Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 160

Perumthenaruvi
Waterfalls on the banks of the Pamba River

Perumthenaruvi: (36 km from Pathanamthitta) This waterfalls on the banks
of the Pamba river is a favourite picnic spot on the way to Vechuchira.
Nilakkal: (5 km from Plappally) Nilakkal is famous for its Mahadeva temple,
on the way to Sabarimala. Most of the pilgrims to Sabarimala halt here for a
sojourn and worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and Ecumenical
Center of the Christians are located here.
Pandalam: (14 km from Chengannur railway station) It is believed that Lord
Ayyappa of Sabarimala spent his human life in the palace of Pandalam as
the son of the king of Pandalam. Therefore this town is considered as a holy
place. The Valiyakoikal temple on the bank of river Achankovil has been
modelled as a replica of Sabarimala Shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here for
worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the
Makaravilaku festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in
a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.
Parumala: (10 km from Thiruvalla) The mortal remains of Mar Gregories
Metropolitan, the declared Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church kept here.
The commemoration day (ormaperunal) of Mar Gregories Metropolitan is
celebrated on the 1 st and 2nd of November.
Omallur: (5 km from Pathanamthitta) People from within and outside the
state participate in the annual cattle fair (Vayalvanibham) held during
the Malayalam month of Meenam every year. The Rakthakanta Swamy
temple is an attractive pilgrim centre of Omallur.
St. John’s Cathedral: This new Cathedral at Thiruvalla looks like a temple
and can accommodate 2000 people and has no pews.
158

PATHANAMTHITTA|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS