Situated near the Western Ghats and boarded by the hills, Pathanamthitta district is a treat to eyes with its vast unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed by nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.
Pathanamthitta is a true tropical diversity adorned with fertile agricultural land, plantations and forest. Paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. The district also abounds in extensive rubber plantations.
It is presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly under the Pandalam reign which had connections with the Pandya Kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile Kollam, Alappuzha and Idukki Districts. Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranny, Konni and Kozhencherry are some of the important places taken from Kollam District, where as Thiruvalla and Mallappally are the major places taken from Alappuzha District.
Pathanamthitta is a combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta which mean an array of houses on the river side. This district was formed on Ist November 1982 in the interest of the hastening process of development. The total area of the district is 2642 sq. km., of this 1390.73 sq.km., come under forest
The district consists of three natural divisions, viz., the lowland, the midland and the highland. The highland stretches through the western ghats and descends to the midland in the centre, down to the lowland and coconut gardens on the western borders of Alappuzha district. The topography of the district is highly undulating. It starts from the tall hillslopes covered with thick forests on the East along the mountains down to the valleys and small hills to the flat and of coconut trees in the West.
BR>The district has more or less the same climate conditions as prevalent elsewhere in the State, viz., dry seasons from December to February and hot seasons from March to May. The south west monsoon from June to September and the north west monsoon from October to November provide fairly good rain. The south west monsoon is usually very heavy and about 75% of the annual rain is received during this season. The climate is generally moderate, the temperature rising from 20 to 39 degree Celsius.
Forest covers an area of 1390.73 sq.kms. in the district. This is more than 50% of the total area of the district, while the optimum area fixed by experts is only 33%. The total cropped area in Pathanamthitta district is 1086.53 sq.kms. The forests in the districts can broadly be classified as evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forest.
Timber is the most important forest produce in the district. In fact, forest is the main source of raw materials for wood based industrial units. Teak, rosewood, jack tree, manjakadambu, anjili, pala etc. are some of the important varieties of timber available. Apart from providing raw materials for rayon, newsprint, plywood etc., these forests are a source for a number of useful minor product like bamboo, reeds, honey, medicinal plants and herbs.
Three important rivers flow through this district. They are Pampa, Achankovil and Manimala Rivers. The Pampa river is formed by the confluence of Pambayar, Aruthayar, Kakkadayar, Kakkar and Kallar. It descends from Sabarimala, flows through various parts of Ranny taluk, enters Alappuzha district after joining with river Manimala and river Achankovil and empties itself into the Vembanad lake. The river Achankovil is formed by the confluence of several small streams originating from Rishimala, Pasukidamettu and Ramakkalteri and joins the Pamba at Veeyapuram in Alappuzha district.
One third of the electricity produced by the State comes from this district. Power is generated from the Sabarigiri Hydro-electric Project situated at the Pamba basin in the district.
The abundant water resource in the district is also utilised for irrigation purposes through the Kallada Irrigation Project and the Pamba Irrigation Project.
The district has a total population of 1231577 as per 2001 census. The female population is 643542 and male population is 588035.
The district has two revenue divisions, viz., Thiruvalla and Adoor. The district consists of five taluks, viz., Ranni, Kozhencherry, Adoor, Thiruvalla and Mallappally. There are sixty eight villages in the district.
The headquarters of the District Panchayat is at Pathanamthitta. There are nine block panchayats. They are Parakode, Pandalam, Kulanada, Elanthoor, Konni, Mallappally, Ranni, Koipuram and Pulikkeezhu. The number of Grama Panchayats in the district are 53. Adoor, Thiruvalla and Pathanamthitta are the municipalities.
Pathanamthitta district does not have any full-fledged Parliament constituency in its purview. Its eight Assembly constituencies are segmented and made parts of different Parliamentary constituencies. Adoor and Konni are made part of Adoor Parliamentary constituency. Thiruvalla, Kalloopara, Aranmula and parts of Pandalam Assembly constituencies belong to Mavelikkara Parliamentary constituency and Ranni and Pathanamthitta come under Idukki Parliamentary constituency. Thus, Pathanamthitta is not yet unified in terms of Parliamentary constituencies.
Kaviyoor, located 5 km east of Thiruvalla on the banks of the river Manimala, is famous for its temples. The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple, also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department. It bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and has prompted historians to date it to a period as early as the eighth century AD.
The engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculptures in Kerala. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of the shrine Lord Siva represented in the ' Sivalinga' which is about three feet high and carved out of rock. The shrine also has idols of Ganapathy, Maharshi and Dwarapalakas.
Another noted shrine in Kaviyoor is the Hanuman Temple which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala
The Perunthenaruvi waterfalls on the banks of the Pamba river is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Aranmula is a small village world-famous for its metal mirrors with no refraction, the Aranmula Kannadi (kannadi means mirror in Malayalam). The technology for this is not used anywhere else in the world. Aranmula is famous for its spectacular snake-boat races starting from mid-September. Those of you who are artistically inclined should check out the fine 18th century murals in Parthasarathi temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, on the banks of the river Pampa. You could also stop by at the Vijnana Kalavedi, centre for training in traditional art forms and the Vastuvidya Gurukulam, a centre for consultancy and training in traditional architecture.
