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 Pathanamthitta district is recognised as the `headquarters of pilgrimage tourism, in the State of Kerala and is also famous for its rural lifestyle which is now being facilitated the tourism dept of Kerala in the name of rural tourism. Pathanamthitta is nourished by three west flowing rivers -Pamba, Manimala and Achankovil. It abounds with natural splendours - undulating hills, dark mysterious forests, exotic wildlife and enchanting valleys.The famous Sabarimala temple is situated here. Pathanamthitta has more than five high schools and a first grade college. There are a number of churches, mosques and temples here as well and the people live in harmony.
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. About 80% of the district population depend on it directly or indirectly. The main crops raised in the district are paddy, tapioca, rubber, sugarcane, pepper and banana.Rubber occupies the main position among the commercial crops in the district. Rubber cultivation is concentrated mainly in the eastern hilly zone. One seldom comes across a house in the eastern parts of the district without rubber plantation.
Aranmula is a picturesque village in Pathanamthitta district which has been declared as an international tourism destination by the Union Government by virtue of its product “Aranmula Kannady”, the indigenously made impeccable metal mirror. Aranmula possesses all the attributes of rural Kerala. The local craftsmen engage in traditional crafts such as the Aranmula mirror, mural paintings and construction of boats for water fiestas such as boat races. It has also been included in the Cultural Tourism programme, a joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Tourism and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
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