PATHANAMTHITTA

PERUNTHENARUVI WATERFALL

The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, is a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot.

PAMBA RIVER

The Holly Place 'Pamba'(near to Sabarimala) is in the banks of Pamba River. It is the combination of a number of rivers originating from the lands of Peeramedu. The tributary of this river are Kakkiyar, Azhuthayar, Kakkatar and Kallar. This is the third largest river in Kerala.It originates about 1650 mtr height from the Sea Level. It flows through Ranni, Thiruvalla, Changanassery and Ambalapuzha Taluk. The famous Rice producing place, Kuttanad Taluk, gets water supply from Pumba River. The Aranmula Boat Race celebrated here is very famous, and the Maraman Convention at Maraman near Kozhenchery is also took place in this river. It has a length of 177 kms. The famous waterfall 'Perunthenaruvi' is in this river. Maniyar Irrigation Project is situated here. The Sabarigiri Hydro Electro Project is situated here. The two Dams, One is Pambayar and another Kakiyar are constructed in the banks of Pamba River. It divides into several tributaries and finally merges into the Vembanattu Lake. Pampa is treated as a 'Saint River'.

KAVIYOOR

Situated on the banks of the river Manimala, Kaviyoor is known for its temples. The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple, also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple, is of great historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department. It bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and according to the archaeologists, it dates back to the eighth century AD. The engravings at this temple are among the earliest specimens of stone sculptures in Kerala. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of the shrine Lord Siva represented in the ' Sivalinga', which is about three feet high and carved out of rock. The shrine also has idols of Maharshi, Ganapathy and Dwarapalakas. The Hanuman Temple is another noted shrine in Kaviyoor, which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture uncharacteristic to Kerala

ARANMULA

Aranmula Pardhasaradhi Temple is a famous old major temple in Kerala. Main idol is Krishna, who is the leader of Arjuna in Kurukshetra War. It is believed that this temple was built near Sabarimalai near Nilackal. There is a flight of 18 steps that lead to the Eastern Tower while 57 descending steps from the Northern tower reaches the Pampa River

The Aranmula Vallamkali, the wold famous water carnival is the main important event related to this place. It started in relation with the thiruvonathoni which starts on Uthraadam (day before Onam) evening from Kaattoor Mahavishnu temple with provisions for the 'Nivedyam' and 'samoohasadya' (mass feast)on Thiruvonam at the temple.The provisions are offered by the Mangattu Bhattathiry, thekaranavar (the eldest member) of Mangattu Illom. (There is a legend also behind this.) Previously the Mangattu Illom was situated near Kaattoor temple and now it is at Kumaranalloor near Kottayam. There will be a representative from the family on the thoni (canoe), as a part of tradition. It is a nice sight to see the thoni moving down the river Pampa without rowing. The thoni is symbolic of Garuda the vehicle of Lord vishnu

An Aranmula kannadi or Aranmula metal mirror is a special type of mirror produced at Aranmula , a village in the state of Kerala in IndIa . Composed of a special metal alloy, instead of glass, the Aranmula kannadi is a front surface reflection mirror, which eliminates secondary reflections and aberrations typical of back surface mirrors. The exact metals used in the alloy are unknown, by are mixed with copper and tin to cast the mirrors, before being polished for several days in a row to achieve their reflective surface.
These unique metal mirrors are the result of Kerala's rich cultural and metallurgical traditions, and have great historical and cultural value.

SABARIMALA

Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa. The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad. The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.Mandalapooja(Nov.17th)and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th)are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures