As of 2001[update] India census, Aryankavu had a population of 12125 with 5949 males and 6176 females.[3] The most spoken languages in Aryankavu is Malayalam . But due to its closest proximity to Tamil Nadu, Tamil is also widely spoken and understood . There is also Malapandaram tribal population in Aryankavu.[4]
The elevation map of Western Ghats showing Aryankavu Pass/ Sengottai Gap
Attractions
Palaruvi water falls
The Palaruvi Falls is located in the forest, five kilometres (3.1 mi) away from Aryankavu check post. The name `Paal' means milk & `Aruvi' means stream. There is a train named Palaruvi Express that passes through Aryankavu which is named after this falls.
Kadamanpara Sandal Forest
It is the second largest natural sandal forest after Marayur. It is situated in Aryankavu Grama panchayath.[8]
Rose Mala
Rose Mala is a place in Aryankavu which is 11.8 km away from Aryankavu Junction.[9] It is one of the ecotourism spots which provides view of Thenmala Dam reservoir.[10][11] There is a view point called Rajathottam near Rosemala which offers view of Tenkasi.
Nedumpara
Nedumpara is a place which is 11 km (6.8 mi) away from Aryankavu. Harrisons Malayalam limited has a rubber estate in this place named as Isfield Estate. One of the highest peak of Kollam district named Nedumpara Peak is located in Nedumpara, which is locally known as Nedumpara Motta. It is the water divide between Kallada River and Achankovil river.
Bourdillon's Plot
It is the world's first stump planted plantation of teak which located near the Palaruvi Falls in Aryankavu. A British man named T. F. Bourdillon was its leader. He was then conservator of Travancore.[12]
The temple dedicated to Shasta at Aryankavu is situated near the border of Tamil Nadu. The temple is one of the important Shasta temples in Kerala. Ayyappan is depicted here as a teenager (young boy). The deity is known as Thiru Aryan and therefore the place got the name Aryankavu.[17]
Surrounded by forests, the temple is located on the National Highway 744. Just like in Sabarimala, women from the age 10 to 50 are not allowed inside the temple. The rituals and pujas followed at the temple is that of Sourastrian[18] tradition. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Pushkaladevi,[18]Shiva and Shasta. A young Ayyappa sits in the middle with Pushkaladevi[18] on the left side and Shiva on the right side.
The festival at the temple is celebrated during the concluding days of the Sabarimala Mandala Kalam. The most important festivals observed here include Pandiyan Mudippu, Thiru Kalyanam and Kumbhabhishekham. There are plans to include the temple as part of Sabarimala circuit.[19]
Other religious places
There are two catholic churches: St. Mary's Catholic Church Archdiocese of Changanassery & St. George Malankara Catholic Church at Arankavu. The St. George Malankara Catholic Church was established in the 1950s. The founder of the Church was Mr. K.V Abraham Vaidyer (Kaleekal) also known as Kannadi Vaidyar. He was an Ayurvedic physician as well as a member of the Grama Panchayat in 1957.
There are also numerous Evangelicalist churches that are active in the area.
The major center of worship of Muslims is the Edappalayam Juma Masjid.
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