Ways to Reach Sabarimala by Road, Train, Air travel. Sabarimala Transportation Facilities & Information.
Sabarimala is considered most visited temple in Kerala state. Infact it is also second most visited Darshan place for Lord Ayyappan (Manikantha) Swamy after Tirupati Balaji. Reaching Sabarimala is now convenient when compared to last decades. The Travancore Devashom Board and Kerala Police made sabarimala accessible to all the devotees throughout the year.
Old and Traditional Way to Reach Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple:
In previous time till the advent of year 2000, reaching sabarimala was somewhat risky task. But it is still considered most sacred and important way to reach sabarimala temple. Nearest accessible way to reach sabarimala was by foot from Erumel (Erumalai) which is 65 KM far from banks of River Pampa.
From there Many people will start ascending the Sabari Hill after taking a holy bath in Pampa River. Here the last offering for Ayyappa swami Irumudi is done and the devotees lift irumudi on their heads.
Traditional way is considered like this – Erumalai Vavar Swamy Masjid and seeing Dharmasasthavu temple by playing Erumel dance before starting journey.
Reaching Pampa by walk via hills, valleys, Jungles of Sabarimala. It is very difficult route to take and one must have experienced Guru swamy with them to travel in this route. Alternate means to reach Pampa River bank is via Road.
Travel to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple by Road:
Many thanks to kerala Government, TDB & Kerala police to provide road access till Pampa River. But During the festive, Deeksha Season of Ayyappa mala dharana Swamys, traveling by road is some what tricky.
First devotees need to know the approximate distance till Pampa River bed. Nearest Town & City is Kottayam or Chenganur. Other near by urban place is Pathanamitta, City nearest to Sabarimala is Trivandrum & cochin.
Authors Suggestion to reach Sabarimala by Road:
Kerala Transport corporation offers frequent buses from Cochin, Ernakulam, Trivandrum, Chenganur, Kottayam & Thrissur. One can reach by just boarding a KSRTC bus from these urban dwellings.
Train Route to Travel for Sabarimala Temple:
IRCTC offers excellent tour packages for traveling to Sabarimala. But when comes to reach by train it is very luxury and easy. More than 400 express and Super fast trains are allocated to railway stations near to Sabarimala.
Best way to start your Journey is to reach Kottayam, Chengannur, Ernakulam Junction, Cochin & Trivandrum. Nearest Railway station is Kottayam. Car taxi, Kerala RTC buses are very well connected till Neelikal Bustand.
How to Reach Sabarimala by Air or flight booking:
Sabarimala is a hilly pilgrim spot located on an altitude of 1.2 KM. But reaching by helicopter is not allowed directly on the hill. Nearest Airport is Trivandrum or Cochin City. From there they must reach by Road or Train.
Cochin & Trivandrum airports are well connected to all cities in India like Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mangalore, Delhi, Calcutta or Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune etc.
Comment below if you need any more guidance. Checkout Sabarimala Special Trains list.