At a distance of 119 km from Kochi, 67 km from Alleppey, 62 km from Kottayam, 96 km from Tenkasi, 109 km from Trivandrum, 162 km from Tirunelveli, 197 km from Kanyakumari and 238 km from Madurai, Pathanamthitta is a beautiful town and the administrative capital of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. Also known as the pilgrim capital of Kerala, Pathanamthitta is the main transport hub to the famous pilgrim center Sabarimala.
It is situated in Central Travancore region of Kerala, close to the Western Ghats. Pathanamthitta town is located on the banks of Achankovil and three major rivers of Kerala Achankovil, Pamba & Manimala flow through the district.
1. Malayalapuzha Devi Temple
At a distance of 7 Kms from Pathanamthitta, Malayalappuzha Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali (another form of Goddess Parvati) is located in Malayalappuzha town near Pathanamthitta. This temple is believed to be more than 3000 years old, constructed in Kerala style of architecture.
2. St. George Orthodox Church
At a distance of 9 Kms from Pathanamthitta, St. George Orthodox Church is located in Chandanapally, about 3 Kms from Chandanapally Jn, past Nariyapuram. It is one of the famous pilgrimage centers in this region.
3. Elephant Training Center
At a distance of 10 Kms from Pathanamthitta, Konni is famous as an Elephant Training Center. It is located near Iravan village (less than 1 Km) on SH67 between Pathanamthitta and Pathanapuram. It is located in thick forest environment and this training center was used to train wild elephants.
4. Aranmula Boat Race
Race held during Onam festival (in the months of Aug/Sep). It is also known as Uthrittathi Boat Race. Situated on the banks of Pampa River, Aranmula is also known for the famous metal mirrors.
5. Sabarimala
Sabarimala is the most famous Hindu pilgrimage centre in Kerala and India. At a distance of 70 km from Pathanamthitta, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is one of the most visited pilgrim centers in the world with an estimated 45 - 50 million devotees every year.
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