Carved out of Kollam district, more than half of it is covered by forest land. The river Pamba flows through this land. A large portion of this distrist, then the eastern part of Kollam district, was set apart for the Idukki Hydroelectric Project as well as for ex-servicemen, harijans and tribals. To provide better facilities for these people, this place was sought to be developed socially and economically.Thus was born, in 1982 - November, Pathanamthitta district.

Landmarks
Sabarimala - The best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala, this holy shrine located high up in the sahyadri mountains is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Dharma Sastha) and attracts pilgrims from all over India. Vehicular traffic cannot go beyond Pamba and the last 5 km can be reached only by trekking. However, tourists, foreigners, as well as women between the age of 14 and 40 are not allowed entry.
Aranmula - A small town, 10 km from Chengannur famous for it's expensice hand made mirrors of polished metal called the "Aranmula Kannad" and for the annual Aranmula Boat races during Onam.
Maramon - In February, devotees of the Marthoma Christian faith converge on Maramon, near Kozhencherry, 13 km from Pathanamthitta for the annual Maramon convention. Held on the river bed of the pambe, it is said to be Asia's largest gathering of christians.At Niranam lies kerala's oldest church, said toi have been built by the Apostle St.Thomas in 52 A.D.


Details
District area - 2462 sqkm
Climate - Tropical monsoon, seasonally excessive rainfall, Hot summer.
Clothing - Tropical
Tourist season - August to march

Tourist Info
The nearest airport is at Kochi, 152 km away.The Trivandrum international airport is 236 km to the south via Kottayam.Motorable roads link Pathanamthitta to other places in Kerala. Kottayam, for instance is 76 km away.

Hotels
Hotel Heyday, Police Station road,
Hotel Mayfair, Main Road.
Hotel Indu International Tourist Home, College Road.
Union Tourist Home, College Road.