The district of Pathanamthitta is known as Kerala’s “Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism.” Pathanamthitta district, located near the Western Ghats and bounded by hills, is a visual treat with its endless stretches of woods, rivers, and agricultural landscapes. The district is known for its scenic beauty, fairs, and festivals, and it is blessed by nature. Here some of the tourist places in Pathanamthitta.
Aranmula
Aranmula Snake Boat Race, also known as Aranmula Vallamkali, is a popular boat race held in the never-ending Kerala Backwaters. It is located 15 kilometres from Pathanamthitta, 53 kilometres from Alappuzha, and 57 kilometres from Kumarakom. This is an annual boat race held in Kerala’s Aranmula district during the Onam festival, which takes place in the months of August and September. Uthrittathi Boat Race is another name for it. The Sri Parthasarathy Temple on the banks of the Pamba River gave birth to Aranmula Vallamkali. Aranmula is known for its Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirrors), the centuries-old Sree Krishna Temple, and the one-of-a-kind Vallasadya ritualistic feast.
Thriveni Sangamam
The Thriveni Sanganam, located on the route to Sabarimala, is the site where the Holy Pamba River meets the Manimala River in the north and the Achankovil River in the south, as the name says. Devotees come here to wash away their sins by bathing in the holy water. Millions of visitors go to the area to take in the breathtaking scenery. The Pamba River, commonly known as the Dakshina Ganga or the South Indian Ganges, is the country’s third longest river, beginning its journey in the Western Ghats. Devotees say that King Rajasekara had a vision of Lord Ayappa near this holy river. Thousands of devotees visit Triveni Sanganam every year, not only to sanctify themselves in the holy water, but also to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the location and its natural environs.
Sabarimala
It is a famous Hindu pilgrimage place in the country and is known as the “Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa.” The temple is situated on a hilltop at an elevation of 468 metres (1535 feet) above sea level, surrounded by mountains and dense trees. Millions of pilgrims from all over the country converge here during the most arduous festivals known as ‘Vishu Vilakku’ in April, ‘Mandalapooja’ in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu (Nov. – Dec.), and ‘Makaravilakku’ in mid January, coinciding with Sankramam. view more
Elephant Training Center
Konni is one of Kerala’s most well-known elephant training centres. It is located in the Pathanamthitta area and receives a huge number of people throughout the year. The large wooden cages in which the elephants are kept are one of the main attractions here. They can accommodate up to 3 to 4 elephants at a time and are known locally as Aanakoodu. This training site was used to train wild elephants and is located in a dense woodland area. This location offers elephant safaris as well as strenuous trekking programmes. The lively behaviour of the baby elephants amuses visitors, particularly children. They are even allowed to interact with the baby elephants. Elephant poo is recycled to generate paper at the elephant training centre, which is an interesting fact. Forest items such as honey and sandalwood are sold in establishments near Aanakoodu.
Thrikkakkudi Rock-Cut Temple - Kaviyoor
The Rock Cut Cave Temple, also known as the Kaviyoor Thrikkakkudi Cave Temple, is an ancient temple carved into a giant rock in Kaviyoor in the Pathanamthitta district. This temple, dedicated to Lord Siva, is one of Kerala’s three rock-cut temples and one of the state’s rare rock-cut temple specimens. The Archaeological Department has designated it as a monument. Lord Siva is ensconced in a square cave and is represented by a 3 foot tall Siva Linga. There are additional idols of Ganapathy, Maharshi, and Dwarapalakas in the temple.
Maramadi Bull Race
Bullrace is a Kerala, India post-harvest event. A large crowd gathers around a 100-meter field to support the bulls and jockey. Anandapalli, near Adoor, hosts the Maramadi Bull Race. In the months of August and September, this festival is held. Maramadi is a rural sport associated with the harvest festival having a 200-year history. The marathon takes place in a stadium made up of vast swaths of freshly ploughed paddy fields. Each pair of bulls is steered by three farmers who serve as guides. This race features over 30 such units. These bulls have been specially bred, fed, and trained for this occasion, and they are even treated like kings. It is most advanturic tourist places in Pathanamthitta
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