The
place serves a significant role in backing the economy of the state – the vast
area of fertile lands here is adorned with variety of plantations and cash
corps. Also, with the rarest of rare reserves of medicinal plants, Pathanamthitta is a boon for Kerala Ayurveda. With its
extensive forest areas, the place presents one with a truly diverse flora and
fauna! Pathanamthitta is with a distinct culture, sprung up from the religious
harmony the place upholds. Apart from the religious and cultural festivities,
spectators can also engage themselves in the enthralling water fiestas,
occurring in its dazzling rivers. Placed in the high range map of Kerala,
Pathanamthitta open its door wide for its visitors, for whom eco-tourism and
related adventures matter the most.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Aranmula
Girdled
by the holy river Pampa , along with undulating
green hillocks, this is a small temple town declared as an international
tourism destination by Union government of India . The famous and ancient temple
here is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Apart from this, the
place is famous for its metal mirrors, ‘Aranmula Kannadi’, made of bell metal.
The origin of
this stunning metal mirror is linked with the Aranmula Parthasarathy
Temple
Aranmula Vallamkali (boat race) in river Pamba- Pampa
Palliyodam is yet another spectacular water fiesta. Celebrated as a part of the
annual commemoration of week long Onam festival, the boat race presents a
spectator with the rare glimpses of the
30 feet long snake boats.
Vasthu vidya gurukulam
16
km from Patthanamthitta town, constituted by the state cultural department for
ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings is a true feast to your mind,
body and soul. Kathakali, the real art of Kerala too has its share in this tiny
temple town.
Charalkunnu
This
is a picturesque hill station, where the
panoramic view of valleys merge with that of the sinuous river Pamba.
Charalkunnu is also renowned as a religious centre for Christians, for its many
Convention centers organizing holy preaching from Bible. From rooms and
dormitories to comfortable camp houses in dense forests, the place has everything to fulfill your accommodation
facilities.
KAKKI
Set
in a sylvan background, this reservoir can engage you in exhilarating boat rides. Dense
forest abounds this manmade artificial lake, where deer, monkeys,
elephants and tigers are all set to steal your glance!Must see this place.
Konni
Konni
is a perfect Eco Tourism getaway. Located on Kottayam-Punalur
route, the place is at a distance of 11 km from Patthanamthitta. Significant
for its cash crops reserves like rubber, pepper, coffee and ginger, the place
forms the backbone of agricultural economy of the state. A place for taming and training wild elephants,
the big wooden cage (“Anakoodu”-elephant cage)
of elephants is an all-time crowd puller. Engage yourself in elephant rides
through forest during leisure hours.
Perunthenaruvy
Sparkling
water, dense forests and hefty rocks - this picture-perfect
waterfall near river Pamba attracts thousands of tourists, both domestic
and foreign. This breathtaking place is easily accessed via Vachoochira,
situated at a distance of 36 km from Patthanamthitta. The water flows down a
rocky bed into a gully, which is 60 to 115 feet deep - visitors are advised to
be cautious.
Kadamanitta
The
place is famous
for “Padayani”- (literally means formations or rows of army), which
is the most significant ritual art performed in the premises of Kadammanitta
Devi temple. Renowned both as an art form and a ritual, Padayani is considered
as an offering for mother Goddess. With most important impersonations like that
of Bhairavi(Kali), Kolam(god of death), Yakshi(Fairy), Pakshi(Bird), this art
form is too vibrant and captivating for its spectators. This small village, located just 8km from Patthanamthitta town,
celebrates its 10-day long festival from the first day of Medam.
Sabarimala
Set
high up in the Sahyadri
Mountains, amid dense forests and rocky terrain of Western
ghats , Sabarimala is the sacred adobe of Lord Ayyappa. This is probably
one pilgrim destination in Kerala that pulls millions of devotees, not just
from India ,
but from across the globe. Located at a distance of 72
km from Patthanamthitta town, the traditional route to Sabarimala is from
Erumeli, which is at a distance of 40km.Other preferred routes are from
Vandiperiyar, Uppuppara and Chalakkayam via Plappally. With its captivating
scenic splendor and mythological significance, this place of worship is
renowned all over the world as the “pilgrim capital of Kerala”. Major festivals in Sabarimala are Mandalapooja
(November-December), Makaravilakku in January and Vishu Vilakku in April.
For rest of the year the temple remains closed, except for the first five days
of every Malayalam month (15-20 of every English month). As the place is having
a rocky terrain, it is inaccessible, if not on foot.
Parthasarathi temple
Dedicated
to lord Krishna , the idol in the temple is
believed to be erected by Arjuna (Hindu mythological figure). This ancient
temple is on the banks of the holy river Pamba. History says that the deity as “viswaroopa” of
Lord Krishna appeared before Arjuna at the time of “Getthopadesom”. Annual
commemoration of installation of the deity falls on last day of the Onam
festival. Enthralling Aranmula
boat race is also a part of this celebration.
Kaviyoor
Panchayath is home to one of the ever glorious cave temples in Kerala. Constructed
in the Pallava architectural style and built in 8th century, the square cave of
the temple has a feet high Sivalinga carved out of rock, ganapathi, maharshi
and dwarapalakas. Here one can perceive the earliest specimens of stone
sculptures. An idol of Hanuman is also there in this temple.
Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam
Flanked
by the beauty of dense forests, Chilanthiyambalam is
situated in the Kodumon village, about 15 km from Pathanamthitta town.
This ancient temple was built during the reign of the last emperor of Sakthibhadra kingdom. Deity of this temple, Mahalakshmi,
is worshipped by devotees, irrespective of caste and creed. Chilanthikinar, a
well inside the temple premises, is regarded as a magic potion for skin
diseases.
Malayolappuzha
An
abode to realize the dreams of devotees, the Bhagawathi temple here is well
known for superb
artistic stones and exquisite wall paintings. People bring offerings in different forms
during the festival season.
Nilackal
Nilackal
houses an ancient, but glorious temple dedicated to Lord Siva. The place
is located at a distance of 5 km from Plappally on the Pamba-Plappally road.
The place also holds a famous Ecumenical center.
Pandalam
Sacred
and second in significance only to Sabarimala, Pandalam is associated with the early childhood
days of Lord Ayyappa. The place is also famous for Valiayakoyikkal
temple, modeled on the Sabarimala Shrine, constructed by King of Pandalam.
Before proceeding to Sabarimala, people often offer prayers here. The place is situated around 14 km away from Pandalam.
The place is set against the scenic backdrop of the river Achenkoil.
Pamba
Holy
as the river Ganges , this Holy spot is on the
way to Sabarimala temple. History claims that it is on the banks of River Pamba
that King Rajashekara found infant Lord Ayyappa. Devotees call it “Dakshina Ganga”,
as a dip in this holy river is said to purify one from all the evils of the
world. Pamba is 67 km far from
Patthanamthitta.
Thiruvalla
A
matchless place for the Vaishnavites in
South India, the place houses the famous Sree
Vallabha Temple Nedumpuram
Palace
Parumala
A
small stretch of land on the shores of Pampa
that once had a majority of Brahmin families, Parumala later turned out to be a
pilgrim center
for Christians. The Church here stands as a monument of Parumala
Thirumeni
Niranam
Niranam has one of
the seven churches established by St.Thomas in Kerala. Marked with
the influence of ancient temple architecture, this famous church (Orthodox
Syrian church) is situated at a distance of 7 km from
Thiruvalla.
No comments:
Post a Comment