Pathanamthitta offers a slew of tourist spots to the glee of travellers

The southern district of Pathanamthitta may not hold the same exalted position as Wayanad or Idukki on Kerala's tourism map. Still, it packs a punch when it comes to showcasing some breathtaking tourist destinations. Pathanamthitta is not just about pockets of inhabited areas but also about an expansive lush green forest that lies on the eastern side of the district. Probably, the mountain ranges in the district boast of the most verdant and vibrant forest regions in Kerala. What about a journey through the thick forest to get that exhilarating rush of adrenaline? 

Tigers burning bright 
The popular Periyar Tiger Reserve extends to Pathanamthitta, in addition to Idukki and Kottayam districts. It is noteworthy that close to 50 to 65 per cent of the district is covered in forest. The Ranni and Konni forest divisions lie in Pathanamthitta, which is one of the districts that has registered the highest concentration of tigers in the state. 

Land of padayani 
Like theyyam in north Kerala, Padayani is a ritual theatre art form with firm roots in Pathanamthitta. Kadamanitta Vasudevan Pillai is an exponent of Padayani, a traditional art form also performed in Kollam, Kottayam, and Alappuzha districts.

Revered boat race 
The Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali (annual boat race), which is conducted on the Pampa River, near the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, is considered as ‘pooram on water’. The rowers vie for the Mannam Memorial Trophy and the R Sankar Memorial Trophy. The ritualistic feast of Aranmula Vallasadya is also very popular. 

Kakki and Kakkad dams 
The Kakki reservoir is an artificial water body that formed after the construction of the Kakki and Anathode dams in 1966. The Kakki Dam is built on the Pampa River. The dam that was constructed under the Kakkad hydroelectric project of KSEB is also in Pathanamthitta. 

Sweet sugarcane 
Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta is the largest producer of sugarcane in Kerala. The Kerala Agriculture University’s Sugarcane Research Institute is in Thiruvalla. 

Enchanting Gavi 
Gavi is part of the Ranni reserve forest, which is the main ecotourism center in Pathanamthitta. This sought-after tourist destination is also famous for its elephant skeleton museum. 

Tourist spots galore
Pathanamthitta is also renowned for its stunning waterfalls, including Peruthenaruvi, Madatharuvi, and Aruvikuzhi. Other places of interest include Charalkunnu hill station and Kattathipara on the Konni-Kokkathodu route. 

Minimum railway!
Railway doesn’t have much presence in Pathanamthitta and the only railway station in the district is Thiruvalla. 

A touch of Lanka 
Pathanamthitta is home to scores of Sri Lankan Tamil workers who were rehabilitated following the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement. The rehabilitation centre for the Lankan workers is in the Pachakanam-Gavi region, which is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. 

Gandhi and Elanthoor 
The Mahatma Khadi Ashram is situated at Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta. The ashram was established by T P Gopala Pillai after getting inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Elanthoor in 1937. 

Shrine for Kayamkulam Kochunni 
A shrine for Kayamkulam Kochunni, ‘Kerala’s Robinhood’, is dedicated at the Idapara Maladevar temple near Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta district. 

Pilgrimage to Sivagiri 
The first pilgrimage to the Sivagiri mutt in Thiruvananthapuram district’s Varkala started from Pathanamthitta. Five devotees were part of the spiritual tour, which started from the house of Muloor Padmanabha Panicker in Ilavumthitta in Pathanamthitta. The first Sivagiri pilgrimage was on January 1, 1933. 

Home to many organizations
1) The Council for Food Research and Development, which comes under Civil Supplies Corporation, is located in Konni. 
2) Travancore Sugars and Chemicals is situated in Thiruvalla. 
3) Vaastu Vidya Gurukulam, which was established under the Department of Culture in 1993, is in Aranmula. 
4) Duck farm under the state Animal Husbandry Department is located in Niranam. 
5) The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk art, which was formed to promote traditional art forms of Kerala, is situated in Mannadi. 

Plethora of memorials 
1) Dalawa museum, which evokes the memories of Veluthampi Dalawa, the fearless and pre-eminent personality in Kerala History, is in Mannadi. 
2) Veluthampi Dalawa ended his life at Chenthamangalathu madom, which is on the eastern side of the Mannadi Devi temple, to avoid Britishers from capturing him. 
3) The home of Muloor Padmanabha Panicker, renowned poet and social reformer, is in Elavumthitta. The Department of Culture had converted his home into a memorial. 
4) Kannassa memorial dedicated to Kannassa poets, also known as Niranam poets, is in Niranam. 
5) The memorial dedicated to classical writer Sakthibhadran, who penned ‘Ashcharyachoodamani’, is located in Koduman. 

