Set high up in the Sahyadri Mountains, amid dense forests and rocky terrain of Western ghats, Sabarimala is the sacred adobe of Lord Ayyappa. This is probably one pilgrim destination in Kerala that pulls millions of devotees, not just from India, but from across the globe. Located at a distance of 72 km from Patthanamthitta town, the traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli, which is at a distance of 40km.Other preferred routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppuppara and Chalakkayam via Plappally. With its captivating scenic splendor and mythological significance, this place of worship is renowned all over the world as the “pilgrim capital of Kerala”.

Interestingly, on the day of ‘Thiruvabharanam’ (journey to the sacred site), every year two kites appear in the sky above the Pandalam Palace (the starting point) and are belived to be auspicious for the journey. Starting the journey on January 14th, the ‘Thiruvabharanam’ procession takes two days to reach the Sabarimala temple. You can plan your visit so as to coincide with this day that marks the appearance of a celestial light, called ‘Makarajyothi’. Rationalists correlate the phenomenon to a sleight of hand by the Kerala Forest Department, but devotees believe the lights are ‘aartis’ performed by ‘devas’ and ‘rishis’ residing in heaven.

It takes around 2 ½ hours through dense forests to reach Sabarimala. On top of that, committed pilgrims are expected to walk barefoot, as a test of their endurance. Before proceeding to the temple, take a bath in the Pampa river, also known as the Ganges of the South. As you walk towards the temple premises, you will be greeted with the pleasant aroma of camphor and incense. Police are at hand to ensure that stampedes are avoided and that you ascend the 18 steps - symbolising the 18 elements and so transcending them to the point where you handover a ghee-filled coconut and come face to face with Ayyappa. The significance of the coconut is open to interpretations, the most acceptable being that the shell is the devotee’s body, the soft third eye of the coconut is his spiritual eye and the ghee his soul - all of which is surrendered at the Lord’s feet. Bow in front of the Lord and take the prasadam (don’t forget to offer some ‘dakshina’ at the entrance). Contour the temple 3 times before you move out with the shout of the temple employees - “move on, move on” - at the backdrop. Before stepping outside, turn back and shout “Swamiye saranam, saranam Ayyappa” (Oh Lord Ayyappa, I surrender to thee) alon with the euphony of the loudspeakers.

The Sabarimala Temple is in east Pathanamthitta District, a 2 ½ hour climb uphill from Pampa, where all the different pilgrimage routes converge. One can start at Erumeli in south-east Kottayam district. It is a 51 km walk from Erumeli to Pampa. Pilgrims to feble to walk can hire a dolly to go uphill. Pampa is 210 km south-east of Kochi and 235 km north-east of Trivandrum. Special trains are introduced from all over the country. KSRTC runs special bus services across the state to Pampa during the Sabarimala season (November 15-January 15). There are several options for accommodations at nominal cost, available both at Pampa and nearby Sannidhanam. It is better to go for an advance booking, because there is a huge rush during the festive season. As Ayyappa is a ‘Nithya Brahmachari’, women between the ages of 10 and 50 may not do the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Cigarettes, beedis, ‘paan’, alcohol and carrying plastic is strictly prohibited, starting at Pampa and all the way up to Sabarimala.

How to Reach Sabarimala

By Air
There are two airports that are near this pilgrimage at Trivandrum (170 kilometers) and Cochin (200 kilometers).

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Kottayam and Chengannur.

By Road
The pilgrimage is well connected to Kerala by a wide network of roads.