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PATHANAMTHITTA

Pathanamthitta, the youngest district of Kerala is known for its famous pilgrim centers. Located at the southern part of Kerala, the district of Pathanamtthitta is surrounded by four main districts of the state, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki and Kollam. The district, which covers two Revenue Divisions Thiruvalla and Adoor is home to five Taluks namely Ranni, Kozhencherry, Adoor, Thiruvalla and Mallappally. Pathanamthitta consists mainly of three natural divisions- The Lowland, the Midland and the Highland. Pilgrims from all over the country reach the district to pay a visit to the famous Sabarimala Ayyappan temple.

Accessibility
KSRTC buses provide good service through the roads of the district connecting it to other districts. Private buses help locals to commute from one place to another. Thiruvalla is the railway station passing through the district. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to the district. Autorickshaws and taxi cars are the other transportation available for the public.

History of Pathanamthitta
The district of Pathanamthitta formed on November 1, 1982 derived its name from the two words Pathanam and Thitta which means a collection of houses on the banks of river. It is said that the regions under the districts were under the authority of Pandalam earlier. The Pandalam that had connections with the Pandya kingdom was added to the princely sate of Travancore in 1820. Due to this addition, the regions of the Pathanamthitta district came under the Travancore administration. The new district of Pathanmathitta was formed by incorporating various parts of Kollam, Alappuzha and Idukki districts. Out of the five taluks in the district, Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranni, Konni and Kozhencherry were taken from the Kollam district and Thiruvalla and Mallappally from the Alappuzha district.

Economy of Pathanamthitta
The people of Pathanamthitta depend on agriculture for their living. Agriculture is the main occupation and source of income for the common man. Rubber, paddy, tapioca, coconut, banana, pepper, ginger, cashew, pineapple, sugarcane, cacoa etc are the widely cultivated crops in Pathanamthitta. Rubber is the most important crop and it covers over 478 m2 of the district. Fisheries is the another sector that adds revenue to the district. Pathanamthitta district is home to many fresh water resources such as rivers, reservoirs, streams, ponds and an Ornamental Fish Breeding resource center and a National Fish Seed Farm. Though Pathanamthitta has very less industries, it has more than 10,000Small Scale Industries (SSI). Many people earn their living from this.

Places of Interest in Pathanamthitta

Sabarimala:
Situated 72kms from Pathanamthitta town, Sabarimala is the sacred temple of Lord Ayyappa. It is one of the most significant pilgrim centers in India. The temple located amidst dense forest, attracts pilgrims from all over the world especially during the festival season of Mandalakaalam.

Pamba River:
The River holds the honor of being one of the biggest rivers in the country. Maramon Convention, Asia’s biggest and the second largest in the world is held every year on the banks of the Pamba River.

Aranmula:
The place is known for a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in the Pathanamthitta town. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors known as ‘Aranmula Kannadi’. Aranmula boat race held every year during the Onam season is another interesting activity that makes the place famous.

Parumala:
Parumala is famous for Malankara Orthodox church which attracts pilgrims especially during the commemoration day or Ormaperunnal of St Mar Gregorious Metropolitan.

Konni:
Konni is the hill town famous for wild elephant trades. The place surrounded by pepper and clove plantations also attracts tourists with its greenery and hills.

Perunthenaruvi waterfalls:
Located 15kms from Pathanamthitta, it is an important tourist destination. Tourists from all parts of the world visit here to view the spectacular waterfall that ooze down a rocky height of 60-100ft.

Pandalam:
Pandalam is known for its historical importance. The place, also the ancient capital of Travancore kingdom is believed to have been ruled by Lord Ayyappa. The Pandalam castle is a well known attraction of the place.