Things to Do in Pathanamthitta

The Thiruvabharana (Sacred Treasures) of Lord Ayyappa, which is preserved in Pandalam Palace, will be taken to Sabarimala as a grand procession. The procession starts in first week of January, only to reach at Sabarimala on Makara Sankrathi Day (second week of January). The procession is a religious experience, with huge number of people accompanying the 3 chests of treasures each held by one selected person. The procession will be accompanied by armed battalions of police, various religious bands and traditional accompaniments, which stops at all major temples, enroute.

The Stretch of riverpamba at Aranmula (about 10 km from Chengannur) is the venue of the famous snake boat race. It is more a pageantry than a race. The snake boat is of an extra ordinary shape with a length of about 100 ft. The rear portion towering to a height of about 20 ft and the front portion tapering gradually.The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised.

Temple devoted to the Lord Shiva and halting place for Sabarimala pilgrims.

This church was built at the end of the 19th century. It has been declared as 'Maha Idavaka'. The church has a Raasa every year in the month of December.

Raktakantaswami Temple Temple having idol of Lord Ayyappan, the temple celebrates the Yearly Utsav at summer of April and May. The Utsav goes on for 10 days. Possessions of more than 10 Elephants, elephants are decorated so beautifully one can feel the gods and goddess of heaven are on earth at that precious ceremony. Omallur is a small village 5km from Pathanamthitta town.

Malayalapuzha houses the one of the largest Devi (Goddess Durga) Temple and the goddess here is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realise dreams. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings. This temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/ May.

Sree Vallabha Temple is one among the one hundred and eight Vaishnava temples in India, hence it is also one of the important pilgrim centers of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) all over the country. The temple is extremely famous for its large Vedic school, where students are trained in Vedas and Hindu Tantric practices. The temple is also famous for its large Kathakali performances, performed daily in evenings.

Located in Pandalam, the palace was once home of Lord Ayyappa, where he lived for 16 years, before becoming ascetic. The palace, thus became a major religious center, though the erstwhile royal family continues to live in the complex. A large temple is located within palace complex, known as Valiyakovil Temple, believed to home of Prince Ayyappa. The Palace also displays a large treasures of Lord Ayyappa's princely costumes and crown jewels along with his armory.