Thiruvalla, one of the oldest municipal towns of
Kerala, is a major commercial center in
Pathanamthitta District. This erstwhile center of Hindu culture and learning is now a prominent industrial town and a famous pilgrim center for the Hindus and Christians. Thiruvalla is situated at the western border of Pathanamthitta District, 20 km south of
Kottayam.
Thiruvalla is a telling example of communal harmony - Hindu and Christian places of worship co-existed here since time immemorial. Major shrines and churches in the town include the Sri Vallabha Temple, Paliekara Church, Muthoor Masjid, Parumala Church (10 km) and the headquarters of Marthoma Syrian Church of Malabar.
Aranmula Uthirittathi, the famous boat race conducted during Onam, is a major draw. The Maramon Convention, a religious assembly of the Christians, held every year at the banks of the
Pampa River, 16 km east of Thiruvalla, is another noteworthy event. Chengannur is 10 km south-east of Thiruvalla.
Nearest airport is at Kochi. Thiruvalla Railway Station, the only one in the district, is linked with Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam and Palakkad. The MC Road passes through the town.
