About:

Parumala church is situated at Mannar on the banks of river Pampa, Near Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.The first saint Mar Gregorious(famously known as Parumala Kochu Tirumeni) of Malankara Orthodox Church lived here. Now it is a famous pilgrime centre.The church is renowned as a centre of worship for all religious communities and as one of the main pilgrimage centers for Christians in Kerala. It contains the mortal remains of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan known as Parumala Thirumeni who was the first declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church. The annual commemorative feast (Ormapperunnal) celebrations at the Parumala Church is held on 1st and 2nd of November. Devotees from all over the state attended the special rites and prayers offered as part of the commemorative feast of the saint.Parumala Perunnal is an extremely popular festival of Kerala. The festival is celebrated at the Parumala St. Peter's & St. Paul's Orthodox Church.There is also a ceremonial procession through the town, attended by devotees from all over the State. All prayers and related rituals are conducted here during these days with great enthusiasm. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the festival. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds swarm with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry.

Location info:

Address: Mannar,Near Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India
District: Pathanamthitta District
Nearest City: Trivandrum, Ernakulam, Thiruvalla, and Kozhencherryi.
Best time to visit: October to November.

Climate/Weather:

History:

Interesting things to do:

Watch the Parumala church and St. Paul's Orthodox Church on the event of festival.

Interesting things to Visit:

Koothambalam:

The Koothambalam , Situated 30 kms North West of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad region, Thirunelli Temple is known as the "main pilgrimage of South". Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.

Kadayanickadu Dharmashastha Temple:

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is located in a beautiful and peaceful place. It is about 4 km from Manimala Town.

Forane Church:

Forane Church perunal is very famous. It runs for a week and worshippers from all over the neighborhood from all casts attend the procession from Karikkattoor junction all the way to church which is about 4 kilometers.

Kaviyoor Hanuman Temple:

A Hanuman Temple is also located in the temple complex of Kaviyoor Temple. This is one of the famous major temples of Travancore Devaswam Board.

Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple:

This temple is located 15 kms away from Pathanamthitta on the banks of Achankovil river, is the Valiyakoyickal Temple of Sri Dharma Sastha. Believed to be constructed by the Raja of Pandalam, this Ayyappa shrine has been modeled on the Sabarimala temple. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding to Sabarimala. One of the major events associated with the 'Makaravilaku' festival is the procession carrying the 'Thiruvabharanam' (sacred ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa from the Valiyakoyical temple to Sabarimala. This is performed three days prior to makaravilakku.

Sabarimala temple:

Sabarimala temple is located on the top of the hills of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine in Sabarimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala during the months of November-January when the main festival takes place.The devotees who visit the temple during the festival walk barefoot through the uneven road to reach the temple.

Perunthenaruvi Waterfall:

The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, Perunthenaruvi is about 36 km from Pathanamthittais a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot.

Ranni:

Ranni alias the queen of hill lands is one of the most beautiful villages blessed with beautiful nature, rivers, hills, forests, good climate and atmosphere. This fast developing tourist place, situated in a high range about 14 km from Pathanamthitta

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Thiruvalla railway station

Nearest Airport:

Cochin International Airport

Road Transport:

Parumala is well connected to the other cities with its road networks.

Nearest Visiting places:

Cherukolpuzha:

Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year. This famous convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

Malikapurathamma Temple:

Malikappurathamma Devi temple alias Malikapuram Temple is situated on a small hill just 100 meters away from Sabarimala. According to legend, Malikapuram temple is the place where the demon Mahishi rests in eternal wait. The temple complex houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy and also the the shrines of the snake god, Nagaraja and goddess, Nagayakshi. Here coconuts are offered only after rolling them on the ground.

Niranam:

The powerful ancient church situated at Niranam, dates back to 52AD. This monument is believed to have been erected by Apostle St.Thomas and is considered the oldest Christian church.

Konni (Elephant Training Center):

The hilly area of Konni, located just 11 km from Pathanamthitta, is the gate-way to the forest bordering the district. Surrounded by acres of thick forest, it is an adventurous tourist spot where one can go for thrilling elephant safaris and trekking. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state and is a major elephant training center. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as 'anakoodu' (Elephant Cage) till they were properly trained.

