Places To Visit In Pathanamthitta Sightseeing

The Perunthenaruvi waterfalls on the banks of the Pamba river about 10 km from Erumely is a favourite place for both domestic and foreign tourists in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. This is a natural fall, down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot. It is accessible by road.

This place is considered to be the equivalent to an elephant's cage. The reason being is that the main attraction of the region is a massive wooden cage where elephant are trained. Vast expanse of forests of Western Ghats in the background is crisscrossed by numerous streams and rivulets, which add to the exceptional scenic beauty of the landscape. The forests, repository of rich biodiversity were constituted in to Konni Reserve Forests and Achencoil Reserve Forests by the Maharaja of Travancore way back in 1897 and 1901 respectively, which are among the oldest reserve forests in the State.

If you are looking forward to explore the fascinating culture of Kerala, you are at right place. Kaviyoor Rock Temple is the only cave temple left in the state which glorifies the culture of the area more that its spiritual aspect. This ancient cave temple established in Tamil Pallava style is devoted to Lord Hanuman, the Monkey God. Thus, one can witness the large number of monkey in an around the temple who are feasted on regular basis.

Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple located on a small hilltop at Kaviyoor, Pathanamthitta District. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this temple is one of the most popular and significant Shiva Temple in Kerala. Built in a unique style of architecture, the temple is also popularly known as Thrikkaviyoor Mahadeva Temple. Kerala is a state of strict rituals and traditions that also form a very significant part of all temples including this ancient temple.

Manjinikkara Church is placed in Manjanikkara on the top of a hill about 6 km from Pathanamthitta. This church was created by Mor Yullus Elias Qoro and is known for its remarkable altar with figures of Saint and Jesus. However, the salient feature of this church is ascribed as the presence of the holy tomb of Patriarch Mar Ignatius Elias III placed near the altar. It is said that the saint arrived at this place in 1931 and stayed here till his death in 1932.

At a distance of 7 Kms from Pathanamthitta, Malayalappuzha Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali (another form of Goddess Parvati) is located in Malayalappuzha town near Pathanamthitta. This temple is believed to be more than 3000 years old, constructed in Kerala style of architecture. The idol of Goddess Bhadrakali is about 5.5 feet tall. The temple is under the administration of Travancore Devaswom Board. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and attractive sculpture work. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and it is a common belief that whoever worships here with true heart is granted his/her wished and is aided in realizing their dreams.

Sree Vallabha Temple is located at Thiruvalla in Pathanmthitta district of Kerala. It is a 400-year-old temple on the banks of the River Manimala has a beautiful 8 ft idol of Sree Vallabha within the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is mainly renowned for its big Vedic school where students are taught and trained in Hindu Tantric practices and Vedas. It is also perhaps the only temple in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering every night.

Muloor Smarakam is a memorial dedicated to a poet and a pre-independence era social reformer Muloor S Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1931). Situated at a small distance of 12 km from Pathanamthitta town at a small village Elavumthitta, this memorial is an ordinary Kerala house once inhabited by the poet himself. The house also attracts numerous historians, writers and poets owing to its historic significance as well as pristine beauty of surroundings.

Paliakara Church is an ancient structure that holds a reflection of the rich culture of our past. this church is one of the important religious centers for Syrian Christians with its roots going back to 54 AD to the arrival of St. Thomas. Known for its incredible architecture, the outer wall of the building is adorned with the carved latticework and engravings of various saints. A pure epitome of craftsmanship, the church's other major attraction is the ancient paintings on the eastern wall made with the help of natural vegetable dyes. They depict the main events of the life of Jesus Christ. One can also see the painting of patron saint of the church St. George as well as a painting showcasing the twelve apostles of Christ. The most fascinating thing about this structure is that one can witness an amazing blend of Hindu elements in many aspects of church.

One of the major religious hubs of South India, Sabarimala houses Sastha Temple situated from Pathanamthitta town. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, this temple is situated in the lap of nature amid the dangerous hills of Western Ghats. The temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year from all over the country. This temple like all other temples in Kerala follows some strict codes.

Niranam is an ancient church believed to be established in 52 AD by St. Thomas the Apostle. This church displays a marked influence of ancient temple architecture and is a renowned centre of worship for the Christian community. This is also the birth place of the poets and social reformers popularly known as the Karnassa Kavikal. Niranam is also famous as the birthplace of a band of 14th century poets known as the Niranam Kavikal (Poets) or Kannassa Panikkars.