Kerala is a famous tourist destination in India. It is also called as God’s own country and the Spice Garden of India. Kerala has mountains, forests, rivers, backwaters and pristine beaches. Many of the famous tourist centers in Kerala include Munnar, Wynad, Idukki, Alapuzha and Kovalam. Pathanamthitta is one of the young tourist centers in Kerala. This district has the best aspects of nature like mountains, forests, rivers and is considered as one of the eco-tourism centers. This region has three rivers- Pamba, Manimala and Achenkovil. The topography of this land is also varied. There are large areas with coconut palms and paddy fields, plantations of rubber, cardamom and pepper. A tourist’s itinerary must include a visit to this green land. One can take a ride in the ghats and forests to experience the richness of nature. Besides, the other Pathanamthitta sightseeing places include Arunmala, a traditional picturesque village that is declared as an international tourism destination. One can view the life in rural and rustic Kerala and this place is famous for its handicrafts. Apart from this, Charalkunnu is famous for its panoramic view and Kakki reservoir Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pathanamthitta is famous for its Hindu pilgrim centers and churches. There is an 8th century Thekekudi cave temple in Kaviyoor which is very famous. Omallur, 5 km from Pathanamthitta has a famous Rakthakantha Swamy temple. The annual cattle fair held here is the main tourist attraction. The other temples include Bhagavathy temple at Malayalapuzha, 8 km from Pathanamthitta, Kadamanitta Devi temple and the famous Ayappa temple at Sabari mala. This shrine alone draws about 2 million people from the nearby states during the months of November- January. This shrine is located at a distance of 65 kms from Pathanamthitta, 180 kms from Thiruvanandapuram and 210 kms from Kochi.

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