Aranmula Boat Race:

The stretch of river Pamba at aranmula is the venue of the famous snake boat race. It is more a pageantry than a race. The snake boat is of an exrtra ordinary shape with a length of about 100ft. The rear portion towering to a height of about 20ft. and the front portion tapering gradually. The boat resembles a snake with its hood raised. the race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival to commemorate the crossing of the river by Lord Krishna.

Parumala:

Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, a Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church is burried here. This is also a famous Christian pilgrim centre .

Pandalam:

Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala, in sanctity and significance. Lord Ayyappa, the presiding diety of Sabarimala had his human sojourn as the son of Raja of Pandalam. It is believed that Raja constructed a temple close to his palace on the banks of river Achankoil modeled on the Sbarimala shrine which is the present Valiya Koickal temple. Pilgrims usually wiorship here before proceding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to Makaravilakku, the chest containing Thiruvabharanam (the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa kept here) is taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.

Konni (Elephant Training Center):

The hilly area of Konn is located just 11 km from Pathanamthitta, is the gate-way to the forest bordering the district. Surrounded by acres of thick forest, it is an adventurous tourist spot where one can go for thrilling elephant safaris and trekking. Konni has the largest number of wild elephants in the state and is a major elephant training center. In the past, wild elephants caught from the forests were brought here and put in wooden cages known as 'anakoodu' (Elephant Cage) till they were properly trained.

Mannadi:

This place is located 13 km from Adoor , Mannadi is the place where the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, Veluthampi Dalawa spent his last days. He became a martyr on march 29, 1809. The Govt. of Kerala acquired 1 acre and 27 cents of land here, and built a monument in memory of Veluthampi Dalawa.

Vijana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre:

Louba Schild, a French scholar under the Indo-French Cultural Exchange Programme, who started this centre with UNESCO support, founded this famous cultural centre. Those interested in culture and art, gather from different parts of the country over here. The centre offers residential training courses, in Kerala's traditional arts & crafts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kalaripayattu, Music, wood carving etc.

Kaviyoor:

The Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple which was constructed in the early years of the 10th century is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala. References are there in the Kaviyoor Shasanas of 950 A.D. about the gifts that were offered to this temple.But it is believed that he darusilpas seen around the temple belong to the 17th century.Thekekudi Cave Temple in Kaviyoor panchayat is one of the rare cave temples of Kara It is assumed that this temple is constructed in the Pallava architectural style and was built in the 8th century. Apart from Ganapathi, Maharshi, Dwarapalaka idols in the sreekovil which in inside the cave,

Omallor:

Omallor is known to outsides for the famous 'Rakthakantha swamy Temple' and the annual cattle fair known as Vayalvanibham, which is held on the Malayalam month of Meenam. Peoples from very distant places and even from outside the state participate in this fair. Omallore is five kms south of the District headquarters.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Kozhencherry, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Sri Krishna Fuels and Petrol Pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Eraviperoor Petrol pump
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

HP Petrol Pump
Adoor, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Kumarakom Lake Resort
Kumarakom North
Kottayam, 686566
Tel: 0481 2524900.

Hotel Amala
Pathanamthitta
Kerala

Park Hotel
Kozhencheri, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Hotel Lals Residency
Puimoodu junction NH 220, Adoor
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Hotel Italia
Adoor, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Police station
Pandalam, Pathanamthitta
Kerala.

Pulincunnoo Police Station
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tel: 0477 2222222.

Mavelikara Police Station
Mavelikkara, Alappuzha
Kerala.

Police Station
Pathanamthitta, kerala.

Ponkunnam Police Station
NH 220, Ponkunnam
Kottayam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Pushpagiri Medical College and Hospital
Pushpagiri Buildings
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Tel: 0469 2700755.

Tiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Tel: 0469 2630144.

Govt.Hospital
Thiruvalla, Kottayam
Kerala
Tel: 0469 2602757.

AncySibi Pandisserry House
Ramankary, Alappuzha
Kerala 689595-
Tel: 09780892400.

GK Hospital
Kavumbhagom
Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Central Research Institute For Homeopathy
Chethipuzha Kurichy Road
Kottayam, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kottayam, Kottayam
Kerala State
Tel: 0481 2462550.

Society/Community Phone Number

Contact Address:
Parumala St. Peter's & St. Pauls Orthodox Church
Parumala P.O, Thiruvalla
Pathanamthitta District
Pin:689 626
Phone : 0479-2931202/2312328
Fax : 0479-2310894.

