A treasure trove of religious sites, scenic beauty and pristine villages, Pathanamthitta is an epic destination for your next vacation. It offers an interesting amalgamation of majestic temples, beautiful waterfalls, dense forests and holy rivers. To put it simply, Pathanamthitta has everything a traveller could want in a destination. No wonder why it is mentioned in every Kerala travel guide!
So, if you are in search of a visit-worthy place for your trip, we say, head to Pathanamthitta. And to help you plan the itinerary, we have curated a list of some of the 10 most popular tourist spots in Pathanamthitta. Check out the list and mark your favourites!
While you make the travel plans for Pathanamthitta, remember, the nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram. Make sure you book your flights to Thiruvananthapuram and also a hotel in Pathanamthitta in advance for a smooth trip!
A religious site with a natural bounty, Thriveni Sangamam is the meeting point of the holy Pamba River with Manimal River and Achankovil River. It is a must-visit tourist destination in Pathanamthitta for the Hindu pilgrims on their way to the Sabarimala Temple. Devotees take a holy dip in the water to wash off their sins before heading to the temple. Also, if you are an ardent nature lover, this place will mesmerise you to the core.
The captivating strokes of nature will greet you from all sides at the Perunthenaruvi waterfalls. The gushing waterfalls located on the banks of river Pamba falls with all its might on a rocky bed, creating a majestic surrounding like nowhere else. If you are looking to soak in virgin natural beauty or enjoy a picnic day out with your family, Perunthenaruvi waterfalls are one of the most popular tourist spots in Pathanamthitta.
Around 6 km from Pathanamthitta lies the magnificent Syrian Christian pilgrim centre. Situated atop the hill, this church has often found its spot in the list of the top tourist attractions in Pathanamthitta. The holy tomb of Patriarch Mor Ignatius Elias III placed near the altar is the major draw of the church. You cannot miss the feast of the saint or Orma Perunnal organised here annually in honour of the saint. A visit to this pilgrim site is truly a delightful experience.
Talking about the tourist places at Pathanamthitta without mentioning Sabarimala Temple doesn’t seem right. One of the country’s largest pilgrimage centres, the Sabrimala temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The shrine is located amidst towering hills and dense forests in the Western Ghats. People generally trek up to the temple and you can too. Also, remember, the temple remains open 5 days a week so visit accordingly. If you are planning to pay homage, you can plan your visit during the annual festivals, Vishnu Vilakku (April), Mandala Pooja (Nov-Dec) and Vrischika Dhanu (January).
Next on this list is the brilliant Kaviyoor Rock Temple. Carved on a massive rough rock, Kaviyoor Rock Temple is a spectacular architectural structure. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple glorifies the town’s rich culture and historical roots. If you are a history buff or spiritual seeker, there’s no way you can miss a visit to this Kaviyoor Rock Temple during your Pathanamthitta trip.
The elusive, exotic land of Gavi beckons every nature lover and backpacker to experience its many wonders. A pristine village tucked between dense forests and lush tea estates, Gavi is a part of an eco-tourism project of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation. The spellbinding beauty, breathtaking sunsets and rich wildlife of Gavi make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala for one day trip. You can enjoy many fun activities like camping, trekking and canoeing for an unforgettable weekend.
A memorial dedicated to Muloor S Padmanabha Panicker, a celebrated poet and social reformer, Muloor Smarakam witnesses the footfall of tourists from across the country. It is a traditional Kerala house preserved as a memorial, attracting poets, historians and tourists. It is located in Elavumthitta, around 12 km from Pathanamthitta and is surrounded by breathtaking sceneries. Owing to its historical significance and alluring charm, it is among the popular tourist attractions in Pathanamthitta.
Your trip to Pathanamthitta will remain incomplete without a visit to Aranmula, a marvellous UN Heritage site. The place is known for Aranmula Vallamkali, the annual snake boat race and the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The distinct allure of Aranmula is sure to amaze every traveller. While in Aranmula, make sure to get your hands on Aranmula Kannadi, handmade metal-alloy mirrors unique to the region.
Take a step into spirituality and peace at the Sree Vallabha Temple. Among the most important spiritual tourist places at Pathanamthitta, Sree Vallabha Temple beckons pilgrims from far and wide. You can soak in the pleasant aura with a walk around or witness the grandeur of the Kathakali performance held on the premises every evening. There’s also a Vedic school where students learn the Vedas and Hindu Tantric practices.
What’s a trip without a nature tour, right? A splendid forest reserve offering a bunch of memorable experiences, Konni Forest Reserve is an unmissable tourist destination in Pathanamthitta. If you love wildlife, nature and peace, this place will never disappoint you. Here, you can visit the elephant training centre to spend some time with the wildlife wonders. Or, you can ride the bowl-shaped boats admiring the surreal beauty of this region.
Isn’t Pathanamthitta an incredible destination for an unforgettable vacation? It indeed is! So, don’t wait any further, book your tickets, confirm hotel bookings, plan your itinerary and get ready for an experience like no other.
