India /Kerala /Pathanamthitta /Sabarimala

Sabarimala, literally meaning the mountain of Sabari (a known mythological character), is the most famous religious destination in Kerala. Nestled among dense forests and gurgling streams, the temple town of Sabarimala stands as a symbol of love, equality and religious devotion. Situated on the banks of holy river Pampa in the district of in Kerala, this pilgrim destination is perched high up in the Sahyadri Mountains of the Western Ghats.Sabarimala hosts the famous Ayyappa temple on a mountain, which is very challenging trek to reach. Undulated hilly terrains, lush green forests, bubbling streams, twittering birds & wide varieties of flora makes the climb to Sabarimala a pleasant experience. One can reach Sabarimala Township through Pampa Township which is at the foothills of Sabarimala. About 3 km trekking (two hours) is required to reach the top.Sabarimala town ship is uninhabited by people, but always busy with pilgrims, shops and hotels. It is believed that Saint Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, installed the Ayyappa Idol at the top of the mountain temple. The Sabarimala pilgrimage season begins by the mid of November and ends by the fourth week of January. The Mandalapooja extending for 41 days starting from November 17 and Makaravilakku on January 14 are the important festival periods in Sabarimala.It is estimated that millions of pilgrims, irrespective of caste, creed and religion throng to this temple to get blessings of Lord Ayyappa. There is a shrine dedicated to Vavaru Swamy, a Muslim saint, in Sabarimala making it a place of religious harmony. Women of age above 14 years and below 50 years (women with active menopause cycle) are not allowed in the Sabarimala temple. To pay a visit to this temple certain customs are followed strictly. The pilgrims take 41 day penance before starting pilgrimage to Sabarimala, abstaining from non-vegetarian foods and carnal pleasures.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 689645

STD Code: 473

Info Website: http://sabarimala.kerala.gov.in/

Best Time to Visit:  September – April

HistoryEdit

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How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airports are at Kochi and Trivandrum. Trivandrum International Airport is located at a distance of 126 km from Sabarimala. Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi is at a distance of about 171 km from Sabarimala. Pre-paid taxi services are available from both airports to Pampa, 4 km away from Sabarimala Temple. Taxi charges about Rs 2500 for one way. The airports are well connected to all major airports in India and also are connected to many foreign cities.

By Train : Nearest railhead is at Chengannur, which is located at a distance of about 37 km from Pamba. Chengannur is located in the main rail route between Trivandrum and Kottayam and is connected by rail to all other railway stations in India. Taxi and other SUV services are available from Chengannur to Pamba. One-way taxi charge is about Rs 1,300 to Pamaba.

By BUS : One can get KSRTC buses frequently to Pamba. 4 km trekking from Pamba is required to reach Sabarimala. Pamaba is well connected by KSRTC buses to all cities in Kerala. Frequent services are available from Trivandum (126 km), Kochi (171 km), Kottayam (109 km), Chengannur (93 km)and Changanacherry (98 km).

By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

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Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Hotel Thriveni ; Sabarimala, Kerala 689713.; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – N.A.

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Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Sabarimala. is a major tourist city in India.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

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