Pathanamthitta Pathanamthitta is located in the southern part of Kerala. It is the tiniest district in God’s Own Country. This district was formed on 1st November 1982 to accelerate the process of development. Now it is a rapidly growing city and business hub. In and around Pathanamthitta Pathanamthitta is a prominent tourist niche for its boat races, religious shrines and the cultural training centre. It is often called the “Pilgrim Capital of Kerala”. It houses Sabarimala, where the abode of Lord Ayappa is situated, where millions of devotees come every year from all over India. Moreover, this place has a rich tradition of art and culture. The rich art includes the famous ten-day-long ritualistic dance called Padayani. It is performed in Kadamanitta Devi Temple. Pathanamthitta is also famous for the Vasthuvidya Gurukulam that aims in preserving and promoting of Vasthuvidya and mural paintings. Another notable local art form is ‘Aranmula Kannadi’. It is the making of handmade metal-alloy mirror. The technique of making this mirror is kept as a family secret of the craftsmen and is handed over from generation to generation. Apart from the Sabarimala Temple, you can visit the Sreevallabha Temple, the Malankara Orthodox Church in Parumala, Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam, the Paliakkara Church, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple and the statue of the famous freedom fighter Adoor Velu Thampi Deva.
