Konni: (11 km from Pathanamthitta)

The hilly area of Konni, located 11 km from Pathanamthitta, is the gate-way to the forest bordering the district. Surrounded by acres of thick forest, it is an adventurous tourist spot where one can go for thrilling elephant safaris and trekking. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state and is a major elephant training center. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as 'anakoodu' (Elephant Cage) till they were properly trained. After 1972, elephant hunting was stopped since the central government put an end to this crude old method of elephant catching and training.

Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam 🙁 15 km from Pathnamthitta)

Water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this Durga Bhagavathi Temple is believed to cure skin disease.
Sabarimala: (65 km from Pathanamthitta, 180 km from Thiruvanathapuram and 210 km from Kochi)One of the Most famous pilgrim center in India.Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of Western Ghat an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible by foot from Pamba.Pamba is known as the Thriveni Sangamon means the meeting point of three rivers. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa.Pilgrim season: November to mid January. The temple stays closed for the rest of the year except on the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).

Aranmula: (13 km from Pathanamthitta).

Aranmula is a small town near Pathanamthitta which is famous for its boat races and metal mirrors. Take a Tour to Aranmula to know more about the traditional lifestyle of Kerala. Located on the banks of River Pamba, the Aranmula is a famous backwater destination.

Aranmula Parthasarathy temple

Dedicated to Sree Krishna, this temple on the banks of holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. It is said that the idol was brought here in a raft made with aru (six) pieces of mula (Bamboo).

Aranmula Boat Race

The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival (Aug/Sep). The snake boats assemble near the Sri Parthasarathy Temple before the grand procession. Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen, and 25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting, watched by an excited crowd. This boat race commemorates the consecration of the idol at the Parthasarahy temple, 700 years ago.

Aranmulakannadi

Aranmula metal mirror manufacturing was stared on early 18th Centuary.It represents fascinating area of culture and technological curiosity. Mysteries in its creation, unequelled in its beauty, this metal mirror, a medieval Dravidian marvel in the annals of metallurgy was in vogue long before the appearance of today’s silicon mirror.Aranmulakannadi is an alloy of copper and white led is mixed in a particular ratio to make this non-refractive mirror, which is a closely guarded family secret.

Vijana Kala Vedi: (Open 1000-1600 hrs, except on weekends)

Located at Aranmula, 16kms from Pathanamthitta, Vijnana Kala Vedi is a cultural center which imparts training in the traditional arts and crafts of Kerala. This training center as well as charitable association was founded in 1977 by a lady French scholar, Louba Schild with the support of UNESCO. The main object of this school is to offer opportunities to the foreign artists, researchers and culturally oriented tourists to be more familiar with Indian culture and art. It is a traditional school for Kath kali, mohiniattam, bharatanatyam, karnatic music, tabla, maddalam, hatha yoga, mural painting, wood carving, cooking, kolam, kalarippayatt etc and a language school for the learning of Sanskrit, Hindi and Malayalam. It is also a centre for volunteers to teach English in India. A large number of foreigners visit and stay here to get to know about the culture of Kerala.

Vaastu Vidya Gurukulam: (Near parthasarathy temple, Open 0900-1600 hrs)

Vasthu sasthra is the branch of Veda which deals with traditional Indian way of environmental friendly construction adopting universal principles of creation. This is a combination of science engineering and spirituality.

Vastu vidya came from, Sanskrit word Vas & Vidya. Vas means dwell and Vidya is knowledge is stated to spring from Sthapadya Veda the sub Veda of Atharvaveda. Traditional Kerala temple is an excellent example of Vasthu designing. This institution, under department of Culture, gives out consultancy services for Vastu vidya and Mural painting (Traditional Kerala Temple painting)

Pandalam 🙁 18 km south of Thiruvalla on the MC road. Open 0530-12000hrs, 1730 -1900 hrs). Pathanamthitta has rightly been labeled as the headquarters of pilgrimage tourism in Kerala. In this small district in the state of Kerala there are several pilgrim centers. Pandalam is one such holy center which is frequented by a large number of tourists each year. It is second only to Sabrimala in importance and holiness.

According to legend, a Pandya king purchased land from Kaipuzha Thampan, a local landlord and left his state of Tamil Nadu to settle here. It is believed that his son is an incarnation of Lord Ayyappa.

Maramon

Maramon is a small town on the Pampa River opposite to Kozhencherry town in the state of Kerala. Maramon is the venue of mammoth religious convention of Christians from all over the world. This is perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia.

Gavi: (18 km from Kumily and 28 km from Vandiperiyar)

Gavi recounts a tranquil, mesmerizing and pristine wilderness treat! Yes, with every turn and sight you encounter nature at its unadulterated best – sprawling grasslands, cascading waterfalls, hills and valleys with its dear inhabitants. One of the off-track destinations in the state of Kerala, the place is the result of the eco-tourism initiatives from the Kerala Forest Development Corporation. Owing to its abundant and magnificent wildlife reserves and raw geographical milieu, a major portion of the tourists here are nature lovers or adventurists.Trekking, bird watching and boating facilities are available here. Forest department provides tented accommodation and boating facilities.