Pathanamthitta Travel Essentials

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"Pilgrim Capital of Kerala"

Pathanamthitta Tourism

Pathanamthitta, in southern Kerala, is a town immersed in spirituality and mysticism. Blessed with several ancient temples, it is renowned as headquarters of pilgrimage in Kerala as Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district. It is a land of untouched beauty with pristine rivers, lofty mountain ranges and sprawling coconut groves.

The region is parted into a fascinating topography of highlands, midlands and lowlands crafted by three rivers coursing in the town. The town of Pathanamthitta is also marked by a culture unique to this place as well as an art of metal mirrors i.e. Aranmula Kannadi, handcrafted with intricacy and poise. The town also practices the art of 'vaasthu vidya' in its purest form at a heritage village of Vassthu Vidya Gurukulam. Bounded by captivating vistas at every step, this bewitching town promise of an experience you never dreamt of.

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The Boat Race

The famous snake boat race is organised at the stretch of riverpamba at Aranmula. The snake boat is actually a boat which is extraordinarily shaped like a snake, with a length of about 100 ft. The race is held during the Onam festival, on the last day, to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna. If you are in town during that time, make sure not to miss the spectacle.

Pilgrimage Capital of Kerala

Pathanamthitta has earned a reputation of being the ‘pilgrimage capital of Kerela' because of the famous Sabarimala temple. Located at the height of 914 meters above sea level (on the bank of river Achankovil), in the middle of 18 hills and surrounded by forests, this temple of God Ayyappan draw thousands of devotees each year. From the moment a pilgrim goes up the hill, he feels the presence of Holy spiritual power and the burden of his past that comes undone in this presence. However, Sabarimala temple is also infamous for it’s gender discriminative policy- women aged between 10 and 50 are banned from entering the premises of the temple. Other famous temples of this district include Shree Vallabha temple and Parthasarathy temple. Apart from hosting Hindu pilgrims, Pathanamthitta also hosts a significant Christian convention- the Maramon Convention, which is the largest Christian convention in Asia. Held in February every year on the vast sand bed of the Pompa river, beside the Kozhencherry Bridge, this convention is organized by the Missionary wing of Mar Thoma Church known as Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association.

Flora and Fauna

The rivers and fertile land of Pathanamthitta district have made tropical biodiversity possible. As much as 50% of the district is covered with forests, providing reach coverage of Flora. A variety of plants include medicinal plants, spices, timber crops, fruit and fibre plants. The popular aromatic and spice trees found here include names like Pepper, Ginger, Cardamom, Turmeric. Other species such as Timber, Teak, Rosewood, Anjili are also found in abundance. The forests here are home to an excellent variety of wildlife habitat. Tigers, elephants, gaurs, monkeys, deer, giant squirrel, lion tailed macaques, barking deer and bear are found in the reserves. Pathanamthitta is also home to the Indian Peacock. Other varieties of birds seen here include Malabar Grey and Great Indian Hornbill, Sunbird, Woodpeckers and Kingfisher.

Restaurants and Local Food in Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is an important pilgrim hub and thus is always flanked by devotees and nature lovers. For its tourists, the town offers several restaurants and eating joints all across the town. You will also find some nice Christian restaurant which serves alcohol and Syrian Christian food. Other than that, South Indian cuisine is the predominant cuisine of the town.
Also make sure you indulge yourself with lots of coconut water while in the area.
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Suggested Itinerary for Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is an important spiritual hub of Kerala which is packed with several ancient temples. However, if you are travelling the town for just one day, make sure you cover all the major tourist attractions. After a warm breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with the blessings of Sabarimala Temple, one of the major landmarks of the town. Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Perunthenaruvi Waterfall, Manjinikkara Church, Kaviyoor Rock Temple and Thriveni Sangamam are some of the popular tourist spots that are suggested on a one-day itinerary of this town. Other than all these places of excursion, the town is also blessed with nature in abundance and an environ full of peace and tranquillity. With so many attractions that cater to the need of all kind of tourists, Pathanamthitta is definitely worth a visit.

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How to Reach Pathanamthitta

How to Reach Overview

Pathanamthitta is in Kerala state. It is well connected to other states of Kerala via buses. There is neither airport nor railway station in Pathanamthitta. The nearest station is nearly 30 km away. The most convenient way is travelling by road.

