Tourist Places to Visit in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India

Tourist Places to Visit in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India

Pathanamthitta is a municipal town as well as the administrative headquarter of Pathanamthitta District in South Indian state of Kerala. It is located about 108 km north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram and about 118 southeast of commercial capital Cochin. Pathanamthitta is considered as the ‘Pilgrim Capital of Kerala’ home to renowned Sabarimala Temple of Lord Ayyappa.

Idukki district touches the border of Pathanamthitta District in the north, Kollam district to the south, Alappuzha district on the west, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu to the east and Kottayam district towards northwest.

Pathanamthitta is geographically placed at 28°18′N latitude and 74°58′E longitude and positioned at an elevation of 31 meters. Pathanamthitta District covers an area of 2,642 sq. km. and the Postal Code of Pathanamthitta is 689645.

Pathanamthitta is widely popular for fisheries and houses several rivers, reservoirs, streams, ponds, quarries and paddy fields. Other than the fisheries, Pathanamthitta is home to few small scale industries.

Etymology and History of Pathanamthitta:

The name ‘Pathanamthitta’ originated from two Malayalam words ‘Pathanam’ and ‘Thitta’ and the literal meaning of Pathanamthitta is ‘group of homes on the river region’.

Pandya Kingdom ruled Pathanamthitta for many years and Pathanamthitta also witnessed the rule of British Government during the British rule in India.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Pathanamthitta:

Pathanamthitta is a pilgrims paradise home to numerous prominent holy places. Sabarimala Temple devoted to Lord Ayyappa is a major worship place attracts pilgrims from all over India for the Makara Jyothi Darshanam on January 14^th every year. Malankara Orthodox Church, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple and Kadammanitta Devi Temple are other prominent worship places of Pathanamthitta.

Keralite is the style of cuisine of Kerala State. The natives of Pathanamthitta highly use coconut and spices to cook mouthwatering foods. Dosa, Idly, Vada, Palav, Parota, Poori and Pongal are the popular food items in Pathanamthitta. Also the locals of Pathanamthitta are great lovers of non vegetarian foods like Biryani, Kabab, Mutton Masala and egg noodles.

Pathanamthitta is packed with full of retail outlets, branded cloth stores, South Indian and North Indian Restaurants, Chinese Corners, vehicle showrooms and handicraft shops.

Connectivity to Pathanamthitta:

Pathanamthitta has good connectivity with all around the state through well maintained road infrastructure and the KSRTC operates luxury and general buses to the nook and corner of the state as well the neighboring states. Pathanamthitta Town Bus Stand is the major bus stand of the town and also one can board buses from local bus junctions too.

Chenganur Railway Station is the nearest and major railway station to Pathanamthitta located at a distance of 24 kms. Pathanamthitta is 112 km away from its nearest airport Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Visitor Magnetisms of Pathanamthitta:

Sabarimala:

Sabarimala is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and it attracts pilgrims from all over India for the annual Makara Jyothi Darshanam on January 14^th every year. It is situated in Perunad Village.

Perunthenaruvi Waterfall:

Perunthenaruvi Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located about 35 kms from Pathanamthitta Town. Here water falls from the height of 100 feet and the beautiful view of the waterfall provides a pleasant feel to visitors.

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple:

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is situated on the banks of Pamba River in Aranmula. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was constructed in circle shape and designed with beautiful Kerala architecture.

Bhagavathy Temple:

Bhagavathy Temple is devoted to Goddess Mookambika in Malayalappuzha about 10 km from Pathanamthitta Town. The stylish wall paintings and stone figures are the main attractions of the temple.

Manjinikkara Church:

Manjinikkara Church is a pilgrim place of Christians and is famous for its divine tomb of Ignatius Elias III. It is sited 7 km away from Pathanamthitta Town.

The list of other tourist places in and around Pathanamthitta include:

Kadamanitta Devi Temple
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple
Sree Vallabha Temple
Parthasarathi Temple

Best time to visit Pathanamthitta:

During the moths of Winter Season, especially January month is the ideal time to reach Pathanamthitta because annual fair of Sabarimala Temple celebrated on January 14^th.

Accommodation options in and around Pathanamthitta:

Hotels located in Pathanamthitta provides world class hospitality services. International and star hotels with various facilities like cable TV, laundry, fitness centre and conference room in Pathanamthitta are as follows: