Pandalam Palace is a major tourist destination located at
Pandalam, about 15 km from
Chengannur,
Pathanamthitta. According to Hindu myth, Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of
Sabarimala, was born and brought up here. This is a special stop for pilgrims to Sabarimala. Situated on the banks of the
Achankovil River, this palace preserves the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa, called Thiruvabharanam. These ornaments are taken to Sabarimala in a procession three days prior to Makaravilakku (one of the important festivals at Sabarimala). A ruined pond where Ayyappa was believed to have taken bath in his childhood, is on the palace premises. The
Valiyakoyikkal Temple is the nearby attraction. The nearest railway station is
Chengannur Railway Station.
