ARANMULA

Swasthigriha Homestay, located in Aranmula, Kerala, India, is a charming accommodation option that offers guests an authentic experience of the region's rich culture and heritage.

Homestay Facilities:

Our homestay has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

There are 2 premium AC bedrooms with attached bath and one room without Ac.
Hot water in all bathrooms, 24 hrs. hot and cold water.
Living and dining area
Full Kitchen with stove top, gas, basic utensils, fridge,RO water filter.
32’ inch smart TV
High speed fiber optic internet connection.
Balcony and free parking.

About Aranmula

The heritage village of Aranmula gets its name from the centuries-old Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. The Parthasarathy Temple (One of the divya desham Temples in India, dedicated to Lord Krishna) on the banks of the holy River Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The temple has fine murals (Old paintings) from time memorial.

How to reach Aranmula

Aranmula is reachable by road or by train. The nearest railway station is 11 km away at Chengannur. MC Road passing through Chengannur connects Aranmula with the rest of Kerala by road. Aranmula is located between Chengannur and Kozhencherry.

This small town lies by the side of the holy River pamba, which originates from Sabarimala and many traditions of the locality and the temple have connections to Sabarimala and Sri Ayyappa, the deity at Sabarimala.

ARANMULA BOAT RACE

The main event is the racing of Snake boats, which are unique to Aranmula. These boats are different from those we see at other boat racing locations of Kerala. They are designed and built by specialized carpenters who carry this work as a family tradition and generally the elder son of the carpenter’s family carry on the work. These boats are owned by different villages around Aranmula, which lies by the side of river Pamba.

Identifying the tree to build the boat, cutting down of the tree, bringing the tree to the or location of the village which sponsors the same, starting the work - all are conducted as per tradition and involving all the people of the village. The first time the boat is taken to river Pamba is another major event. When the boat race and connected events are over, these boats are pushed back to land and kept in boat houses (vallapura) which are specially designed for the same. They are taken to the river only during Onam season.

Vallapattu (boat song)

Special flock songs are used to be sung at the time of boat race, which creates rhythm for plying of songs by the people on the boats. It is a sight to see more than hundred boats moving in unison and to the rhythm of the songs.

Vallasadhya (Sumptuous vegetarian meals)

Aranmula Vallasadhya is a ritual offering to the deity Lord Parthasarathy in which the oarsmen of the snake boats are offered a feast. With over 70 dishes it is probably one of the largest vegetarian feasts in India.

The Vallasadhya lasts for almost two months. This ritual has become very popular these days and so many business men and film stars sponsor vallasadhya as an offering to Lord Krishna. All these days Aranmula village is in a festive mood.

Aranmula Kannadi

Aranmula Kannadi or Aranmula metal mirror work is the most unique art work from Aranmula. It is said that rural artisans from Tamilnadu migrated from their home village and came over and settled in Aranmula many centuries back and started making this mirror work. Their descendants carry on the work of molding these metal mirrors even now. These mirrors are not seen or molded anywhere else in this country. Aranmula Kannadi is a unique work of art, molded in metal components. These artisans keep the process of making of these mirrors a secret. The quality of these mirrors are superb and the face of the mirror look just like that of a glass mirror with excellent reflective features.

Aranmula Kannadi is made in different shapes but ''Valkannadi'' is the most famous of the lot. UNESCO has identified Aranmula Kannadi as one among man's most coveted heritage property and Aranmula ranks among UNESCO's Global Heritage village. Aranmula comes under the Cultural Tourism programme jointly sponsored by Union Ministry of Tourism and UNDP. "Vasthuvidhya Gurukulam" with its office at Aranmula is the implementing partner for the project.

Vasthuvidya Gurukulam

A unique project centered at Aranmula. It is a special program of the Govt. of Kerala to preserve Kerala's immense knowledge in the field of designing and building houses to the rhythm of nature. Vasthuvidhya is an ancient science which takes into account all the forces of nature and all the man's work to go in unison with these forces. It ensures good health to the residents, abundant sun rays, wind and water supply. Those who studies for the course are expected to live in the premises itself along with the teachers giving the school the name 'Gurukulam'.

Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is a unique Institution under the Department of Culture, Govt. of Kerala, intended to promote and preserve the Traditional Architecture, Mural Painting, and other related subjects. This institution is being located at Pathanamthitta District on the banks of the Holy river Pamba, west of the famous Parthasarathy Temple. This is the pioneer institution in its kind in India under government sector. In the absence of a statutory council for Vasthu sasthra, Government of India, Human Resource Development Ministry declared Vasthuvidya Gurukulam as National Nodal Agency for Vasthu and other related subjects.

Mural Painting

The traditional Kerala mural is a combination of ritual, art and culture. The painting is done based on ‘Dhyana Slokas’ using natural colours made out of leaves and stones. In an attempt to make this art form more popular, mural department undertakes projects outside also. From the Preparation of Natural colours, drawing , painting upto finishing pictures all are done here. Gurukulam has documented all important Mural Paintings in Kerala. An extensive mural art gallery open to the public makes it possible for all art lovers to see and familarize the unique world of mural painting erstwhile confined to the interiors of temples and palaces. There is also provision for the public to purchase the murals directly from the gallery.

Places to visit near Aranmula

The smallest of Kerala districts, situated in the southern region of Kerala, Pathanamthitta has nearly half of its total area under forest cover. It is the pilgrim center of Kerala, renowned for the shrine of Lord Ayyappa in the Sabari Hills, drawing millions of devotees from near and far-off places. The district also is known as a center of experiencing and learning some of the cultural as well as traditional practices of Kerala, Kollam, Kottayam, and Alappuzha form the adjoining districts of Pathanamthitta.

Chuttippara

Perched some 200ft above the sea level, Chuttippara in Pathanamthitta is known for the many lore's that are entwined to its land. The hillock is noted for its unique cluster of rock formations and offers a panoramic view of the town. While here, also explore the Harihara Mahadeva Temple atop the hill which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Malayalappuzha

(8km from town) The goddess at the Bhagavathy Temple here is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realize dreams. The temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.

Kadamanitta padayani

The 10-day annual Padayani festival at the Kadammanitta Bhagavathy Temple is held as a part of the annual Pathamudaya Mahotsavom. Padayani at Kadammanitta begins with the choottu vaipu or the lighting of fire. The fire for this ritual is brought from the sacred lamp inside the temple and is followed by the drumming of thappu and chenda.

Cherukolpuzha

Cherukolpuzha in Pathanamthitta is an important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the sand banks of the Pamba, usually in February every year.

Charalkunnu

A hill station in Pathanamthitta. Charalkunnu is a picturesque hill station near Ranni in Pathanamthitta offers a panoramic view of nearby valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging.

Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls

Aruvikuzhy Waterfalls are among the best-hidden gems of the state and a beautiful picnic spot. It is an ideal location to spend time with loved ones while basking in the quaint charm of this small waterfall. It is considered a striking background location for shooting movies as well. The area is surrounded by gigantic trees and is a truly exotic display of nature's prowess. Located 11km from kozhenchery town in Pathanamthitta district, this place comes alive during the Monsoons and is among the most oft visiting sports in the area. It offers great trekking trails and one gets to see many traditional rubber plantations as well in the area.

Kottappara

This is beautiful hill palace where car or bike can reach on the top. You can take left from pramadam health hospital and around 1km to the hilltop. The road to the hilltop was really adventurous and we enjoyed it. It really nice to photoshoots and other like things. At the top we can see a small temple. We can take photos from here. You can see the whole of Pathanamthitta from the top. An amazing place for camping and cooking, picnic, photography, vloggers. Best time to visit is early morning 6.30am to 7am with mist or evening 5pm to 6.30pm with sunset view.

Muloor Smarakam

Muloor Smarakam or Muloor Memorial, situated about 12m from Pathanamthitta town is the memorial to Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1911) a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta. His home of Elavumthitta is preserved as his monument by the Department of Culture of the State Government.

Have a nice stay at Swasthi Griha

SWASTHI GRIHA HOMESTAY

Kottaram Lane, Mangattu Palace,
Near SBI Aranmula,
Pathanamathitta 689533
Ph: 8330084226
Email : swasthigriha1@gmail.com