Pathanamthitta
Pathanamthitta
Pilgrim Capital of Kerala | ||
---|---|---|
Town | ||
From left to right : District Pathanamthitta | | |
Founded by | K. K. Nair[1] | |
Government | ||
• Collector | Dr. Divya S. Iyer[2] (2021-Present) | |
Area | ||
• Total | 23.50 km2 (9.07 sq mi) | |
Elevation | 31 m (102 ft) | |
Population (2011) | ||
• Total | 37,538 | |
• Density | 1,600/km2 (4,100/sq mi) | |
Languages | ||
• Official | UTC+5:30 (IST) | |
PIN | 689645 | |
Telephone code | 0468 | |
Vehicle registration | KL – 03 | |
Website | www |
Pathanamthitta (IPA:
Etymology
The district's name is a combination of two Malayalam words, pathanam and thitta, which together mean 'array of houses on the river side'.[4] The district headquarters is located on the banks of the river Achankovil.
History
The regions that form the town were formerly under the rule of
Pathanamthitta district, along with most parts of Alappuzha district, was part of the Quilon district of the Travancore Kingdom until the formation of Pathanamthitta district in 1982.[6]
Modern day Pathanamthitta District, the thirteenth revenue district of the State of Kerala was formed with effect from 1 November 1982, with headquarters at Pathanamthitta. It was formed due to the efforts made by Indian politician K. K. Nair. He is known as the founder of Pathanamthitta District.
Geography
Pathanamthitta has an average elevation of 18 metres (62 ft) above sea level.[7]
The main trunk road from south to Sabarimala starts from MC Road at Adoor via NH 183A Pathanamthitta. From The North it Starts from Thiruvalla MC Road and Continues through State Highway 7 (Kerala), The Main Eastern Highway (Punalur-Muvattupuzha Road/SH-08), Main Central Road (Kesavadasapuram-Angamaly Road/SH-01), NH 183A Kollam -Teni via Adoor- Pathanamthitta.
Climate
Pathanamthitta district | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Climate chart (explanation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Pathanamthitta has a
The town enjoys a tropical climate, the monsoons start in June.[8] The months of April–May can get pretty humid. The best weather is from October to February.
Pathanamthitta experiences three distinct seasons:
The monsoon lasts from June to August, with moderate rainfall. Most of the heavy rainfall in the city falls between June and July, and June is the wettest month of the year. The Last weeks of June is also days of floods. The three major rivers viz Pampa, Achankovil and Manimala swell with rainwater.[9]
Winter begins in December. December through February are the winter months. The lowest temperatures are experienced during January.
According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) study on ambient air quality among 123 Indian cities, Pathanamthitta was found to have the cleanest air in India, in terms of least concentration of dust particles in air[citation needed]. Two out of the three least polluted cities in India are from Kerala, Kollam being the second least polluted. As per the database, in Pathanamthitta, the annual mean of PM10 and PM2.5 is recorded at 23 and 10 respectively, which is closer to the recommended level of concentration of particulate matter. While a number of Indian cities are among the world's most polluted, Pathanamthitta's air quality is comparable to some of the cleanest cities in North America, Europe and Australia.[citation needed]
Climate data for Pathanamthitta, Kerala | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 31.0 (87.8) |
31.8 (89.2) |
32.9 (91.2) |
33.0 (91.4) |
32.5 (90.5) |
30.5 (86.9) |
29.8 (85.6) |
29.9 (85.8) |
30.4 (86.7) |
30.3 (86.5) |
30.0 (86.0) |
30.4 (86.7) |
31.0 (87.9) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 22.4 (72.3) |
23.2 (73.8) |
24.6 (76.3) |
25.5 (77.9) |
25.4 (77.7) |
24.3 (75.7) |
23.8 (74.8) |
23.8 (74.8) |
24.0 (75.2) |
23.9 (75.0) |
23.6 (74.5) |
22.6 (72.7) |
23.9 (75.1) |
Average precipitation mm (inches) | 20 (0.8) |
36 (1.4) |
66 (2.6) |
160 (6.3) |
264 (10.4) |
476 (18.7) |
446 (17.6) |
306 (12.0) |
241 (9.5) |
318 (12.5) |
214 (8.4) |
57 (2.2) |
2,604 (102.4) |
Source: Climate-Data.org[10] |
Economy
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. About 75% people are dependent on this sector.
Products | Area under cultivation (km2) | Production (tonne) |
---|---|---|
Rice | 43.39 | 10784 |
Sugar Cane |
1.23 | 601 |
Pepper | 56.51 | 1328 |
Ginger | 5.26 | 1358 |
Cardamom | 6.64 | 82 |
Cashewnut |
11.41 | 686 |
Rubber |
478.47 | 69094 |
Tapioca | 79.91 | 226993 |
Coconut | 217.39 | 380 |
- Source : Statistics for Planning-DES 2006
Fisheries
Pathanamthitta district has a unique position in the inland fisheries map of
Administration
Pathanamthitta assembly constituency was part of the
The district headquarters is at Pathanamthitta town. The district administration is headed by the
As per the Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 2008, Pathanamthitta has five
Indian National Congress, the CPM/CPI, Bharathiya Janatha party(BJP)andKerala Congress are the main political parties.
Municipalities: 4
- Thiruvalla
- Pathanamthitta
- Adoor
- Pandalam
Transportation
Airport
The proposed Sabari International Airport, Cheruvally would be the closest airport upon completion, at 28 km away from Pathanamthitta town.
Heliport
Perunad Heliport (helipad) is situated in Kuttikayam estate, Mampara road. Which is known as Sabarimala helipad. Chipsan Aviation Pvt Ltd, having service from various location. Most of the Sabarimala pilgrimages are using this heliport.
Railway
Chengannur railway station (Code: CNGR) (24 km) is the nearest Railway station. Tiruvalla railway station (Code: TRVL) (30 km) is the only railway station in the District. Mavelikara railway station (Code: MVLK) (32.5 km) is also nearest station after Chengannur and Tiruvalla stations. Kollam Junction Railway Station (Code: QLN) is 62 km away from Pathanamthitta. The location of Chengannur private bus stand in front of the station makes it the most convenient one. Direct Bus services to Pathanamthitta are operated from both Tiruvalla and Chengannur. The proposed Chengannur – Pandalam – Kottarakkara – Thiruvananthapuram railway line passes through the district.
Road
Pathanamthitta is the meeting point of two major State Highways T.K. Road (SH – 07) and Main Eastern Highway (Punalur-Muvattupuzha Road / SH – 08). The town is well connected to major towns and cities inside and outside Kerala by the State run K.S.R.T.C and private buses as well as Luxury Services. Both the KSRTC and private buses play equal roles in satisfying the transportation needs of the town. The cities of Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur etc. are connected by KSRTC services whereas hi-range townships like Punalur, Kumali, Pala and the Malabar Area of Northern Kerala are connected by private bus services. KSRTC is running chain services that connect Pathanamthitta with the City of Kollam via Adoor, Also to Chengannur railway via Elavumthitta or Kozhencherry. Plenty of A/C Luxury Bus services are operated from Pathanamthitta to Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore and Mumbai on a daily basis.
KSRTC bus depots in Pathanamthitta district are Pathanamthitta, Konni,Thiruvalla, Adoor, Mallapally, KSRTC Operating centers are situated in Ranni, Pandalam and a Temporary KSRTC Depot working during Sabarimala season at Pamba.
Tourism
Pathanamthitta district is known as the Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism, of the Kerala State. 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 nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.[15] Land of Lord Ayyappa is the tag-line of Pathanamthitta tourism. Pathanamthitta attracts a large number of tourists every year. Pilgrim centres and other eco tourism spots like Gavi and Adavi are most visited in Pathanamthitta.