Who’s who from Pathanamthitta 
1) Pathanamthitta is the birth place of many prominent personalities including ace Malayalam actor Mohanlal. The actor was born in Elanthoor. 
2) Justice M Fathima Beevi, India’s first Supreme Court judge, was born in Pathanamthitta. She was also the first woman High Court judge from the Muslim community in India and the first Malayali woman Governor. 
3) Kulappurakkal Karunakaran Nair, aka KK Nair, played a pivotal role in carving out the Pathanamthitta district, and represented Pathanamthitta in the Kerala Assembly for eight times from 1972 to 2006. 

4) Pathanamthitta is also the home town of Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner Adoor Gopalakrishnan; Aranmula Ponnamma, the first actress to get J C Daniel award, and Adoor Bhasi, prominent comedian of the Malayalam film industry. 
5) Kannassa poets -- Rama Panicker, Sankara Panicker and Madhava Panicker – were born in Pathanamthitta. While Madhava Panicker wrote ‘Bhasa Bhagavath Gita’, Sankara Panicker penned ‘Bharathamala’. Rama Panicker has literary works such as ‘Kannassa Ramayanam’, ‘Bharatham’, ‘Bhagavatham’ and ‘Sivaratri Mahatmyam’ to his credit. 
6) Literary giants such as Pandalam Kerala Varma, who penned ‘Rukmamgadacharitham’, Vennikulam Gopala Kurupu, aka Kerala Thulasidasan, popular poet Kadamanitta Ramakrishnan and Pandalam K V Raman Pillai, who wrote the prayer song ‘Akilandamandalam aniyichorukki’, are sons of Pathanamthitta. 

7) Malayala Manorama founder-editor and literary figure Kandathil Varghese Mappillai was born in Niranam near Thiruvalla. Kandathil Varghese Mappillai with Bhashaposhini Sabha and Bhashaposhini magazine has left an inedible mark on the literary landscape of Kerala. 
8) World-renowned philosopher and writer Nitya Chaitanya Yathi was born in Vakayar in Pathanamthitta. Jayachandra Panicker took the name of Nitya Chaitanya Yathi after becoming a follower of Nataraja Guru, who was the disciple of Sree Narayana Guru. 
9) Kumara Gurudevan known as Poykayil Yohannan, who was the founder of the ‘Prathyaksha Raksha Daiva Sabha’ was born in Eraviperoor in Pathanamthitta. 

Tourist centers of Pathanamthitta 
Gavi is an evergreen paradise of Pathanamthitta district. Restricted tourism activities are available in the region, which is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats, under the aegis of the Forest Development Corporation. The verdant forest, picturesque landscape and cool breeze add to the raw charm of Gavi. The mountainous region, which is 3,400ft above sea level, is more appealing in the monsoon season. The view of Sabarimala and the surrounding hills from Gavi is out-of-the-world. 

The climate of Gavi is quite pleasant and nippy even in peak summer. Majority of Gavi residents are Sri Lankan Tamils and travel restrictions are in place for the security of the local community. The number of visitors is capped as part of the curbs. People can travel to Gavi in cars but only 60 vehicles are allowed entry daily. KSRTC is running budget-friendly services to Gavi from the southern districts, and the tour package includes lunch, boating and entry fees. 

The journey to Gavi is fascinating as tea plantations atop hills on both sides of the road give a refreshing aura to the whole setting. The tourist spots on the way include Mundakayam, Kuttikanam, Peerumedu and Vandiperiyar. If you are into trekking, wildlife watching and outdoor camping, then Gavi is the right place for you. Trekking through the forest is done under the guidance of experienced guides. Travellers visiting Gavi can stay at ‘Green Mansion’, which is an eco-lodge run by the Forest Development Corporation. The view from the facility is awesome as you can see the Gavi Lake and thick forest. If you are an adventure seeker, you can try out tree houses and tents erected inside the forest. Night forest safari to Kallar, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochupampa and Pachakanam is available. 

Angamoozhy 
Angamoozhy is 40km away from Gavi and the main attraction is the coracle ride. The coracle ride starts at 7am and one round boat can accommodate four people. As Gavi and Angamoozhy are on the same route, it’s better to plan to visit both these wonderful places in one trip. Bus services are available from Pathanamthitta to Angamoozhy. 