The Parthasarathi Temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna, on the banks of the holy River Pamba, attractions large crowds of devotees. The famous Aranmula snake boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival. The 'Vijinana Kalavedi" at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like 'Kathakali', classical dances, classical music as well as 'Kalaripayattu'. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi Temple here also has fine murals from the 18th century. Aranmula is also very famous for its hand made mirrors of polished metal called ' Aranmula Kannadi', which is a unique craft and not found anywhere else in the world.
An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year.
The Akadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten long 'Padayani' performances held in connection with the annual festival in April - May.
5kms east of Thiruvalla, situated on the banks of the River Manimala, Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Kaviyoor Temple and the rock cut temple nearby are of great archaeological importance. The Hanuman Temple stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture. The stone figures here are considered to be the earliest specimen of stone sculpture in Kerala.
The water of the 'Chilanthikinar' well in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases.
Situated on the banks of the Rver Pamba, Kozhencherry is well known for the religious Maramon Convention held annually in Feb-March, which is the biggest gathering of Christians in Asia. People of all communities attend it, as religious thinkers and Christian scholars from across the world address the convention.
8 km from Pathanamthitta, the goddess at the Bhagavathy temple here, is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realise their dreams. The Temples has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.
Mar Ignatius Elias III, the hold patriot of Anthiod, while on a visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved at this church, as later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual festival, Ormaperunnal is held in February.
The old Shiva Temple on the Pamba Pathanamthitta road is an important place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and Ecumenical Centre of the Christians are located here.
7 kms from Thiruvalla at Niranam is the oldest Christian Church in India, believed to be built by St. Thomas in 52 AD
14 kms from Chengannur railway station, Pandalam, as a holy town is perhaps second to Sabrimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here, as the son of Raja of Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace, on the banks of River Achenkovil has been 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 Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.
10 kms from Thiruvalla, the Ormaperunal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorious Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the first and second of November.
One of the most famous pilgrim 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 only by foot, from Pamba (4kms). The hold shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India, from different castes, creed, especially from other parts of South India. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season, which is from Nov to mid Jan. The Temple remains closed during the rest of the year, except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during 'Vishu' in April. Sabarimala is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. Men of all ages are allowed inside the temple but women only below 10 years and above 50 years of age are permitted inside.
This is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings. The SreeVallabha Temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala, where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.
(72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi): One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Pilgrim season: November to mid January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April). Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla (102 km)
The headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings. The Sree Vallabha temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.
(13 km from Adoor)This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned 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.
(Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 14 km) As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil has been modelled 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 Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.
An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the river bed of the Pamba, usually in February every year.
Mar Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthiod while on a visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved at this church. Later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual festival (Ormaperunnal) is held in February.
JSituated 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 across the world. This is perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia. Maniyar (20 km from Pathanamthitta): This is a beautiful dam site. Seethathode:The Kerala State Electricity Board has a power generating station here. Moozhiyar(57 km from Pathanamthitta): This is an enchanting dam site. Pathanamthitta town: This is the district headquarters. The town is a land of religious and cultural harmony, where a number of churches, temples and mosques can be found close to each other. The annual Chandanakudam festival at the mosque in the heart of the town is a major event
(5 km from Pathanamthitta): The Rakthakanta Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair held in the Malayalam month of Meenam are the main attractions of Omallur. People from both within and outside the State participate in the fair.
(8 km 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.
(11 km from Pathanamthitta)An agricultural region, Konni is 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 Anakoodu where elephants are tamed and trained for work.
(12 km from Pathanamthitta)The memorial to Muloor, a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta.
(15 km from Pathanamthitta town)The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases. Kodumon is also the birth place of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author of Ascharya Chudamani.
This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers.
Place :Parumala Parumala (10 km from Thiruvalla): The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November. Charalkunnu: This picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging. Kakki Reservoir: Tigers, elephants and monkeys can be sighted in the forest surrounding the reservoir.
Location : Aranmula, 16 km from Pathanamthitta, the district headquarters. Attractions : A unique institution for ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings. The Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, a school constituted by the state Cultural Department is situated at Aranmula, 16 km away from Pathanamthitta town. The main objective of the gurukulam is the preservation and promotion of vasthuvidya and mural paintings. It also aims at the renovation and conservation of traditional buildings and mural paintings. Vasthuvidya is the ancient science of Indian architecture which is a pure and ethnic expression of Indian socio-cultural heritage. The gurukulam conducts a one year Post Graduate Diploma Programme in vasthuvidya, in addition to a four month training course in the application of the principles and practices of vasthuvidya for the craftsmen engaged in the construction industry. The gurukulam has a consultancy wing for designs and constructions based on the principles of vasthuvidya. Nearest railway station : Chengannur, about 10 km.
