This district can be proud of the rich contributions it made towards the freedom struggle. When Mahatma Gandhi paid his visit to erstwhile Travancore in 1937, he wanted his follower Khader Das T. P. Gopala Pillai to spread the message on the use of Khadi and Charka. Inspired by the idea of Gandhi, he founded the Mahatma Khadi Ashram at Elanthoor in 1941. For mobilizing funds for Khadi activities and ensuring people’s participation, he also launched a scheme known as ‘Ek Paise Fund’. The idea was to ensure participation of every Indian in the Khadi movement.

In 1921, Prince of Wales visited Travancore and this resulted in a strong protest against the British. The year 1922 witnessed a student’s strike, which instilled lot of spirit and enthusiasm among the freedom fighters. During the same period, a flag Satyagraha was held at Nagpur and Congress leaders like Ponnara Sreedhar and K. Kumar were arrested by the Police and beaten up. The contributions made by Lanthoor K. Kumar, Thadiyal Raghavan Pillai, Pandalam K. P. and N. G. Chacko to the National movement have much significance in the history of freedom struggle.

Pathanamthitta has a rich tradition of art & culture. ‘Padayani’ is a famous folk. The state is also  known for  its Vastuvidya Gurukulam, a unique institution set up by the state’s Cultural Department to direct the activities for promotion of Vastuviyda.

Aranmula Kannadi is a unique art of Kerala and it can not be found anywhere else in the world. It is believed that a divine visitation once inspired a widow in a village to discover a mysterious blend of bronze which could be waxed bright into crystal clear. The making of the metal mirror for Aranmula Kannadi is a long process and calls for lot of patience. It is in fact, a closely guarded secret process, as certain undisclosed metals are alloyed with copper and tin. The Aranmula Kannadi is cast in typical clay moulds. A minimum of 14 days will be required to make a dozen metal mirrors. The smallest size Aranmula Kannadi measures one and a half inch and is priced at about Rs. 950. The technique of production of this mirror is of secret nature and handed over from one generation to another generation of craftsmen.

The padayani is a ten day long famous performance held at Kadamanitta Temple in connection with the annual festival in April/May. Patayani is a ritualistic dance, which literally means ‘an array of Pisachu, Kali, Karakkuru, Pillatini, Bhairavi, Kalan etc. The masks used for this dance are painted with a grotesque surrealistic touch. The round eyes, triangular ears and abnormal size of the head gear etc. give the dancers a touch of super human dimension.

Patayani is associated with the Devi (Goddess) temples of Central Travancore. This particular art form of Dance is found atleast in a dozen village temples. Active participation of villagers is involved in this dance, who extend their cooperation, ritual experience and responsibilities. The Velan (the sorcerer) plays on his percussion instrument ‘Para’ when the areca tree is uprooted and ceremoniously placed at the temple premises as the flagstaff of the festival for 28 days, and ending on the ‘Bharani’ day in the month of Meenam. The ‘Velichappaddu’ who is from the Nair caste, gets possessed and dances to the rhythm of Para and officiates the ritual of uprooting and placing the flagstaff with the help of the villagers. The Mannam (village washer-men) who is also in charge of plucking coconuts, supplies the areca sheaths and other materials for making masks. The Kaniyan paints the masks. On the next day of the flag hosting ceremony, the villagers assemble in the temple around 10 in the night with lighted torches and go thrice around the shrine articulating meaningless syllables meant for invoking the subordinate spirits who pay homage to the main deity. This is technically called ‘Chuttupatayani’ or ‘Patayani’ with torches. This process will continue for 18 days. On the 19th day, the villagers go to the temple in procession, singing boat songs in a rhythm similar to the rowing of a country boat. In front of the temple before a lighted lamp the neighboring villagers conduct a group dance called ‘Kappoli’ as a gesture of cooperation to the celebrations. In dancing they show a number of acrobatic martial feats accompanied by singing. The first item proper in the series is ‘Tavati’ in which six to seven experts dance in the basic rhythm of Patayani to the accompaniment of the drum called ‘Thappu’ which is a wooden instrument covered with thick hide.

Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is functioning for the promotion of the ancient Indian architecture which is a pure and ethnic expression of Indian socio-cultural heritage. The objective of the Gurukulam is the preservation and promotion of Vasthuvidya and mural paintings. It also aims at the renovation and conservation of traditional buildings and mural paintings. The Gurukulam conducts one year Post Graduate Diploma Course in Vasthuvidya. It also conducts a four month training course in the application of principles and practices of Vasthuvidya for the craftsmen belonging to the carpenters’ community engaged in the building industry. Based on the basic texts of Vasthuvidya, four academic courses are conducted here and one of them is approved by Mahatma Gandhi University. Gurukulam has a very efficient Consultancy Center which prepares sketches and plans. The centre also designs building for those who are interested in building constructions in the traditional architectural patterns. Mural paintings drawn with natural colors with complex techniques are used and exhibited here. Mural art gallery is designed in such a way as to impart information about this complex art form to the people.

Pathanamthitta is the head quarters of Pathanamthitta district. The district was formed on 1st November 1982. It was carved out of Idukki, Alappuzha and Kollam districts. The district is close to the western Ghats and is endowed with magnificent landscape, undulating hills, extensive stretches of lush forests, rivers and charming countryside. It is also known for exuberant fairs and festivals. Pathanamthitta district is known as the 'Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism', of the State.

Pathanamthitta has occupied a prominent place in erstwhile Travancore state. The biggest taluk in the old Travancore state was Pathanamthitta and the revenue collections from this taluk were the main sources of income to fill the coffers of the state. The district headquarters is noted for communal and cultural harmony. There are numerous churches, temples and mosques built in close proximity. The Chandanakudam festival at the mosque in the centre of the town is quite famous. Situated near the Western Ghats and bordered by the hills, Pathanamthitta district is a treat to eyes with its vast unending stretches of forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed by abundant nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.

SABARIMALA
Sabarimala is situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi. It is the 'Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa' and one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centers in the country. The traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli (40 km.). Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara and Chalakkayam via Plappally. These routes are famous for lush scenic splendor and mythological value.

The holy shrine is located amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western Ghats and is inhabited by various wildlife species. Millions of pilgrims from all over the Country assemble here during the most arduous festivals called as 'Vishu Vilakku' in April, 'Mandalapooja', in the months of Vrichikam, Dhanu (Nov. - Dec) and 'Makaravilakku' in mid January, coinciding with Sankramam.

ARANMULA
Aranmula town in Pathanamthitta District is surrounded by undulating green hillocks and girdled by the holy river Pampa. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors made of bell metal which is known as ‘Aranmula Kannadi’.

The town is also famous for the Aranmula Vallamkali (Boat Race), which is held on the annual commemoration of the week long Onam festival. The exciting event begins in the afternoon; each snake boat is thirty feet long accommodating four helmsman, hundred rowers and twenty five singers.

Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is a unique institution where one can see ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings. It is a school constituted by the state Cultural Department and situated at Aranmula, 16 km away from Pathanamthitta town. The main objective of the Gurukulam is for preservation and promotion of Vasthuvidya and mural paintings.

CHERUKOLPUZHA
Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha is known as a famous religious Convention Centre for the Hindus. Every year in February, religious Convention is held at Cherukole, on the banks of River Pamba. Large number of people comes to attend the convention and they are addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

KADAMANITTA
Kadamanitta Devi Temple is situated about 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta town. In the month of April/May every year, ten day long Padayani performances are held here. Large number of people assembles on this occasion.

KODUMON CHILANTHIYAMBALAM
Kodumon is the birth place of Sree Sakthi Bhadra, author of Ascharya Chudamani. It is situated 15 kms away from Pathanamthitta town. The water of the Chilanthikinar well in this temple premises is believed to cure people of the skin diseases. The Mahalakshmi of this temple is worshipped by all the people, irrespective of caste or creed.

