About:
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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. The Achankovil Dam is built on this river.The river is unique in that along its route the river is blessed with the presence of a large number of ancient temples. This is a testimony that the richness of the river basin has been identified by the humans since ancient times and they preferred to settle down there so that they can harvest the good times on the fertile lands.The River Achankovil nurtures numerous Townships on its fertile banks.
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Location info:
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Address: Pathanamthitta Town, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala, India |
District: Pathanamthitta district |
Nearest City: Trivandrum,Vachoochira, Adoor, Ernakulam,Mallapally, Kozhencherry,Erumeli |
Best time to visit: August to April. |
Climate/Weather:
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The climate is tropical and humid, And the Weather temparature ranges from Summers: 36°-20° and in Winters: 16°-32°C.
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History:
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Interesting things to do:
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You can do boating, walking, fishing, sitting in a pub or having meal at a riverside restaurant. |
Interesting things to Visit:
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Pandalam:
This is a township in Pathanamthitta District. It is one among the fastest growing towns in Kerala, India. It is considered as a holy town. Pandalam is also a well known educational and health care centre in central Travancore.Pandalam hosts a lot of educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to Post Graduate, Training, Ayurveda, Medical and Engineering Colleges.
Pampa Maha Ganapathi Temple:
The Mahaganapathi Temple at Pampa 8 Kms from Sabarimala, has an important roll in the Sabarimala pilgrimage as it is the main halting point. The temple is reached by climbing about 102 steps. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here. Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepeedam, Saramkuthi are the other holy places enroute.
Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple:
It 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.
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Mobile range info:
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How to reach?
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Nearest Railway Station:
Chengannura Railway Station.
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Nearest Airport:
Airports Trivandrum (170 kilometers) and Cochin (200 kilometers).
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Road Transport:
Both the State run KSRTC and Private Luxury Bus operators connect Pathanamthitta to other cities.There are daily direct bus services to Mumbai, Chennai & BangaloreFrequent buses are available to cities like Kottayam, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Mangalore & Madurai.
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Nearest Visiting places:
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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.
Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls:
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.
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 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. After 1972, elephant hunting was stopped since the central government put an end to this crude old method of elephant catching and training.
Sabarimala Temple:
A well-known pilgrim center of Kerala, Sabarimala lies 191 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 kms away from Cochin. The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 914 meters above sea level amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. Lord Ayyappa is looked upon as the guardian of mountains and there are several shrines dedicated to Him all along the Western Ghats.
Parumala:
Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, a Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church is burried here. This is also a famous Christian pilgrim centre . The orma perunnal (Remembrance Day) is celebrated during November every year.
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Nearest Petrol Pump:
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Civil supplies Petrol Pump Thiruvananthapuram Kerala.
Eraviperoor Petrol pump Pathanamthitta Kerala.
HP Petrol Pump Adoor, Pathanamthitta Kerala.
Petrol Pump Mylapra, Pathanamthitta Kerala.
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Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
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Hotel Amala Pathanamthitta Kerala
Park Hotel Kozhencheri, Pathanamthitta Kerala.
Hotel Lals Residency Puimoodu junction NH 220, Adoor Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Hotel Italia Adoor, Pathanamthitta Kerala.
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Things to carry:
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Tips & Suggestions:
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Help Line/Phone Number:
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Police Station:
Police station Pandalam, Pathanamthitta Kerala.
Mavelikara Police Station Mavelikkara, Alappuzha Kerala.
Police Station Pathanamthitta, Pathanamthitta Kerala.
Kayamkulam Police Station SH6, Kayankulam, Alappuzha Kerala.
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Nearest Hospital:
Changethu Bhaskaran Nair Memorial Hospital Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
BODHI HOMOEOPATHY ABAN TOWER, ABAN JUNCTION, PATHANAMTHITTA, Kerala 689645 - Tel:09447364380
Muthoot Medical Centre Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Poyyanil Hospital Kozhencherry, Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Government Hospital Elanthur, Elanthoor Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
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Society/Community Phone Number: |
Link:
http://infoaranmula.blogspot.com/2008/09/pampa-action-plan.html http://1history-com.blogspot.com/2009/08/river-which-ends-on-arab-sagar.html http://meenasblogworld.blogspot.com/2009/05/achankovil.html
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