Distance from Pathanamthitta
- Konni (10;Km)
- Kozhencherry (13 km)
- Aranmula (15 km)
- Ranny(15 km)
- Pandalam (16 km)
- Adoor (17 km)
- Kalanjoor (22 km)
- Chengannur (24 km)
- Thiruvalla (30.7 km)
- Mavelikara(32 km)
- Kayamkulam (40 km)
- Kottayam (58 km)
- Sabarimala(65 km)
Culture zone
Places around Pathanamthitta city within a distance of 15 km include,
- Sabarimala Mandala Pooja.[16]
- Maramon Convention was recorded in 2010 as one of the largest Christian gatherings in Asia. The annual conventions are held during the first half of February.[citation needed][17]
- Cherukolpuzha Hindu matha convention[18][19]
- Aranmula annual boat race.[20]
- Aranmula Kannadi – Centuries old art of mirror making from metal composites.[21]
- Kumbanadu Convention is the largest Pentecostal peoples gathering at Kumbanadu.
- Mylapra Perunnal - The feast of St. George at Mylapra Valiyapally, on May 6 and May 7, is a grand celebration that attracts thousands of devotees from far and wide.[22]
Notable people from Pathanamthitta District
See
Demographics
As per Census of India 2011 Pathanamthitta district had a population of 11,97,412 (11.97 Lakh) and which was lower than 12.34 lakh of previous Census of 2001. Males constitute 46.9% of the population and females 53.1%. 89% of Total population in Pathanamthitta lives in Rural area and only 11% lives in urban. Pathanamthitta District ranks the 12th place in terms of population size in the state. In total density of the District is 452 Persons per km2 which the 12th in States as per 2011 Census. In Sex-ratio, the District is in the 2nd position with 1132 females per 1,000 males. In Child Sex-ratio, the District has the 1st rank with 976 female children per 1000 male children. The District has the second position in total literacy rate (96.55 per cent) and female literacy rate (95.83 per cent). Agricultural Labourers constitute 14.1 per cent while Cultivators form 10.5 per cent of the Total Workers in the District. There are five engineering colleges and one medical college in Pathanamthitta District.
Religion
Hinduism (56%) is the majority faith in Pathanamthitta. Christianity (39%) forms a significant minority.[23]
Religious conventions
- The Cherukolpuzha Convention, in Pathanamthitta is an important religious convention of the Hindus. It is held at Cherukole on the sand banks of Pamba River, usually in February every year. It is organized by the Ayroor-Cherukolpuzha Hindumatha Maha Mandalam at Vidyadhiraja Nagar at Ayroor village.[24]
- The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
- Kumbanad Convention is the second largest Christian convention in Kerala and it is the general convention of India Pentecostal Church of God.It is held at the second last week of January annually at Hebronpuram, Kumbanad.
- Madhya Thiruvithamcore Syrian convention held every year during the 3 day Lent in February. It was started in 1918 under the auspices of Thumpamon diocese and is held on the grounds of St Stephen's cathedral, Makamkunnu, Pathanamthitta. It was started when Thengumtharayil Geevarghese corepiscopa was the vicar of the church. It is the oldest and largest convention in the orthodox Syrian church.
Places of Worship
- The Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, a world-famous pilgrim centre, situated in the Sabarimala hillsin the Pathanamthitta district. It is known as the 'Pilgrim Capital of Kerala'.
- Alwars.
