Pathanamthitta is a land of temples, churches, rivers, wildlife, mountain ranges and so on. Almost 50 percent of the district is covered by forests. Pathanamthitta with the presence of the holy land of Lord Ayyappa named Sabarimala is the headquarters of pilgrim centers in Kerala. There is a huge inflow of visitors every year from India as well as abroad to witness the famous water fiestas like “Aranmula vallamkali” [Aranmula boat race] and visit religious shrines like Sabarimala, Niranam Church. Nature lovers may find Pathanamthitta one of their favorites, as the whole district is evergreen with lush vegetation all around. The world famous pilgrim center Sabarimala is situated at Pandalam in Pathanamthitta district. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala is a part of Western Ghats and is at an altitude of 914 m above sea level. Millions of devotees visit this temple annually to have a glimpse of Ayyappa Vigraham [idol]. There are no restrictions based on caste or religion, however women between the age of 10 and 50 years are not allowed to enter the temple premises. The pilgrim season starts by November and lasts till January. Sabarimala is 64 kms from Pathanamthitta and there are bus services available upto Pampa from Pathanamthitta Bus Stand. From Pampa visitors have to walk their way to the Sabarimala temple.
Sightseeing Places
Sabarimala
Niranam Church
Founded in AD 54 by St. Thomas, one among the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, the Niranam Church is a symbol of Christian faith in Kerala. It is 36 kms from Pathanamthitta town, likely a one a half hour drive along the Mavelikkare- Kozhencherry road and Thiruvalla- Kumbazha road.
Summer - Pathanamthitta experience summer during the months of March, April and May. The temperature ranges from 28°c to 36°c. It is not the best time to visit Pathanamthitta.
Monsoon - It rains heavily during the Monsoon. It starts by June and lasts till September. After September it does rain but occasionally till the end of October.
Winter - The best place to visit Pathanamthitta is during winter when the land is cool and misty inviting us to experience her naturalistic charm.
By Road - Pathanamthitta is well connected to all parts of the state by road. There are frequent buses to Pathanamthitta available from all the cities in Kerala. The neighboring cities are Alleppey [65kms], Kollam [57kms] and Kottayam [56kms].
By Air - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport 108 kms away from the Pathanamthitta city, a 3 hour journey. There are flights from all the major cities in India as well as abroad connecting Thiruvananthapuram. After flying down, there are taxis and Kerala State Government bus services available from airport to any part of the city.
By Rail - There is no railway station named Pathanamthitta. You can book trains to Chengannur railway station or Tiruvalla railway station which are 26 kms ad 30 kms from Pathanamthitta. Trains from all major cities in India passed through Pathanamthitta.
Be a part of the thousands of spectators gathered by the side of Pampa River and witness the mesmerizing water carnival along with the energetic Snake Boat race at Aranmula when 100s of men row these snake boats on rhythmic movements of the “Vanchipattu” sung by them. Take home the unique Aranmula Kannadi [mirror] as a souvenir which is available only at Aranmula. Visit the world famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa. Admire the elegance of the colorful adorned elephants at the Adoor Gajamela. Pathanamthitta has everything for travel hungry personnels. Visit this holy land of Lord Ayyappa and experience yourself why Kerala is known as the “God’s own country”?