|
|
|
Tourist Attractions in Pathanamthitta |
| |
|
Tourist
Attractions in Pathanamthitta
The various tourist attractions in Pathanamthitta are Omallur,
Malayalapuzha, Kadamanitta, Konni, Sabarimala, Aranmula,
Thiruvalla, Kaviyoor. |
| |
|
Omallur
The Rakthakanta Swamy temple and the annual cattle fair held
in the Malayalam month of Meenam are the main attraction of
Omallur. People from both within and outside the state
participate in the fair.
Malayalapuzha
The goddess at the Bhagavathy Temple in Malayalapuzha is
believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realize
their dreams. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and
artistic stone carvings.
Kadamanitta
The Kadamanitta Devi temple is famous for the ten day long
Padayani performances held in connection with the annual
festival in April - May.
Konni
Konni is an agricultural region, and 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 Anakodu where elephants are tamed and trained for
work. |
| |
|
Sabarimala
Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrimage 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 by foot from Pamba (4 km). The
temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa who is |
 |
|
|
regarded as the
guardian of the mountaineers. This temple is open from November to mid
January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main
festivals which are celebrated during this season. The temple
stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first
five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu. People of
all castes and creeds are permitted inside the temple, except
the women between 10 to 50 years of age. |
| |
|
Aranmula
Aranmula is located about 50 kms from Kottayam. The
Parthasarthi temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna on the banks of
the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees.
Aranmula is the place where the splendid Onam festival boat
races take place. The famous Aranmula boat race is held on the
last day of the week long Onam festival. These races are
religious, based on a temple festival. Caparisoned elephants
with beaded umbrellas, processions of decorated floats, and
highly ornate boats make this a lovely event to witness. The
Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the
traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical
music as well as Kalaripayattu. The foreign tourists stay here
for long period to get a first hand knowledge of the culture
of Kerala. The Parthasarthi temple here has fine murals from
the 18th century. Aranmula is also famous for its metal
mirrors, a unique craft which is not found anywhere else in
the world.
Thiruvalla
Thiruvalla is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma
Syrian Church. The Paliakara Church in Thiruvalla has some
exquisite mural paintings. The Sree Vallabha temple in
Thiruvalla is perhaps the only temple in Kerala where
Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.
Kaviyoor
Kaviyoor is situated on the banks of the Manimala river, and
famous for its temples. The Hanuman temple is situated on a
small hillock and is built in the gable style of architecture
peculiar to Kerala. The rock cut Shiva temple, half a
kilometer away, is of great archaeological significance. This
temple belongs to the 18th century AD, and bears close
resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture. The stone
engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone
sculpture in Kerala. |
| |
|
 |
|
The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple |
|
|
Mannadi
Mannadi is situated about 13 kms. from Adoor. At this place,
the Veluthampi Dalawa, the famous freedom fighter of
Travancore spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy temple
here has some exquisite stone sculptures. The annual festival
is held in February - March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore
and Folk Arts functions here.
Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls
The Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls is situated about 36 kms. from
Pathanamthitta. The Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls on the banks of
the Pamba river is a favourite picnic spot for both dometic
and foreign tourists.
Pandalam
As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala.
Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human
sojourn as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal
temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil was
modeled 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
Ayappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.
Parumala
The ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorious
Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church
is celebrated on the first and second day of every November.
Manjanikara Church
Mar Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthiod while on
his visit to India, died at this place in 1932. Later this
place was developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual festival
is held in the month of February.
Maramon
Maramon, near Kozhencherry is the venue of the largest
religious convention of Christians from all over the world. It
is attended by people from all communities. The convention
which is usually held in February is addressed by religious
thinkers and Christian scholars from all over the world. This
is perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia. |
|
|
