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| Pathanamthitta |
| The town’s name is a combination of two Malayalam words ‘Pathanam’ and ‘Thitta’, which together mean “houses by the riverside”. Pathanamthitta is a fast-developing town and business centre. Three great rivers, the Pamba, Achankovil and Manimala, undulate through this district. A highlight is the temple of Sabarimala which is a very famous Hindu shrine visited by an estimated 30 million devotees each year, making it one of the world’s largest religious congregations. |
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 The town is also famous for holding the largest Christian convention in Asia, the Maramon convention held in February every year on the banks of river Pamba. It also has the richest town in India, Thiruvalla. Pathanamthitta produces cash crops such as rubber, pepper, coffee and ginger..
Plac es of Interest in and around Pat hanamthitta :
Valiyapally Church:
Valiyapally or big church was built in 1550 by the descendants of the 72 families whose forefathers were the seven clans who migrated to India in 345 AD from Jerusalem. Built entirely of wood the church was demolished in 1577 anmd  a new one built in stone Vijnana Kala Vedi: Established in 1977 by a French woman called Louba Schild, this is an institute dedicated to preserving the arts and heritage of Kerala. People from all over the world come here to learn dancing, singing, cooking, languages and community living, all the time living in a village.
Sabarimala:
One of the most famous pilgrim centers in India and one of the largest religious congregations in the world, this shrine is situated in the high mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and is dedicated to the God Ayyapa. Accessible only by foot, the temple remains open only for the pilgrim season. Women between the ages of 8 and 55 are not allowed in the temple.
Aranmula Boat Race:
Aranmula is the only snake boat race in Kerala with a ritual background. Taking place during the Onam festival (Aug/Sep), it is definitely the most colourful of all boat races in Kerala.
Other highlights:
‘Gajamela’, the grand elephant procession in Adoor (January)
The Bull Race ‘Maramadi’, at Anandappally on the 15th of August
The vibrant ‘Kadammanitta Padayani’ ritual dances (April) |
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