PLACES
TO VISIT
Thiruvalla
Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 10 km
It is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Paliakara
Church here has some exquisite mural paintings. The Sree Vallabha temple in
Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as
a ritual offering everyday.
Mannadi
13 km from Adoor
This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore,
spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy Temple here has some exquisite stone
sculptures. The annual festivals is held in February/March. The Kerala Institute
of Folklore and Folk Arts functions here.
Niranam
17 km from Thiruvalla
The oldest Christian church in India, believed to be built by the apostle St.
Thomas in AD 52, is situated at Niranam.
Pandalam
Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 14 km
As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. Sree Ayyappa,
the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the
Raja of Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river
Achenkovil has been modelled on the Sabarimala shrine. Pilgrims usually stop
here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makaravilaku
festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a procession from
Pandalam to Sabarimala.
Parumala
10 km from Thiruvalla
The ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitian, the declared
saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of every
November.
Charalkunnu This picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of
the nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging.
Cherukolpuzha An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at
Cherukole on the river bed of the Pamba, usually in February every year.
Kakki Reservoir Tigers, elephants and monkeys can be sighted in the forests
surrounding the reservoir.
5 km east of Thiruvalla
Situated on the bank of the Manimala river, Kaviyoor is famous for its temples.
The Hanuman Temple stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style
architecture peculiar to Kerala. The Rock Cut Cave Temple: The rock cut Siva
Temple, half a kilometre away, is of great archeological significance. Dating
back to the 8th century AD, this temple bears close resemblance to the Pallava
style of architecture. The stone engravings here are among the earliest specimens
of stone sculpture in Kerala.
Manjanikara Church Mar Ingatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthoid while
on a visit to India, died at this place in 1932. Later this place developed
into a pilgrim center. The annual festival (ormaperunnal) is held in February.
Maramon Situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the venue of a mammoth religious
convention of Christians from all over the world. It is attended by people from
all communities. The convention which is usually held in February is addressed
by religious thinkers and Christian scholars from all over the world. This is
perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia.
Pathanamthitta Town It is the district headquarters. This is a land of religious
and cultural harmony, where a number of churches, temples and mosques can be
found close to each other. The annual Chandanakudam festival at the mosque in
the heart of the town is a major event.
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