Pathanamthitta is a district in Kerala that offers a range of tourist attractions to its visitors. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Pathanamthitta:

Sabarimala Temple: Sabarimala Temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India, located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

The temple is situated on a hilltop in the Western Ghats, at an altitude of around 468 meters above sea level. The hill on which the temple is situated is known as Sabarimala, and it is surrounded by dense forests and mountains. The temple is open to devotees only during certain periods of the year, which are known as the "Mandalakala" and "Makaravilakku" seasons.

During the Mandalakala season, which begins in mid-November and lasts till mid-January, millions of devotees from all over India and abroad visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Ayyappa. The peak of the season is on the day of "Makaravilakku," which falls on January 14th every year. It is believed that on this day, Lord Ayyappa appears in the form of a divine light in the sky.

To reach the temple, devotees have to undertake a rigorous 41-day fast, which includes abstaining from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and sexual activities. They also have to wear a special dress called "Mala," which is made of black beads and represents the devotion and commitment of the devotee to Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala Temple is a significant religious site and a popular tourist destination in Kerala, attracting millions of devotees and visitors every year.

Konni Elephant Training Center: The Konni Elephant Training Center is a popular tourist attraction located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The center is dedicated to the training and care of elephants and is one of the few such centers in India.At the Konni Elephant Training Center, visitors can watch elephants being trained and interact with them. The center is situated in a picturesque location amidst lush green forests and is home to a large number of elephants.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the center, where they can watch the elephants being fed, bathed, and trained. They can also observe the various techniques used by the mahouts (elephant trainers) to train the elephants, such as using verbal commands and gentle touches.

In addition to watching the elephants, visitors can also take an elephant ride through the nearby forest area. The ride offers a unique experience of exploring the forest from the back of an elephant.

the Konni Elephant Training Center is a must-visit destination for those who love nature and wildlife. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the training and care of elephants and to interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls: Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls is a popular tourist attraction located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The waterfall is situated on the banks of the Pamba river and is a picturesque location surrounded by lush green forests and mountains.

The word "Perunthenaruvi" literally translates to "the great honey stream," and the waterfall gets its name from the honey-colored water that flows down from a height of around 60 feet. The waterfalls are particularly beautiful during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak.

Visitors can access the waterfall by trekking through the forest area or by taking a jeep ride. There are also small shops and eateries near the waterfall that sell local snacks and refreshments.In addition to enjoying the beauty of the waterfall, visitors can also take a dip in the cool, refreshing water of the pool at the bottom of the falls. The waterfall area is also popular among adventure enthusiasts, who enjoy activities like rock climbing and rappelling.

 Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts visiting Pathanamthitta. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Kerala and to enjoy various outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple: Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Aranmula town of the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here in the form of Parthasarathy (the charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata).

The temple is renowned for its unique architectural style and its association with the annual Aranmula Boat Race, which is one of the oldest boat races in India. The temple is also famous for its exquisite mural paintings and the brass oil lamps, which are believed to be among the largest in the world.According to legend, the temple was built around 1700 years ago by the Pandavas during their exile. The temple is situated on the banks of the Pamba river and is surrounded by lush green forests and mountains.

The annual Aranmula Boat Race, which takes place during the Onam festival, is a major attraction of the temple. The boat race involves snake boats (long, narrow boats) decorated with colorful silk umbrellas and carrying around 100 rowers each. The boats race along the Pamba river, and the event attracts a large number of visitors from all over India and abroad.

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is a significant religious site and a popular tourist attraction in Pathanamthitta. It offers a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and natural experiences that make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kerala.

Pandalam Palace: Pandalam Palace is a historical palace located in the town of Pandalam in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The palace has great cultural and historical significance and is believed to have been the home of Lord Ayyappa's biological parents, the King of Pandalam and Queen Dharmapriya.

The palace is a beautiful example of traditional Kerala architecture and is surrounded by lush greenery and serene backwaters. It is considered a sacred place by devotees of Lord Ayyappa, and many of them visit the palace during their pilgrimage to Sabarimala.

The palace houses a small temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, where the crown of Lord Ayyappa, known as Thiruvabharanam, is kept during the annual pilgrimage season. The crown is taken out in a procession from the palace to Sabarimala, marking the beginning of the pilgrimage season.In addition to its religious significance, Pandalam Palace is also a popular tourist attraction due to its historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore the palace's various rooms, which are adorned with traditional Kerala-style artwork and artifacts, and learn about the history of the Pandalam Kingdom.

Pandalam Palace is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and spirituality. It offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and its association with Lord Ayyappa and the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Gavi: Gavi is a serene and picturesque eco-tourism destination located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It is situated in the midst of dense forests and is known for its pristine beauty, rich wildlife, and adventurous trekking trails.

The region is rich in biodiversity and is home to several endangered species such as the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and several species of birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Visitors can explore the lush green forests, streams, and waterfalls of the area and experience the beauty of Kerala's tropical forests.

The trekking trails in Gavi offer a unique opportunity for adventure enthusiasts to explore the wilderness and witness the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also indulge in various outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

In addition to its natural beauty, Gavi is also home to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, which is a significant pilgrimage center for devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The temple is located on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

 Gavi is a perfect destination for those seeking a serene and adventurous escape in the lap of nature. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Kerala's tropical forests and to indulge in various outdoor activities while being surrounded by nature's beauty.

Overall, Pathanamthitta offers a range of attractions to its visitors, from religious sites and cultural landmarks to scenic beauty and wildlife experiences