KONNI
It is a hill town known very famous for timber trade and wild elephant training centre. Konni is also a very attractive town with charming lush meadows and hills standing on the banks of the river Achankovil. This place is surrounded by clove and pepper plantations. This is also a renowned centre for taming and training the trapped elephants from the forest area.

KOZHENCHERY
Kozhenchery is a training centre and a flourishing market for agricultural goods. It is situated on left bank of River Pampa, 13 kms away from Pathanamthitta.

MARAMON
Close to Kozhenchery, Maramon is known as venue of a mammoth religious convention for Christians, who come from all over the world. This convention is generally held in February every year and people from all communities is addressed by religious thinkers and Christian scholars from across the world.

MANJANIKARA
This place is known as a holy place and pilgrim centre in Manjanikara church, where the mortal remains of Mar Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthiod, are preserved. Mar Ignatius Elias III died at Manjanikara in the year 1932 while on his visit to India. The annual festival (Ormaperunnal) is held in February every year.

MANNADI
Mannadi is situated 13 kms away from Adoor. This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the most renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, had spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy temple situated here has some exquisite stone sculptures. The annual festival is held in February/March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts function here.

MULOOR SMARAKAM
Located at Elavumthitta, 12 kms away from Pathanamthitta town is the memorial to Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker (1869 – 1931), a renowned social reformer and poet. His home at Elavumthitta is preserved as a monument by the Department of Culture of the State Govt.

PAMPA
This is the main halting point for pilgrims on their way to famous Sabarimala Shrine. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam – the meeting or confluent point of three rivers.

PARUMALA
It is situated 10 kms away from Thiruvalla. A Malankara orthodox church of the declared saint Mar Gregorious Metropolitan is situated here. The annual ormaperunnal (Commemoration day) of this saint is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.

PANDALAM
This is where Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. Pandalam is considered as a holy town, second next to Sabarimala. The Valiyakoikal temple near the palace on the banks of river Achankovil has been modeled after Sabarimala Shrine. Pilgrims throng here to worship, before proceeding to Sabarimala. The famous Makaravilakku festival is celebrated here. Three days prior to celebration of this festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken out in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.

PERUNTHENARUVI WATERFALLS
This is a spectacular waterfall, plunging down into a ravine from a rocky height of 60-100 ft. The site is accessible by bus from Kollam.

THIRUVALLA
Thiruvalla has the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Sree Vallabha Temple is also at Thiruvalla, the only place in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.

NIRANAM
The oldest church believed to have been built by Apostle Saint Thomas in 50 AD is situated here. The Paliakara Church, also situated here, has some collections of exquisite mural paintings on display.

KAVIYOOR
This place is very famous for one of the oldest of the Mahadeva Temples of Kerala, known as Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple. This temple was built in the early years of the 10th century. There are references available here in the Kaviyoor Shasanas of 950 A.D. to indicate that gifts offered to this temple. ‘Darusilpas’ seen around this temple belong to the 17th century.

Pathanamthitta can be called as the spiritual abode of God’s Own Country owing to the fact that largest number of pilgrim spots of the state is found here.

SABARIMALA TEMPLE
It is a world famous temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and one of the biggest pilgrim spots in Kerala, attracting hundreds and thousands of devotees. This temple is situated on top of the Sahyadri Mountains. Sabarimala, a Sri Dharmasastha Temple is very renowned and occupies a prominent status among all the other Sastha Temples.

MARAMON CONVENTION (February)
The biggest religious gathering of the Christians in Asia viz. the Marthoma Maramon Convention is held on the river banks of Pampa, which is close to Kozhenchery. This convention is generally held in the north of February. The convention draws thousands of people from all parts of India. The Maramon convention plays an important role in ushering in cooperation and unity between different sections of the churches in Kerala. This convention bears an ecumenical outlook viz. of representing the whole Christian world and seeking their unity and cooperation. This convention also gives vent to spiritual inspiration and enlightenment for thousands of people.

