TOURISM IN PATHANAMTHITTA

TOURISM IN PATHANAMTHITTA

With a number of fairs and festivals, Pathanamthitta district is known for its pilgrimage tourism. The district receives an estimated 4 million pilgrims during the festival season of Sabarimala Temple.

Situated here among the Western Ghats is a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity, Ayyappan. The district is a host to Asia's biggest and the world's second largest Christian convention.  The eight day Christian gathering in February is held at Maramon on the sand-bed of Pamba River. The three-day Christian gathering is held at Makkamkunnu, Pathanamthitta known as Makkamkunnu Convention by Malankara Orthodox Church . The Most important and Famous Christian centre is Manjanikkara Dayara famous for the tomb of Holy Patriarch Ignatius Elias III. Millions of Pilgrims visit this church annually.Asia's largest Pilgrimage on foot,with nearly 5 million Pilgrims, is to the tomb of Holy Patriarch Ignatius Elias III. Some of the other Christian places of interest are Parumala St Gregorious Jacobite Church, St. Mary's church atNiranam, St. Thomas Ecumenical Church at Nilackal,Manjanikkara Dayara St Stephen's Jacobite Church, Parumala Seminary and St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Thumpamon also known as Thumpamon Valiyapalli, headquarters of Thumapmon Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Church. The churches at Niranam and Nilackal (Chayal) are believed to be among the seven churches founded by St. Thomas the Apostle. The Muslim colourful Chandanakkudam festival of the Jama — Al Mosque at Pathanamthitta town attracts many visitors. Although these places are religious in nature, they attract people from all faiths.

The district is known for its reserve forest and wild life. Perunthenaruvi water falls, Kakki reservoir surrounded by forest and wild animals, dam sites at Moozhyar andManiyar, elephant training centre at Konni, Charalkunnu hill station are ideal locations for nature enthusiasts. Trekking to the Sabari Hills during January to March is also organized by Pathanamthitta District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).

Pathanamthitta district has places known for its historical importance. Among them are, ancient castles at Pandalam, monument ofVelu Thampi Dalawa at Mannadi and the MuloorSmarakom (Muloor memorial). Pandalam was the capital of the ancient Travancore kingdom.

The district has other tourist attractions.Aranmula is a major attraction for its famousmetal mirrors and snake boat race. The school of traditional arts attracts foreign visitors. Founded by French artist Louba Schild, the school teaches kathakali, classical dance, classical music as well as kalarippayattu. The palace at Aranmula Aranmula kottaram has a history of 200 years. 

Konni Eco Tourism: is located in Pathanamthitta District. The Elephant Camp is the main attraction of the Eco tourism. Here you can watch Elephant feeding, Elephant bathing and so and so related to Elephant. The ecotourism is also  eco friendly. The Zero Waste management project, that converted the Elephant dung into bio gas. Also the fiber content in the dung is used to made Hand made Paper. For more details visit http://www.konniecotourism.org.