Pathanamthitta is a landlocked 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. This inland district was made up from combining areas from the Alappuzha, Idukki and Kollam districts. The district is part of the historical Central Travancore region of Kerala. It is predominantly an agricultural district growing rubber and tea the most. The hill shrine at Sabarimala is a star attraction and about 10 million pilgrims visit it every year.
Pathanamthitta is the youngest district in Kerala. It was formed in the year of 1982. Pathanamthitta occupies an area 2,642 sq. km. The total population of this district according to 2001 census is 12,31,577, out of which 5,88,035 are male and 6,43,542 are female. The density of population in Pathanamthitta is 467 per square kilometer.
Different agricultural crops, vegetables, spices and rubber are grown in Pathanamthitta. Some of the tourist spots of this district are Sabarimala, Aranmula, Kodumon, Chilanthiyambalam, Kozhencherry and Thiruvalla.
Three important rivers, the Achankovil River, Manimala River and Pamba River flow through the district. River Pamba originates from Sabarimala and is considered a holy river. It is considered as the Ganga of South India.
Pathanamthitta holds the distinction of being declared the first polio-free district in India. It is 10.03% urbanised. Keralas first airport in the private sector is developing in Aranmula, near Kozhencherry and is being promoted by FOKANA, and other US-Canada Malayaly organizations and Middle-East based Malayalees.
