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Search results for: Kerala Map - Pathanamthitta |
Situated near the Western
Ghats and hedged in by the hills, Pathanamthitta is a treat to the eye
with its vast, unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes.
Blessed and enriched by nature the district is famous for its scenic
beauty, fairs and festivals.
Pathanamthitta engrossed
on the hilly terrain of Kerala can rightly be called the headquarters
of pilgrimage tourism in the state. Sabarimala , an important Hindu pilgrimage
centre attracts crores of pilgrims from the different parts of India and
the state.
Like most of other districts
in Kerala , Pathanamthitta also consists of three natural divisions namely
the lowland, middleland and the highland. The highland stretches through
the Western Ghats, descends to the middle land in the centre down to the
middleland of Coconut gardens in the Western borders of Alleppey district.
Achan Kovil, Manimala and Pamba are the three important rivers that flow
through this district. Forests cover more than 50% of the total area of
the district. Timber is the most important forest product in the district.
TOURIST
PLACES AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS |
Sabarimala (Pilgrim Centre) |
This
is a well known (Temple) pilgrim centre in the rugged terrains of
the Western ghats. The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts
crores of pilgrims from all over, especially from other parts of
South India. The main Pilgrimage season is November-January . Vehicle
traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the 5 km to the shrine can be
reached only by trekking. Men of all ages and Ladies aged over 50
are only allowed . |
Aranmula |
This
is another pilgrim place for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Krishna and is 10 km away from Chengannoor on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kottayam
route. A major attraction is the snake boat races held as part of
the festival in August - September. Aranmula is famed for its hand-made
mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannadi". |
Kozhencherry |
Situated
13 km from Pathanamthitta Town on the banks of the Pamba river,
the place is known for the Maramon convention held in February -
March, which is the biggest religious gathering of Christians in
Asia. Niranam, the oldest Christian church said to be built by Apostle
St. Thomas in 52 AD is situated here. |
Perunthenaruvi waterfalls |
The
Perunthenaruvi waterfall which flows down a rocky path into a ravine
100 feet deep, is accessible by bus from Quilon.. |
Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre |
Vijnana
Kala Vedi Cultural Centre founded by Louba Schild, a French scholar
under the Indo French cultural exchange programme, was started with
UNESCO support. Those interested in culture and the arts would not
want to miss it. The centre offers residential training courses
in Kerala's traditional arts and crafts like Kathakalai, Mohiniattam,
Bharata Natyam, Kalaripayattu, Music, Wood carving etc. |
FESTIVALS AND OTHER SPECIALITIES
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Aranmula Vallam kali |
Aranmula
Vallamkali (Boat race) the water fiesta of Aranmula during Onam,
owes its origin to the Sree Parthasarathy Temple. This Krishna Temple
is situated on the banks of the Pampa river in Aranmula, is a picturesque
village, 9 km from Chengannur. The commencement of the event is
marked by a snake-boat race in the afternoon. Early morning, the
Snake Boats assemble near the temple, and take off in pairs. Each
boat is thirty feet long and accommodates four helmsmen, one hundred
rowers and twenty-five singers. Snake-Boats in action, with incessant
full-throated singing and vociferous shouting by the crowds in an
exciting event. |
Maramon Convention |
Maramon
is about 16km east of Thiruvalla. The Maramon Convention, believed
to the largest Christian gathering in Asia, is an assembly of Christians
from all over India, who come here to listen to the gospels read
and expounded by scholars of christianity throughout India and abroad.
It
is held during the month of February on the banks of the river Pamba.
Christians arrive with cadjan leaves and bamboo poles and erect
a huge "pandal". In the vicinity, tents and sheds are also put up
for various purposes. People come in long "valloms" (country boats)
with canopies and anchor them down the river at this time. Temporary
restaurants, religious book stalls, etc., also appear in the vicinity. |
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