District Head Quarters Pathanamthitta, Area 2,642 Sq. Km,Population 12,31,577, Literacy 95.09 %
Geographical hints: - Half of the area of the total district is forest land. The 'Sabarimala' is at the height of 3,790 ft and 'Poochimala' is at the height of 5,847 ft. Rivers: Pamba, Manimala, Achencovil
Engrossed in the hilly terrain of Kerala, Pathanamthitta can rightly be called the head quarters of Pilgrimage tourism in the State. With more than fifty per cent of the land area covered with thick forests the district has a prominent place in the supply of hill produces in the State.
Sabarimala Temple
The Sastha temple at Sabarimala, 80 kms. from the District Head quarters, is one of the major pilgrim centre in South India. Irrespective of religious beliefs, people from all over India and abroad come to this famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa which is surrounded by hazardous hills like Karimala and Neelimala. The devotees known as Ayyappas negotiate the hills to reach the shrine after undergoing 41 days of 'Vrutha' i.e., self imposed devotional penance. The pilgrimage season, involving Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku comes between the later half of November and the former half of January every year. Ablution in River Pamba is considered as holy 'Ganga Snanam'.
The confluence of Hindu and Muslim deities in the form of Lord Ayyappa, his lieutenant Vavar makes this esteemed pilgrim centre a model for communal harmony and castelessnes.
PANDALAM VALIYAKOYICKAL TEMPLE
According to legend Ayyaappa as a babe was found lying of the banks of the river Pamba, by the Raja of Pandalam. The Raja had no issues and the child was considered as a God-given gift. It was therefore brought up in court with all regal honours. Ayyappan grew up with heavenly splendour, super human wisdom and physical powers. Sree Dharmaa Sastha of Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple is Dharma Deva to King to Pandalam. One of the Major events associated with the Makaravilakku Festival is the procession of the Thiruvabharanam of Lord Ayyappa from his Temple. The nearest town and railway station is Chengannoor-12 Kms.
Perumthenaruvi
The water falls in the Pamba river at Perumthenaruvi attract thousands of people from inside and outside the district. This is a beautiful natural waterfall and an ideal place of transit attraction. it is only 10 kms. from Erumeli. This is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.