Sabarimala: A wellknown pilgrim centre of South India. The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 914 metre above sea-level. It is 191 km away from Thiruvanathapuram and 210 km from Kochi. Over 2 million pilgrims go to this Hindu shrine every year. The devotees going to the shrine have to wear only black robes....Click here to see more

Pandalam: This is a small town which turns active during Sabarimala pilgrimage season, as otherwise a sleepy town. Pandalam is the birth place of Lord Ayyappa....Click here to see more

Pamba: Pamba’s importance lies in the river known as Pamba Nadhi (river). It is here the lakhs of pilgrims make themselves clean before ascenting to the Sabarimala temple located on a hill. It is estimated, minimum 3 million pilgrims dip in Pamp every year during Makara Vilakku (the festival of lamp in Makaram (January/February)).

Aranmula: This place is situated on the banks of Pamba river, 10 km away from Chengannur. The Krishna temple here attracts large number of devotees. The annual festival falls on the last day of Kerala’s harvest festival, Onam. A boat race is held here as part of the festival. The famous mirror, Aranmula Kannadi, is made here....Click here for more

Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula: 700 years old temple is believed to have been built by Pandavas.The temple is on a platform in Pamba River.....Click here for more

Mahadeva Temple, Chengannur: In addition to the deity of Shiva, the deity of Parvathy, wife of Shiva is also installed here. Both are in same sanctum. The legend is that Parvathy had menstruated while visiting Chengannur and the goddess here is in her teenage with pavada (skirt) as attire. The devotees believe that touching her pavada fulfills the dreams. The devotees strain to touch the pavada during Tripoothe Arattu festival when the deity is taken out for arattu (bathing), the only occasion available to touch the pavada. Chengannur where this temple is situated is accredited with three temples out of five constructed by Pandavas. Chengannur is 5 km south of Thiruvalla

Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam: This institution is governed by State Cultural Department. It imparts training in traditional Kerala architecture to architecture graduates. A Mural Art Gallery functions here.

Vijana Kala Vedi: This cultural centre is founded by Ms Louba Schild, living in Kerala since 1968. She is an European. Training in Kerala’s own art forms, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharathanatyam is imparted here. The training is also given in percussion and vocal Karnatic music.

Sree Vallabba Temple: Kathakali is performed here daily at night as an offering to the deity. Non-Hindus also allowed here to watch the performance.

Kaviyoor: Situated 5 km away from Thiruvalla on the banks of Manimala river. The deity here is Hanuman. There is another rock-cut temple, 1.5 km away from Kaviyoor temple. This temple is 8th century origin. The stone figures engraved are specimens of Stone culture. This temple is preserved as a historical monument by the Archaeological Department

Kozhenchery: 13 km from Pathanamthitta, on the banks of Pampa river. The famous Maramon Convention is held here annually. This convention is the biggest religious gathering of the Christians in Asia.

The next convention, 111th, will be held from February 19 to 26 in 2006. Bishop David J Hokkins(UK), Bishop Kenneth Fernandes (Sri Lanka), Martin Alphons (USA) and Rev G Wilson (USA) will deliver key-note discourses....Click here to see more

Niranam: St Thomas the Apostle built Church of 52 AD is here. Niranam is 7 km away from Thiruvalla.

Perumthenaruvi Water Falls: 36 km away from Pathanamthitta. The water dance down to a rocky bed about 100 ft below, creating a wonderful sight.

Thiruvalla: Thiruvalla is the largest town in Pathanamthitta district. Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church’s headquarters are here. The exquisite mural paintings in the Paliakara church here are a great attraction. The 4000-year old Sree Vallabh temple here is the only Hindu shrine in Kerala offering Kathakali (a folk dance) as daily ritual to the deity.

90% of the nurses from Kerala found in Germany and other European countries are from Thiruvalla and their earning is the backbone of Thiruvalla.

Parumala:Parumala is located 10 km from Thirvalla. Some claim this is the first church in India, whereas some others claim that the first church is the Palayur church, near Guruvayur in Thrissur district....Click here for more

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