How to reach Pathanamthitta by flight

Trivandrum International Airport serves as the nearest airport to Pathanamthitta. It is located nearly 120 km from the town and is well-connected to several major cities of India as well as many the Middle East and South East Asian countries. You can easily avail a taxi from the airport till the required destination. The Chipsan Aviation also operates regular helicopter services from Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram to Sabarimala.

How to reach Pathanamthitta by road

Pathanamthitta is easily approachable through all the major town of Kerala via a well-maintained network of roads. Private buses, as well as KSRTC buses, plies regularly within and outside the town like Kochi, Trivandrum, Mangalore, Coimbatore, Kozhikode and Madurai. In fact, there are direct buses that connect the town from the other major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai.

How to reach Pathanamthitta by train

The nearest railway station to Pathanamthitta is Chengannur about 28 km away. Thiruvall is another option to approach the town via rail which is situated at a distance of 30 km. Bus and taxi both are available outside the station till town.

Local transport in Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is a small town where there is regular influx of tourists and pilgrims in large number. The transportation facilities in the town are plenty and according to everyone's budget. The place offers a very efficient bus service and is an economical way to commute. Auto rickshaws are also an option especially in case of commuting between the tourist attractions. However, make sure you bargain as they tend overcharge the outsiders. Taxi is another best option which is available at quite cheap rates. Car rentals are also easily available in the town where you can self drive if well versed with the place. No matter whatever way of commutation you choose, make sure you plan your trip keeping weather condition of the region in mind.

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Pathanamthitta Photos

Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Sree Vallabha Temple
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple
Paliakara Church

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FAQs on Pathanamthitta

Who should visit Pathanamthitta?

This place is for the elderly and families. Pathanamthitta is quiet, peaceful and calm, thus making idle for a vacation for the elderly people. The place can be very relaxing for city dwellers.

What are the places near Pathanamthitta?

The top places near to Pathanamthitta are Alleppey which is 43 km from Pathanamthitta, Munnar which is located 96 km from Pathanamthitta, Thekkady which is located 56 km from Pathanamthitta, Varkala which is located 59 km from Pathanamthitta, Sabarimala which is located 37 km from Pathanamthitta

What are the things to do in Pathanamthitta?

The top things to do in Pathanamthitta are Perunthenaruvi Waterfall, Thriveni Sangamam, Konni Forest Reserve, Kaviyoor Rock Temple, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple, Manjinikkara Church. You can see all the places to visit in Pathanamthitta here

What is the best way to reach Pathanamthitta?

Pathanamthitta is in Kerala state. It is well connected to other states of Kerala via buses. There is neither airport nor railway station in Pathanamthitta. The nearest station is nearly 30 km away. The most convenient way is travelling by road.
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What is the local food in Pathanamthitta?

Pathanamthitta is an important pilgrim hub and thus is always flanked by devotees and nature lovers. For its tourists, the town offers several restaurants and eating joints all across the town. You will also find some nice Christian restaurant which serves alcohol and Syrian Christian food. Other than that, South Indian cuisine is the predominant cuisine of the town.
Also make sure you indulge yourself with lots of coconut water while in the area.
Read More

What is the best time to visit Pathanamthitta?

Pathanamthitta experiences hot and humid summers with temperature ranging around 20 to 30 degrees Celcius. Monsoon season in the town receives heavy rainfalls restricting the outdoor excursions. It rains 9 months in a year. However, the winter months are extremely pleasant and are recommended as the best time to explore this enchanting land.
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What is not so good about Pathanamthitta?

There are not many luxurious accommodation options here since pilgrims are required to keep basic ascetic lifestyle. Communicating with the locals can be a problem, as most people speak Malyalam.

What is famous about Pathanamthitta?

It is a beautiful place filled with temples and churches of ancient stories of our religion. Being close to the Western Ghats, the presence of low rippling hills, lush green forests and rivers make the place jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

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Rohit Shroff

6 years ago
- Carry a pair of sport shoes for there will be a lot of walking and hiking around.
- Make sure you take proper precautions before indulging in any sports activity including swimming and boating.< (Read More)br>- Plan your trip in winter season as summers experience heat and high humidity while monsoon receives heavy rainfall.
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