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Pathanamthitta travels

Hotel in Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta, a hilly terrain of pristine beauty is popular as the headquarters of pilgrim worship in Kerala. World famous Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala is in Pathanamthitta. 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 center. Pathanamthitta is bordered by the Western Ghats on the east, Kollam district on the south, Alappuzha district on the west and Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts on the north

. . . .	Attractions of Palakkad - Pamba : This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers. Perunthenaruvi Waterfall which is 36 km from Pathanamthitta on the banks of the Pamba river is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists. Sabarimala temple dedicated to lord Ayyappa is located in the banks of the river Pampa
	Sabarimala : One of the most famous pilgrim centers 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 (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).
	Aranmula : The Parthasarathi Temple dedicated to Sree Krishna on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival.Aranmula Boat Race is held during Onam (August - September). The snake boats assemble near the Sri Parthasarathy Temple before the grand procession. Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen and 25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd
	Pandalam : Pandalam is a holy town, 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.
	Reaching Palakkad : Air : Nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (119 km) Rail : Nearest railway station is at Thiruvalla (30 km); Chengannur (28 km) Road : Pathanamthitta is well connected by an excellent network of roads to all major towns in Kerala.