This convention normally lasting a period of 10 days is arranged when the sand bed becomes dry so that it could accommodate a mammoth crowd to attend same. About a week before convention, the venue where the huge Pandal capable of accommodating about 80000 to 100,000 people will come up becomes the scene of great activity. The Pandal is constructed of Bamboo Poles. When the date set for convention comes, huge crowd start coming over the temporary bridges and through the sand bag walkways, finally converging at the venue of convention to listen to the gospel of Lord and to sing in praise of Him. The religious sermons and discourses delivered by Christian scholars and priests are heard with rapt attention by a mammoth crowd of approximately 100,000, who sit under the temporary shelters of thatched coconut palm leaves withstanding the onslaught of hot and humid weather conditions…!! This is because of the spiritual inspiration and enlightenment the devotees derive from the Maramon Convention..!! This convention also helps in fostering unity, solidarity and a sense of Universal Brotherhood among all sections of the people, regardless of caste creed and religion.

CHANDANAKKUDAM FESTIVAL (February)
Chandanakkudam Festival is held in February. It is one of the most colorful Muslim festivals in Kerala; Chandanakkudam festival of the Jama-Al Mosque at Pathanamthitta attracts thousands of Muslim devotees. Apart from Muslim devotees, large number of tourists and believers also throng the place to join the Chandanakkudam feast and to witness the grand celebrations. The elaborate decoration with colorful lighting arrangements, beautifully caparisoned elephants and accompanied by the melodious music score make the Chandanakkudam festival a very inspiring and memorable event.

PARUMALA ORTHODOX CHURCH
St. Gregorious Geevarghese popularly known as ‘Parumala Thirumeni’ was born in a priestly family of “Pallithatta Thanagattu” in Mulunthuruthy near Cochin on the 15th June, 1848. The tomb of Mar Gregorious metropolitan, Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is built in the above magnificent church building. The annual commemorative feast (Ormaperunnal) of the saint is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. Devotees from all over the state come in large numbers to attend the special religious rites and prayers offered on the occasion of Ormaperunnal.

CHERUKOLPUZHA CONVENTION (February)
Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha Convention is held in February every year. It is a Hindu religious convention and usually held on the banks of River Pampa. Large number of people comes to attend this convention. This convention is addressed by prominent Hindu religious scholars and cultural personalities.

MANJINIKKARA CHURCH
Mar Ignatius Elias III the holy patriot of Anthiod while on a visit to India died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved in Manjinikkara Church. Now, this place has become a famous pilgrim centre. The annual feast (commemoration day) is held in February.

ARANMULA VALLAMKALI (Aug –Sept)
Aranmula Vallamkali (Boat Race) is a thrilling annual event that happens during the month of August – September on Onam days. The commencement of this event is preceded with a boat race in the afternoon. Early morning next day, the snake boats assemble near the Parthasarathy Temple in readiness to take off. Each snake boat is 100 ft. long and can accommodate 4 helmsmen, 100 oarsmen and 25 singers. When the boat race is signaled to start, snake boats take off in pairs and surge forward cutting through the waters. The momentum and speed of the boats depend upon the oarsmen, who propel the boat ahead with oars by bringing leverage against the water. The boat race is encouraged by the onlookers through full throated shouts and singing and soon the competition catches its tempo with excitement.

AANANDAPALLY MARAMADI (Aug – Sept)
Aanandapally is a small village near Adoor in Pathanamthitta District. This district is famous for its Maramadi festival. An ox race is commonly held in the villages of Kerala on harvest season. Maramadi festival viz. the cattle race has a history of 200 years in Kerala and it is held on the occasion of celebrating harvesting season. Vast stretches of ploughed paddy field form the racing ground. The villagers get excited to watch the cattle race (Maramadi Festival) and they come in large numbers to cheer up the participating teams.