located up on the hill of Sahyadri hill range of Western Ghats. It is the most popular and holiest shrine of Hindus in kerela. Lord Ayyappa is the son of Lord Shiva. Every year devotees visit here between the month of November and January. To the reach temple one has trek around 4 – 5 km from river Pamba. For more info please visit the site: http://www.sabarimala.org/
Sree Vallabha temple at Thiruvalla: Located around 2 and 1/2 km away from Thiruvalla town Sree Vallabha temple is one of the 108 vaishnava thirupathis in India. The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu. the famous kerela dance kathakali is performed here as a ritual to the lord.
Pandalam: Pandalam is a holy place as well of tourist interest. One can see Valiyakoikkal Temple, pandalam palace, Pandalam Mahadevar Temple, Kurampala Puthankavil Bhagavathi Temple, Thonnallur Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi temple, Kaippuzha Sree Krishna Swami Temple, Poozhikkad Sree Dharma Sastha temple, * Kadakkad Mayayakshikkavu Sree Krishna Swami Temple, The centuries old Kadakkad Juma Masjid, Thumpamon Orthodox Cathedral and Kurampala St. Thomas Orthodox Church. It is located around 120 km from kochi and 105 km of Trivandram.
Parumala: This town is famous for Tomb of St. Gregorios (Parumala Thirumeni) – the first declared Indian Christian saint by the Orthodox Syrian Church. For more info visit: http://www.parumalachurch.com/
Omalloor: Located around 4 km from Pathanamthitta town is a popular religious place. You see Rektha Kanda Swamy Temple, St. Thomas Orthodox church, Mathoor Kaavu Bhagavathi Temple on the banks of Achenkovil river etc.
Niranam: Niranam is located around 5 km from Tiruvalla town is the seat of the Orthodox Syrian Church. St Thomas has an apostle has constructed this church. For info visit: http://www.niranamdiocese.org/
Kodumon ChilanThiyambalam: This temple at Kodumon is dedicated to the Spider (Chilanthi) god and the well in the temple premises is said to cure various skin diseases.
Kallooppara: Kallooppara located around 6 km from Tiruvalla town, is a heritage rural area due to its uniqueness. You can see the Kallooppara church – http://www.kalloopparachurch.com/. For more info on this place visit: http://www.kallooppara.com
Kaviyoor: Kaviyoor is a historically very important place as it has history of both Hindusim, Jainism and Buddhism. Located around 5 km from Tiruvilla you can see a magnificent rock carved temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Thirunelli Temple and Fort, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple and Njaliyil Bhagavathy Temple.
Paliakkara church: Paliakkara church is located in Tiruvalla and is popular for its design.
Perunthenaruvi Water Falls: Perunthenaruvi Water Falls is located around 15 km from Pathanamthitta town. Perunthenaruvi in English stand for “The Great Honey Stream”. This place is accessible by local bus or you can hire a vehicle.
Charalkunnu: Charalkunnu located around 17 km from Pathanamthitta is a popular hill resort.
Kakki Reservoir: Kakki Reservoir is an artificial lake formed by the creation of Kakki and Anathode dams were built in 1966. This a popular picnic spot located in the Pathanamthitta reserve forest. One can look for home stays there.