Pampa River 
Pampa River is the third longest river in Kerala. The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple has made the Pampa River sacred and is also known as the ‘South Bhageerathi’. The river originates from Pulachimalai in Peerumedu, which is 1,650m above sea level. The lake merges with Vembanad Lake after flowing through Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Kozhencherry, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Changanacherry, Kuttanad, Karthikappilly and Ambalapuzha taluks. The river passes through Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. It’s the main source of water for people of Kuttanad. The Pampa River was known as River Baris in ancient times. 

Konni elephant center 
This is a wildlife center that focuses on the care, training and rehabilitation of elephants in Kerala. The facility situated in lush green surroundings in Konni offers opportunities to see the jumbos at close quarters. The centre is a must-see place for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and those who want to learn more about elephants. The elephant museum throws more light on the gentle giants. The best time to visit the center is from October to March. The green vegetation triggered by the rains between June and September is eye-catching. But monsoon can throw cold water on your travel plans.

Kakki dam 
The Kakki-Anathode dam is part of the Sabarigiri hydroelectric project, which is the second largest such project in Kerala. 
Muzhiyar dam 
The Muzhiyar dam is situated near the Kakki reservoir in Pathanamthitta. The dam located in Ranni amidst lush greenery contributes immensely to the Kakkad hydroelectric project. 
Perunthenaruvi 
The tourism potential of Perunthenaruvi, which is in the forest zone of Sabarimala, one of most important pilgrimage centers in south India, is still untapped. 

Aruvikuzhi 
The Aruvikuzhi waterfall is situated 11km away from the Kozhencherry town in Pathanamthitta district. The cascade is a safe one where tourists can take a dip without fear. The waterfall is embraced by tall trees and rubber plantations. 
Adavi ecotourism 
The Konni-Adavi ecotourism project is in the Peruvali region that comes under the Konni forest division. The tourists get an opportunity to stay in huts made of bamboo. The ecotourism project, which was chalked out in 2008 with focus on the Konni elephant center, also provides space for travellers to go on a coracle ride spree. 
Pandalam palace 
The aesthetically designed Pandalam palace on the banks of the Achankovil River is an embodiment of Kerala’s culture and beliefs. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa stayed and played games in this palace. 

Veluthampi Dalawa memorial 
Mannadi, which is 13km away from Adoor in Pathanamthitta district, has a prominent place in the freedom struggle against the British. Veluthampi Dalawa, who was the prime minister of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom, had spent the last days of his life in Mannadi while fighting against the British East India Company’s rule in India. He ended his life at the Mannadi Pazhayakavu Devi Temple to avoid capture by British soldiers. Now there is a cultural complex in memory of Veluthampi Dalawa in Mannadi. The complex has a pavilion with his statue, a museum with copies of historical documents, including the Kundara proclamation, and an open-air theatre. 

The museum established by the Department of Archeology highlights the valor of Dalawa and the cultural legacy of the Travancore kingdom. The open-air gallery houses the portraits of Travancore rulers from Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma to Sree Chithra Thirunal. A stone statue of Buddha, age-old agricultural equipment, cannons and old war machineries are also displayed at the museum. A pictorial gallery depicting the life of Dalawa and a collection of old coins can also be found in the museum. 

Remnants of a Siva temple, which is believed to have been destroyed by the British, could also be seen on the premises of the museum. Another highlight of the museum is the exquisite garden and library. 

Sabarimala 
Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple or Sabarimala Sree Dharmasasta Temple is an important Hindu place of worship in Ranni-Perunadu panchayat, which is part of the Western Ghats. Sabarimala is one the biggest temples in the world that receive highest number of devotees during the 41-day mandal period. 

Unlike other temples, there are no daily poojas at Sabarimala. The mandal period starts from the Malayalam month of Vrichikam 1 to Dhanu 11 (November-December). Moreover, devotees can visit the temple on the first five days of every Malayalam month. 

Parumala church 
Paumala church is an important place of worship of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The church situated on the banks of the Pampa River offers spirituality, history and natural beauty to the visitors. The main attraction of Parumala is of course the Parumala church known as the St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Orthodox Church. The church built at the fag end of the 19th century, is a masterpiece that blends modernity with the traditional values of Kerala architecture. Parumala Thirumeni Saint Gregorios relentlessly worked for the spiritual and cultural uplift of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. 

The architecture of the Parumala church is something special. The slanting roofs with tiles and intricate wood work reflect the traditional architecture style of Kerala. The green landscape and the flowing river take visitors to another level of tranquility and peace. 

Niranam St. Mary’s church 
Niranam St. Mary’s church also known as Niranam Valiyapalli is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is believed that the church was built by St. Thomas the apostle, one of 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, in AD 54. The church that is replete with history and legacy attract devotees from far and wide.