Pathanamthitta: Discover Headquarters Of Pilgrimage Tourism!

Pathanamthitta is a pilgrim town located in the central Travancore side in the south Indian state of Kerala. The district is famous for the controversial temple Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, visited by pilgrims from all over India.

The biodiversity and the natural splendor of the district of Pathanamthitta are also quite adorable. The district is blessed with a majority of forest regions so if you are a lover of wilderness, forest trails, and a pristine version of nature, you will definitely fall in love with this place.

Culturally, this place is quite diverse and you can witness a lot of various rituals and customs here. If you are interested in any of the particular festivals or fairs in the town of Pathanamthitta, make sure to plan your visit during the season time to make the most out of it. Below we have mentioned a few, best places to visit Pathanamthitta.

Thriveni Sangamam

This natural tourist attraction is found in the location called Moolamattom in the town of Pathanamthitta. This peculiar place can be seen if you are traveling on the road to Sabarimala. This is also considered a sacred location by the Sabarimala pilgrims and the believers of Hinduism as well. This is marked as one of the best places to visit Pathanamthitta

In the Indian cultural context, Triveni Sangamam is said to happen when any three rivers meet at a particular point.

Here in the case of Pathanamthitta, Manimala, Achankovil, and Pamba are the rivers meeting together. Taking a dip in this confluence region is believed to have many spiritual benefits such as freeing from the sins one has committed in the course of their life. 

Gavi

Gavi is a rustic region found in the town of Pathanamthitta. Forest and wilderness form the majority geography of the village. This area of the town is quite picturesque and would give you the perfect forest vibes from every angle. Gavi is also one of the best places to visit Pathanamthitta.

Hill station lovers would definitely love to visit this region on their trip to the town of Pathanamthitta. Entry passes are required to travel to this rural outskirts of the district. You can request and get them from the check post under the Forest Department of the government.

Winter months would be the most appropriate to visit the village concerning safety and convenience. Trekking and hiking lovers can also enjoy the trip to Gavi since the location has got a lot of provisions for similar activities. The biodiversity of the area is also quite unique and impressive. 

Aranmula

Aranmula is one of the locations that make the town of Pathanamthitta perfect for Hindu pilgrimages. This location can also be regarded as a cultural hub of the town of Pathanamthitta. The location is much scenic with the presence of the river of Pamba.

The local artisans of the town of Aranmula have acquired international prominence with the making of their signature ‘Aranmula Valkannadi’ a kind of metal mirror considered a precious traditional possession of the state of Kerala.

It has also got the special title of “world’s cleanest mirror”. “Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple” is a popular Hindu pilgrimage location you can visit if you have plans to cover the town of Aranmula. Lord Krishna is the major deity worshipped in the shrine of the temple. Aranmula boat race is a cultural fair attracting international attention to the place. 

Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple

Another pilgrim destination for believers of Hinduism in the town of Pathanamthitta. Lord Shiva is the main deity of worship in the temple. From the town center of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta, you can reach the temple at a distance of just 5 KM.

Being located on the banks of the river of Manimala, the surroundings of the temple are quite scenic and can give you a feeling of natural retreat and calmness. The temple is also connected with a lot of historical and mythical legends associated with the religion of Hinduism.

The maintenance and management of the temple are carried out by the Archaeological Department of India. The Pallava Architectural peculiarities make the temple much more picturesque to visit and indulge in. Many historical artifacts can also be spotted inside the temple. 

Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls 

If you are looking for a location that is just full of natural vibes and nothing else, Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls has got all the specialties to grab a space in your Pathanamthitta itinerary. The waterfall is surrounded by rich and dense forest trails making it a destination fascinating to forest lovers.

Solo travelers can definitely enjoy some mysterious vibes while traveling to the location of the falls all alone. The musical qualities of the flowing stream are also quite mesmerizing for those who are in love with mother nature.

