Carved out of Kollam district,
more than half of it is covered by forest land. The river Pamba flows through
this land. A large portion of this distrist, then the eastern part of Kollam
district, was set apart for the Idukki Hydroelectric Project as well as
for ex-servicemen, harijans and tribals. To provide better facilities for
these people, this place was sought to be developed socially and economically.Thus
was born, in 1982 - November, Pathanamthitta district.
Landmarks
Sabarimala - The best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala, this
holy shrine located high up in the sahyadri mountains is dedicated to Lord
Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) and attracts pilgrims from all over India. Vehicular
traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the last 5 km can be reached only by
trekking. However, tourists, foreigners, as well as women between the age
of 14 and 40 are not allowed entry.
Aranmula - A small
town, 10 km from Chengannur famous for it's expensice hand made mirrors
of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannad" and for the annual Aranmula
Boat races during Onam.
Maramon - In February,
devotees of the Marthoma Christian faith converge on Maramon, near Kozhencherry,
13 km from Pathanamthitta for the annual Maramon convention. Held on the
river bed of the pambe, it is said to be Asia's largest gathering of christians.At
Niranam lies kerala's oldest church, said toi have been built by the Apostle
St.Thomas in 52 A.D.
Details
District area - 2462 sqkm
Climate - Tropical monsoon,
seasonally excessive rainfall, Hot summer.
Clothing - Tropical
Tourist season - August
to march
Tourist Info
The nearest airport is at
Kochi, 152 km away.The Trivandrum international airport is 236 km to the
south via Kottayam.Motorable roads link Pathanamthitta to other places
in Kerala. Kottayam, for instance is 76 km away.
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