Pathanamthitta Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Pathanamthitta

Perunthenaruvi Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall that cascades in Perunthenaruvi. The place of this waterfall is 36 km away from the town of Pathanamthitta. This sparkling waterfall is on the banks of the Pamba river.

The view of water gurgling down from a height of 100 ft to a rocky path and then flowing into a ravine is indeed breathtaking. The beautiful surrounding makes the Perunthenaruvi Waterfall a famous tourist attraction. It is also an ideal place for picnicking and outing.

This place is a hot favourite among the shutter bugs as well. The word “Perunthenaruvi” means “the great stream of honey”. The name aptly suits the place as Perunthenaruvi is a hotspot for its waterfalls and attracts many globe-trotters. Though the height of these waterfalls is not extra-ordinary, its captivating beauty has made it popular among travellers.

Aranmula Parthasaradhy Temple lies in Aranmula, a small village in Pathanamthitta. The temple stands on the banks of the holy Pamba river surrounded by lush green scenery. The temple is dedicated to Parthasarathi, a form of Lord Krishna. The beautiful idol of Parthsarathi in this temple has the ‘sudarshan chakra’ in its hand. It is constructed in the traditional architectural style of Kerala.

The temple building is circular in shape. Apart from this temple, Aranmula is worth-visiting for Aranmula Vallamkali, the snake boat race, held during the Onam festival. It is also known for the Aranmula mirror called Aranmula Kannadi. Come to Aranmula during the week of Onam, enjoy the scenery and find inner peace in the Aranmula Parthasaradhy Temple.

Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church is situated in Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta District. It is another famous attraction of Pathanamthitta. This ancient church is believed to be established by Saint Thomas. The church dates back to the year 52 A.D. when the Saint arrived in Kerala.

Saint Thomas is known by the name of Apostle and is one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the church is one of the oldest units of practicing Christianity in the Indian subcontinent. The important festivals celebrated by the members of the Church include Christmas, Passion Week and the Ormaperunnal, which is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd day of November.

But, the most important festival of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church is the Passion Week that ends with the Resurrection Day or on Easter. This place is a must in a traveller’s list as it is established by Saint Thomas and being the oldest Church in India.

Manjinikkara Church is a pilgrim centre. It is built in Manjinikkara, about 4 km away from Pathanamthitta town. The Holy Patriarch of Anthiod, Mar Ignatius Elias III, visited India in 1931. When the famous Patriarch reached Manjinikkara, he was amazed by the beauty of the place and commented, “This place offers us much comfort; we desire to remain here permanently.”

The holy man left for his heavenly abode in Manjinikkara on 13 February 1932. The holy tomb of late Ignatius Elias III was preserved at the Manjinikkara Church. As a result, the church became significant. Later this place got converted into a pilgrim centre. Ormaperunnal is the annual festival which is celebrated in February.

Muloor Smarakam is dedicated to Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1931). He is a renowned poet and a social reformer of Kerala during the pre-independent era. The Muloor Smarakam, the memorial of Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker is located at Elavumthitta, which is a tiny village situated at a distance of 12 km from the town of Pathanamthitta.

The home of this famed poet and social reformer is converted into a memorial known by the name of Muloor Smarakam. This initiative was taken by the Department of Culture of the State Government. This place attracts historians and the beauty of the place draws many tourists.

Kadamanitta Devi Temple is situated at a small village called Kadamanitta which is 6 km away from the town of Pathanamthitta. This temple is noteworthy for the event of Padayani. Padayani is a ten-day-long ceremonial dance performance. The word means “a row of warriors.”

Though Padayani is conducted in many Bhagavati temples in many parts of Kerala, this event is more astounding and prominent in this Devi Temple. It is performed as a part of the annual temple festival held in the month of April.

The most important day of this festival is the 8th day when all the Kolams or masks are exhibited together. A sojourn to the Kadamanitta Devi Temple is a must during the festive season when the whole village comes together to celebrate.

The Bhagavathy Temple is an evidence of ancient architecture. It manifests exquisite craftsmanship through the grand and elaborate wall paintings and graceful stone figurines. The Bhagavathy Temple is positioned in Malayalappuzha which is a 9 km drive from Pathanamthitta. Though the temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, the Devi idol in the temple resembles the esteemed Bhadrakali.

The annual temple festival is celebrated in February and March that lasts for 11 days. The main events associated with this temple include the festival of “pattustavam’, which is reverence of the Gods and Goddesses with devotional songs, and the Shiva Ratri. The Bhagavathy Temple is also one of the leading pilgrimage centres in Pathanamthitta. A trip to this temple in the festival time is a must.

Triveni Sangamam lies on the way to Sabrimala. The devotees on their way to the famous Ayappa Temple at Sabrimala halt here to take a dip in it for redemption. Hence, it can be termed as the main halting place while visiting Sabrimala. Triveni Sangamam means the meeting point of three rivers.

This is the location where the Holy Pamba river confluences with the Manimala river basin in its north and the Achankovil river basin in the south. The Pamba river is called the Dakshina Ganga or the Ganges of South India. Triveni Sangamam is visited by millions of devotees on their way to Sabrimala. This pilgrimage spot draws visitors too who come here to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the place.

The Valiyakoyikkal Temple lies on the scenic banks of the Anchankovil river. It is 15 km away from the ‘Religious Capital of Kerala’, Pathanamthitta. The Valiyakoyikkal Temple of Sri Dharma Sastha is believed to be erected by the king of Pandalam. According to mythology, Sri Dharma Sastha, also known as Ayappa, was found abandoned on the banks of the river Pampa.

The Raja of Pandalam found him and considered the baby as a gift of God and adopted him. This Ayappa shrine has been sculptured based on the Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims visit this place to worship and then resume their journey to Sabarimala.

One of the main festivals associated with the Valiyakoyikkal Temple is Makaravilaku festival which is held for 3 days before the commemoration of Makaravilakku. In this festival, representatives of the temple carry the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa, which is called Thiruvabharanam in a procession from the Valiyakoyikkal temple to Sabarimala.

Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam Temple stands at a distance of 16 km away from the town of Pathanamthitta. It is situated at a tiny town called Kodumon in Pathanamthitta. The residing deity of this temple is Mahalakshmi and is worshipped by all people regardless of caste and religion.

This shrine is said to have been constructed during the reign of the last king of the Sakthibhadra kingdom. Kodumon is also famous as the birth place of the famed author Ascharya Chudamani, Sree Shakthi Bhadra. There is a magical well in the premises of the Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam Temple. The well is called “Chilaanthikinar”, meaning “spider well”. The water of this well has magical powers to heal all kinds of skin diseases. People from nearby places and far-off lands come here to get cure of skin diseases.