1. Aranmula
The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi Temple here has fine murals from the 18th century. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, a unique craft which is not found anywhere else in the world.
Access through :
Rail: Chengannur, which is about 1O km away.
Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport , about 115 km away.
2. Kadamanitta
The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. It is 8 km from Pathanamthitta.
3. Kaviyoor
Kaviyoor is famous for its temples and is located on the banks of the river Manimala. The Kaviyoor Trikkukkudi Cave Temple , also known as the Rock Cut Cave Temple , is of historical importance and is preserved as a monument by the Archaeological Department. It bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture and has prompted historians to date it to a period as early as the eighth century AD.
The engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculptures in Kerala. Enshrined in a square cave is the main deity of the shrine Lord Siva represented in the ' Sivalinga' which is about three feet high and carved out of rock. The shrine also has idols of Ganapathy, Maharshi and Dwarapalakas. And the attraction is Rock Cut Cave Temple .
Another noted shrine in Kaviyoor is the Hanuman Temple which stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala. It is about 5 km east of Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, south Kerala.
Access:
Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla, about 5 km from Kaviyoor.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport , about 119 km from Pathanamthitta.
