Pathanamthitta,

Pathanamthitta, a hilly terrain of pristine beauty is popular as the headquarters of pilgrim worship in Kerala. More than fifty per cent of the total area of this land of temples, rivers, mountain ranges and coconut groves is covered by forests. The district is frequented by visitors from India and abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrines and the cultural training centre. Pathanamthitta is bordered by the Western Ghats on the east, Kollam district on the south, Alappuzha district on the west and Kottayam and Idukki districts on the north.

Vijana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre

Louba Schild, a French scholar under the Indo-French Cultural Exchange Programme, who started this centre with UNESCO support, founded this famous cultural centre. Those interested in culture and art, gather from different parts of the country over here. The centre offers residential training courses, in Kerala's traditional arts & crafts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kalaripayattu, Music, wood carving etc.

Vijana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre

Charalkunnu Hill station

The picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging.

Charalkunnu Hill station

Parumala St. Peters & St. Pauls Orthodox Church Parumala

It is at this church that Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church in Kerala takes his eternal rest. The annual commemorative feast ( Orma ) of the saint is celebrated with much pomp. There is a ceremonial procession on the day of the feast. Devotees from across the state attend the special rites and prayers offered here on this day.
Getting there : Thiruvalla is connected by good motorable roads with other parts of the State. Nearest railway station : Thiruvalla, about 11 km. Nearest airport :Cochin International Airport, about 102 kms from Thiruvalla.

Parumala St. Peters & St. Pauls Orthodox Church Parumala

Parthasarathy temple, Adoor

Gajamela, elephant processions on the concluding day is the highlight of the ten-day annual festival at Sree Parthasarathy temple here. Nine majestically caparisoned elephants take part in this spectacular procession which culminates at Chennapatti temple, 3 km away. Ottanthullal and a few other art forms are also staged on the tenth day.

The shrine is dedicated to Lord Sree Krishna, known here in the name of Parthasarathy (Partha's charioteer; Partha (Arjuna) was one of the five Pandava princes, the heroes of the epic Mahabharatha).

The temple also celebrates Ashtamirohini the birthday of Sree Krishna. Parichamuttukali - a folk art resembling the martial steps, Mayooranritham - Peacock dance, Ammandudam, Velakali - dance symbolic of ancient warfare, etc are performed during the Ashtamirohini festival

Parthasarathy temple, Adoor

Manjanikara Church

Mar Ingatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthoid while on a visit to India, died at this place in 1932. Later this place developed into a pilgrim center. The annual festival (ormaperunnal) is held in February.

Manjanikara Church

Maramon

Situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the venue of a mammoth 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.

Maramon

GAVI

Spread across the beauty of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi is a quiet, beautiful and pristine forest haven. It is at the eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District at 3400 ft above MSL. These evergreen forests are abundant with magnificent Wildlife including the tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking & Mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, other varieties of monkeys, Nilgiri Marten and a lot more.

GAVI

Kadamanitta

8 kms 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.

Kadamanitta

The Konni Elephant Training Centre

The elephant capturing at Konni traces back to 1810 A.D. The major elephant capturing locations include Mundom moozhy, Mannarappara and Thura. The elephant training cage which is present now was built in the year 1942 A.D. The wood of "Kambakam" was used for this. The present training cage has the capacity to train 6 elephants. The dimensions of the training cage are - Length of 12.65 Meters, Width of 8.60 Meters and a Height of 7 Meters. The elephant training cage and its premises comprises 9 acres (36,000 m2) of land.

The Konni Elephant Training Centre

Perunthenaruvi Water Falls

Perunthenaruvi is another important tourist destination at Pathanamthitta. Located on the Western Ghats of Sahyadri Range, Perunthenaruvi is famous for the water fall there. Rather than the height, the stream here spreads over a wide area. It is a spectacular view of the water bubbling over the rocks.

Moreover, the singing of the birds and the gush of the wild breeze enhances the tour spirit.

The stream later unites with the Holy River Pampa.

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