Tourist Attractions

MANNADI

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 festival is held in February/March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts functions here. Velu Thampi Dalawa, the former Diwan of the Travancore Province, had committed suicide at Mannadi Temple, to avoid capture by the British.

NIRANAM

The oldest Christian church in India, believed to be built by the apostle St. Thomas in AD 52, is situated at Niranam. This is also the birth place of the poets and social reformers popularly known as the Karnassa Kavikal. The St. Thomas art gallery here has been built by an Ecumenical body known as Niranam Thomathu Kadavu Smaraka Trust.

THE ROCK CUT CAVE TEMPLE

The rock cut Siva Temple, half a kilometre away, is of great archaeological 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 Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthiod while on a visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved at this church. Later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual festival (Ormaperunnal) is held in February.

OMALLUR

The Rakthakanta Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair held in the Malayalam month of Meenam are the main attractions of Omallur. People from both within and outside the State participate in the fair.

MALAYALAPPUZHA

The goddess at the Bhagavathy Temple here is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realise dreams. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.

KADAMANITTA

The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May.

MULOOR SMARAKOM

The memorial to Muloor, a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta.

KODUMON CHILANTHIYAMBALAM

The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases. Kodumon is also the birthplace of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author of Ascharya Chudamani.

One of the most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Pilgrim season: November to mid January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku 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). Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla (102 km)People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.

PAMBA

This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers.