Pathanamthitta is one of the fourteen districts of Kerala state in South India. It was formed on Nov 1, 1982 with headquarters at Pathanamtihtta town.

Pathanamthitta is a land-locked district situated in the southern part of the state, and is bordered by Kottayam and Idukki districts in the north, Alappuzha in the west, Kollam in the south and has a border with Tamil Nadu in the east. The district was made up from combining areas from the Alappuzha, Idukki and Kollam districts. Major towns in the district are Pathanmthitta, Tiruvalla, Adoor, Ranni, Konni, Mallappally and Kozhencherry. More than 50% of the geographical area is covered by forests.

The district's name is a combination of the words pathanam and thitta which together mean houses by the riverside.

Pathanamthitta is a pre-dominantly agricultural district with cultivation of coconut, rubber, paddy, pepper and tea. The hilly terrain coupled with high humidity make it suitable for rubber and tea plantations.

Hydro-electric power plants situated in the district cater to one-third of the state's electricity demands. Three important rivers Achankovil, Manimala and Pampa flow through the district. Pampa that originates from Sabarimala is considered a holy river.

Pathanamthitta holds the distinction of being declared the first polio-free district in India.

Places of tourist interest

• Sabarimala - abode of Lord Ayyappa, which receives about 10 million pilgrims every year
• Maramon - the river-bed of the Pampa here witnesses the annual Maramon Convention, the largest Christian gathering in Asia
• Aranmula - venue of the annual snake boat race on the Pampa; the place is also famous for its metal mirrors
• Pandalam - The Capital of the ancient Travancore Kingdoms.
  
  • The Pandalam Kingdom was established around 79 ME (903 AD)
  • The World famous Pilgrim Town of Central Travancore.Site of the Pandalam Palace. Golden Casket(the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa) keeps here.
• Kakki - reservoir surrounded by forests abounding in elephants and tigers

External links

• Official website from the Govt. of Kerala
• www.pathanamthitta.com