About Pamba
Kochi to Pamba distnce : 148 km
Estimated travel time : 4 hours
Pamba river, famous for Sabarimala temple, is a culture that flows unhindered and left its marks in historical, religious and cultural life of Kerala.
River Pamba, which originates in the Western Ghats, is the third longest river in South India. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple in Sabarimala annually, making it the largest in India. The temple is also known as Dharma Sashta and is believed to be the son of Shiva and Mohini, the feminine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People believe that Vishnu's incarnate, Parasurama, placed the Ayyappa Idol at the top of the mountain. One can notice that the traditions of Sabarimala are a blend of Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and other Sramana traditions.
It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers. Pamba river nourishes hundreds of medicinal plants in mountains from where it originates and carries its boons to everywhere it flows. This place has several attractions near its banks. Most important attraction is worldwide famous Sabrimala temple. From river bank, devotees take 5-6 km trek to reach the temple. Other attraction is Cherukolpuzha convention. It is religious convention of Hindus held usually in February on the sandy banks of river at Cherukole. Other attractions are Aranmula (unique cultural village), ancient Parthasarathy temple, annual snake boat race during Onam and Aranmula Kannadi (a medieval marvel of metallurgy).
Taxi from Kochi to Pamba is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Kochi to Pamba by car is well connected through NH66 and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Kochi to Pamba distance is 148 Km and is 4 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
Chellanam - Purhenthodu beach, Andhakaranazhi beach, Kakkathuruthu island
Cherthala - Marari beach, St Mary's forane church, Kuttikatu sree Bhadra Kali devi temple
Maraikullaam - Mararikulam sree Mahadeva temple, St Andrews basillica church
Alappuzha - Alappuzha beach, Pathiramanal island, Krishnapurum palace, Sree Krishna Swamy temple, Punnamada lake, Alleppey backwaters and houseboats
Paravur - Dakshina mookambika temple, Munnakal beach, Muziris heritage, Big banana island retreat
Kuttanad - Edathua church, Buddha statue, Beachpark thottappally
Changanassery - Lakshmipur am palace, Subramanya swami temple
Thiruvalla - Sree Vallabha temple, Paliakara St. George Orthodox Church
Eraviperoor - Aranmula Parthasarathi temple, Kaviyoor Rock Cut temple, Hanuman temple, Noottavan para view point, Aruvikuzhi waterfall
Vennikulam - Charalkunnu, Parthasarathy temple, Areekkal waterfall