Pathanamthitta district that can be called as the head quarters of pilgrimage tourism in Kerala is situated near the Western ghats. Pathanamthitta, a combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta, means an array of houses on the river side, is surrounded by hills and rural landscapes and nearly half of its total area are covered with forest. Three main rivers , i.e the Achan Kovil, Manimala and Pamba flow through the district. Earlier a part of Kollam district, it was formed as an independent district on 1st November, 1982. This district, well known for its water festivals, churches and cultural centers, is having 5 taluks, 63 villages, 4 municipalities and 9 community development blocks with 53 panchayats. It is a fast-developing town and a business center. Timber is the main forest product in the district and the main agricultural products cultivated here includes paddy, cardamom, pepper, rubber, cashew nut etc. The world famous Hindu pilgrim center, Sabarimala is located in Pathanamthitta.