Wouldn't you rather be at Perunthenaruvi, a natural #waterfalls now? #Pathanamthitta #GoKerala pic.twitter.com/c5pYOZhSng

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) September 24, 2017

This can be regarded as an offbeat destination in the district of Pathanamthitta. But it is undoubtedly worth your time and effort if you are obsessed with such hidden gems of nature. The name of the waterfalls when gets translated into English gets the meaning, “River of Honey”. 

Muloor Smarakam 

This is one of the historically significant locations you can travel to when in the town of Pathanamthitta. Muloor Memorial is the other name of the destination. History enthusiasts will definitely find this visit worth their time and energy.

If you are someone who is keen to know more about the cultural characteristics and features of the town of Pathanamthitta, you can also try visiting the location of Muloor Memorial. From the city center of Pathanamthitta, you can easily get to the location of the memorial at a distance of 12km. Muloor is the name of the person to which the memorial is dedicated.

Muloor S Padmanabha Panicker is his full name and he is regarded as a decisive figure in the socio-political context of the district of Pathanamthitta through his reformation activities and initiatives. 

Malayalappuzha Devi Temple

Another temple destination you can consider visiting is the town of Pathanamthitta if you are obsessed with the pilgrimage aspect of visiting the town. You need to travel through the “Kumbazha-Malayalappuzha road” in order to reach this pilgrim destination.

The main deity worshipped in this Hindu temple is the ferocious form of Bhagavathy, known as “Bhadrakali”. The ancientness of the temple is believed to be 1000 years which marks its uniqueness of the temple.

This temple is closely associated with the Hindu legend of “Darikavadham”. Just like many other temples in the state of Kerala, there are peculiar dress codes in this temple separate for men and women. So that make sure you are abiding by the codes before heading to the location. 

Sabarimala 

Sabarimala is one of the most pristine pilgrim locations in the state of Kerala. Hindu lord Sree Ayyappa is worshipped as the main deity of the temple. This temple has its location on the top of a hill so reaching the shrine can be a bit difficult for people with low fitness levels.

This is one of the most revenue generating temples in the state of Kerala. Apart from the main deity, ‘Malikappuram’ is also worshipped in a shrine adjacent to it.

You need to follow a set of spiritual codes and conduct to visit this temple. The scenic location of the temple would be  satisfying to the natural lovers too.

Manjinikkara Church

This is a sacred location for all the Catholic believers planning to visit the town of Pathanamthitta. Omallor is the exact location of this Christian pilgrim church in the town. The church belongs to the “Syriac Orthodox” sect in Christianity.

“Skaria Malpan” is the founder of this particular church. This church is situated on the top of a hill making its positioning much more proud and elegant from every angle. The annual festival of the church is quite popular and it attracts a lot of pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts from different parts of the country.

So if you wish to take part in the annual festival, make sure you plan your visit during the month of February. Spirituality and celebration would find their magnificent amalgamation in this church during those times. 

Paliakara Church

Another pilgrimage location for Catholic tourists visiting the town of Pathanamthitta. This church is located in the town of Thiruvalla in the district of Pathanamthitta. Cultural enthusiasts must not skip out on visiting this location during their trip. T

he church has got a rich cultural and historic past making it an inevitable location for the believers passing by. Syrian Christianity is the sect belief upon which the church functions. The church has got close connections with the arrival of St. Thomas in 54 AD.

The architecture and design of the church are also commendable and the aesthetic minds visiting the church won’t be able to get over it even after the visit. The engravings found on the church are also quite captivating and intense for those who can enjoy art to its fullest. 

Best Time To Visit Pathanamthitta

November – March 

How To Reach Pathanamthitta?

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport 

Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla Railway Station (TRVL)

Conclusion

Best place to get your combined interests of nature, Hindu or Christian pilgrimage satisfied on a go.

Read More:

Explore One Of The Oldest Places Of North India: Sirsa!

Theni: Discover Hidden Paradise On Earth, Tamil Nadu-2023