Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India

Best time to visit

January, February, September, November, December

The cooler, drier months from November to February suit sightseeing, forest safaris at Gavi and visits to waterfalls. They also coincide with the Sabarimala pilgrim season, so expect crowds and book early. The monsoon months make the waterfalls and rivers spectacular but can limit forest and hill activities. Late August to September brings the Aranmula boat festivities around Onam.

History and culture

The district was formed on 1 November 1982 and carved out of parts of Idukki, Alappuzha and Kollam. The town sits on the banks of the Achankovil river. The name combines the Malayalam words pathanam and thitta, roughly meaning an array of houses on the riverside. In the old princely state of Travancore, Pathanamthitta was the biggest taluk, and its revenue played a major role in filling the state's coffers. Culturally, the district is known for Padayani, a ritual folk art performed in temple festivals, and for Aranmula, a heritage village famous for its boat festivities. The Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, set up by the state's cultural department, keeps traditional architecture and mural arts alive. Sabarimala draws millions of pilgrims each year, and the Maramon Convention is a major Christian gathering on the Pamba riverbank.

Sights

Places to see. 7 places besides the lead pick.

Food and drink

Places to eat and drink. 3 places.

Stays

Places to sleep. 5 places.

Articles it was based on

The pages the research read. Each opens on its own site.