- Anikkattilammakshethram, Shivaparvathy temple
- Thrikalanjoor SreeMahadeva Temple
- Vaipur Mahadeva Temple
- Malayalappuzha Devi Temple in Malayalappuzha
- St.Peter's Malankara Syrian Catholic Cathedral,Pathanamthitta
- Assemblies of God in India, Thiruvalla
- India Pentecostal Church of God, Hebronpuram, Kumbanad
- St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Parumala
- St. George Orthodox Church, Mylapra, also known as 'Mylapra Valiyapalli
- St Mary's Orthodox Church, Kallooppara
Flora and fauna
Pathanamthitta has tropical biodiversity with forest, plantations, rivers and fertile land. Fifty percent of the district is covered with forest, providing rich flora and fauna. The district has a variety of plants including medicinal, spices, tuber crops and those yielding fruits and fiber. Aromatic plants and spices such as pepper, ginger, cardamom and turmeric are cultivated on a large scale. Trees such as timber, teak, rosewood, jack tree, manjakadambu, anjili, pala can be found in abundance.
The forests of the district have excellent wild life habitats. A variety of animals and birds can be found.
The existence of the wildlife habitat is under threat from various areas.
Educational Institutions
Sports
Main stadiums in the town are Pathanamthitta K. K. Nair Stadium and Pathanamthitta Indoor Stadium. Other stadiums include Pramadom Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium. These stadiums host sports events in state, district levels and is also used for other purposes.
Cultural Sports
The
See also
- Kubhazha
- Kudamuck
- Kurisumuttom
- Malamekkara Mulluthara Devi Temple
Notes
- ^ "Pathanamthitta Collectorate opens its walls of art for remembering K.K. Nair the Father of Pathanamthitta District". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ Web Desk, Express (23 December 2016). "Pathananthitta is first cashless collectorate in Kerala". The Indian Express. Kerala. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ "KeralaTravels". Archived from the original on 15 September 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2013.
- ^ "History". Government of India. Archived from the original on 29 July 2009. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
- ^ "History — Pathanamthitta"
- ^ Shungoonny Menon, P. (1878). A history of Travancore from the earliest times. University of California. Madras, Higginbotham.
- ^ "FallingRain Map". Fallingrain.com. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
- ^ "PATHANAMTHITTA Weather, Temperature, Best Season, Pathanamthitta Weather Forecast, Climate". Archived from the original on 25 April 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
- ^ "Pathanamthitta, Pathanamthitta Hotels, Pathanamthitta Real estate, Pathanamthitta Resorts".
- ^ "CLIMATE: PATHANAMTHITTA", Climate-Data.org. Web: [1].
- ^ "District level database of Pathanamthitta" (PDF). Government of Kerala. 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 November 2008. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
- ^ "Assembly Constituencies – Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies" (PDF). Kerala. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2009. Retrieved 20 October 2008.
- ^ "Parliamentary Constituencies of Kerala - 2008". Government of Kerala. Archived from the original on 3 September 2009. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
- ^ Radhakrishnan Kuttoor (31 January 2008). "Due recognition for the youngest district". The Hindu.
- ^ "Welcome to District Tourism Promotion Council, Pathanamthitta - Official Website of DTPC, Pathanamthitta | Kerala Tourism".
- ^ "Mandala Pooja/ Makaravilakku". Sabarimala.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
- ^ "pathanamthittainfo.com". pathanamthittainfo.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
- ^ "About it". Hmmp.org. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
- ^ "Festivals of India-Aranmula-Vallamkali (Boat Race )". Festivalsofindia.in. 15 June 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
- ^ "Festivals of India- Aranmula Boat race". Festivalsofindia.in. 15 June 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
- ^ "The Making of Aranmula kannadi". Youtube.com. 4 January 2010. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2013.
- ^ "മൈലപ്ര പള്ളി പെരുന്നാൾ സമാപിച്ചു". Newspaper. 7 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "Demography | Pathanamthitta District, Government of Kerala | India".
- ^ Cherukolpuzha, Kerala Department of Tourism
- ^ "Pampa pollution". Pampa Parirakshana Samithy, N.G.O. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
- ^ "TDB to get forest land at Nilackal today". The Hindu. 16 June 2005. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2009.
- ^ "Maramadimatsaram". Department of tourism, Kerala. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2009.