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

Vijnana Kala Vedi Centre
Vijnana Kala Vedi Cultural Centre is located at Aranmula, Trivendrum District, Kerala. established in 1977, is one of the pioneering institutes that attempts at preserving the ancient Indian Culture. Inaugurated by a French artist, Louba Schild, the main objective of this organization is to impart aesthetic sense amongst the Indian populace.The concept of the artistic and cultural traditions that are followed in India, which is still more or less blurred or vague in the minds of most people, gets a concrete manifestation here. The spirit of India finds a vibrant expression in its traditional arts, crafts and performing arts.At the Centre, you can learn, for short or long term as you wish, two subjects, chosen from a list of 18 subjects ranging from Music, Dance, Theatre, Crafts, Languages like Sanskrit, Hindi and Malayalam to Yoga, Martial Art and even Cooking. Most of the lessons are one to one and hence you can make maximum use of your stay.....more
Achankoil River
The Achankovil River is known as Achankovilaru in vernacular, situated in Pathanamitta town.The river is also known as Kulallada River. This Indian River is formed when several small streams namely Rishimala River, Pasukidametttu River and the Ramakkalteri River meet together in eastern Kerala. It is a small river not more than 130 kilometers. It passes through Cheriyanad, Puliyoor and Chengannur villages, enters Mavelikkara Taluk at Chennithala, It then flows through Thriperumthura and Pallippad villages.The river ultimately joins the Pamba River at Veeyapuram, which is in the Alappuzha district of Kerela. On the banks of the Achankovil River, is the holy town of Pandalam, which is associated with Lord Ayyappa.....more
Pamba River
Pamba river is located in 16 km from Pathanamthitta District, Kerala.Pamba River is the third longest river in the South Indian state of Kerala nd the longest river in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Sabarimala temple dedicated to lord Ayyappa is located on the river pamba.River Pamba is considered as the Dakshin Ganga due to its association with Kerala's Largest Pilgrim Centre - Sabarimala.District Pamba originates at Pulachimalai hill in the Peerumedu plateau in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1650 metres and flows through Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Kuttanad and Ambalappuzha Taluks and finally empties into the Vembanad Lake.A famous Anjana temple is situated near this bank.....more
Aranmula Temple
Aranmula Temple, innorth side of chengannur, Pathanamthitta district, is famous as one of the five temple towns of Kerala. There are other temples besides Aranmula, which are devoted to Lord Krishna and are located at Trichambaram, Tiruvarppu and Ambalappuzha. Lord Parthasarathy is the presiding deity of the Aranmula temple. There are five ancient shrines around Chengannur, sanctified by the Pandavas. One of them is Aranmula pilgrimage of Kochi. It is said that this temple has existed since the time of Mahabharata. In Cochin, Aranmula temple comes alive during the time of Onam festival when snake boat races are held in this temple.....more
Kaviyoor Rock Cut Cave Temple
Kaviyoor Rock Cut CaveTemple(Mahadeva Temple) is a bout 5 km east of thiruvalla, pathanamthitta district, south Kerala, this is located on the banks of the river Manimala, Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. 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 temple is more than thousand years old.But the actual time of construction is not known,like any other old temples. Certainly, this temple belongs to the oldest period of strucural temples.....more
Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala temple is located on the top of the hills of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine in Sabarimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala during the months of November-January when the main festival takes place.The devotees who visit the temple during the festival walk barefoot through the uneven road to reach the temple. Before taking the trip the devotees fast and surrender themselves to the will of God for 40 days. They do not drink or smoke, eat selected food, sleep on the floor and stay away from women and family during this period. Irrespective of caste and creed they wear black dhotis and carry offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.....more
Perumthenaruvi Waterfall
The Perunthenaruvi Waterfall from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira on the banks of the Pamba River about 10 km from Erumely, Perunthenaruvi is about 36 km from Pathanamthittais a natural fall down a rocky path into a ravine about 100 feet deep. Ideal for an outing, this place is a popular picnic spot. Perumthenaruvi which literally means honey river, is a picturesque tourist spot situated in Erumely, It is a favourite picnic spot among the tourists, with an awesome view of water cascading from a rocky path at a height of 60 to 100 ft. Perhaps, the collection of beehives found near the river side, might have incited the ancestors to name the river as Perunthenaruvi.This fall is a much sought after spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.....more