Sabarimala

Lord Ayyapa’s temple situated 1535fts above the sea level on a hilltop of Shabarimala is a Hindu pilgrim centre in the Pathanamthitta district. It is the one of the ancient and prominent Shasta temple of Kerala. The temple is administrated by the Travancore Devoswom board under the Kerala government. Yearly devotees from every part of the world come to visit the mesmerising shrine of the Lord Ayyapa to pay their offerings. This Hindu pilgrimage center located is in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District, Perunad grama panchayat in Kerala. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world with an estimated 70 million devotees visiting the temple every year. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where the Hindu God Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demoness, Mahishi. Ayyappan's temple is situated here amidst 18 hills. Sabarimala is linked predominantly for men of all ages for the pilgrim and it’s prohibited for women between the age of 10 to 50.You can easily identify the devotee as they wear black or blue dress. They do not shave till the completion of pilgrimage and smear Vibhuti or Sandal paste on their forehead.

Konni

Hilly town of Konni in sPatanamtitta district in Kerala is known for its elephant cages, forests, and rubber plantations. Konni is a forest village in the state. Located on the bank of the mighty Achencoil river encompasses a rich history of man-forest interface. Large expanse of forests of Western Ghats in its background is reticular by varied streams and rivulets that augment the exceptional scenic beauty of the landscape. The forests that have a rich repository of biodiversity were grooved in to Konni Reserve Forests and Achencoil Reserve Forests by the maharajah of Travancore long back in 1897 and 1901 respectively. Konni is among the oldest reserve forests of the State. The rich green land has been distinguished as a haven of untamed elephants associated as a centre for elephant coaching. The massive extent of thick forest with wild animals has currently established Konni to emerge as another traveller’s spot for safaris and trekking. It is a vital centre for money crops like rubber, pepper, low and ginger that are the backbone of the agricultural industry of the state.

Gavi

The mesmerising village of Gavi in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala is a leading place in the state for Eco tourism. It is located 28 km southwest of Vandiperiyar.A 40 kilometre drive from Kumily, the road leading to the picturesque Gavi is blanketed by enchanting tea plantations. Gavi is an Eco-tourist spot in Kerala which was widely popularised after 'Alistair International' the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading eco-tourism centres and one of the must-see places in India. A must visit place for all nature lovers as Gavi is preserved in its natural scenic beauty untouched by the modernization. Gavi is mainly known for its wildlife,tropical forests, the trail of grasslands, cascading waterfalls and cardamom plantations. The Endangered species such as Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque are often sighted in these regions. Elephants are another species that are abundantly seen in this region. If you belong to the category of bird watcher, Gavi is just the right place for you. With more than 260 species of birds including the great pied hornbill, woodpecker, and kingfishers, Gavi is the perfect heaven for birdwatchers. Gavi is a splendid spot to be visited once at least for all those who love nature.

Aranmula

Aranmula is the village with an historical significance is in the Pathanamthitta District. Aranmula hosts the Aranmula Vellamkali or the annual snake boat race on the Pampa River during the festival of Onam. These races are religious, based on a temple festival. The festival is glorified with the ornated elephant processions. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, known as Aranmula kannadi which is a unique craft only created in this place. The mirror is a legacy being a part of a family business secret. Another attraction is the Aranmula palace which is 200 years old. The Parthasarthi temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music as well as Kalaripayattu. The people from different part of the world who are curious about these art forms stay here for long period to get a firsthand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarthi temple is another temple attraction famous for its inlaid mural paintings from the 18th century.