Sabarimala: How Many KM From Pamba To Sannidhanam?

Sabarimala is one of India’s most popular pilgrimages in the green Western Ghats of Kerala. In this blog, we discuss how to reach Sabarimala, the best way to travel, the 4.5 km holy trail from Pamba to Sannidhanam, and the important tips that a first-timer should know.

Introduction to Sabarimala

The Sabarimala Temple is devoted to Lord Ayyappa, the forest God, the son of Lord Rudra and Lady Mohini. The temple is open to visitors only during the Mandalakala season from the middle of November to the middle of January, on Makaravilakku on January 14th, and on a few more special occasions.

The journey to Sabarimala is a walk of faith, devotion, and difficulty. The last part of the pilgrimage, from Pamba to Sannidhanam, is considered one of the holiest parts of the journey.

Best Time to Visit Sabarimala

It is always good to plan your pilgrimage after considering the best time to visit Sabarimala:

• Mandalakala Season: This is the busiest season when the temple opens for the yearly pilgrimage. The temple remains open for 41 days. During this period, most people come to visit the temple.
• Makaravilakku: Makaravilakku is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in Kerala, on Makara Sankranti 14 January. It marks the sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn. The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple conducts several special rituals, and feasts and draws in draws thousands of devotees from around the world.
• Vishu and Onam: The temple opens during these festivals and attracts people from all over the country.
• The monsoon season from June to September, is not recommended due to heavy rainfall, which makes the trekking conditions unsafe.

Reaching Sabarimala By Air

Flight is the fastest way to travel to Sabarimala, but the temple is not accessible by air. Good roads lead from the nearest airports, and people can continue their journey by road to reach the pilgrimage base.

Closest Airports

• Cochin International Airport: Located about 152 km away from Sabarimala, it is the airport most pilgrims can use. It has good connectivity with big cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
• Trivandrum International Airport is located approximately 168 km away from Sabarimala. It is well-suited for persons coming from the southern parts of India.

Connecting Flights and Transfers

• From Cochin International Airport: When one reaches the place, one can take a taxi or take a bus to Pamba, the base camp for trekking to Sannidhanam. It takes almost 4 to 5 hours of drive, and the route is very beautiful with hills on both sides.

• Trivandrum International Airport: It takes about 5 to 6 hours by taxi or private car to Pamba. There are buses also, but they take a little more time because they stop at many places along the way.

Reaching Sabarimala by Train

Train travel is equally popular and comfortable for visiting the shrine of Sabarimala. The railway stations provide easy access, with consequent road travel needed to reach the pilgrimage base.

Nearby Train Stations

• Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest big train station, about 93.6 km from Pamba. It is connected to important cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
• Chengannur Railway Station is the nearest station, about 83.3 km from Pamba. It’s a popular choice for pilgrims, as there are a lot of trains coming in from different parts of India.
• Ernakulam Junction is 146 km from Pamba and is good for people who want to visit Cochin too.

Common Train Paths

• From Chennai: The Kerala Express travels from Chennai to Kottayam in about 12 hours.
• From Bangalore: The train Kanyakumari travels from Bengaluru to Chengannur in about 14 hours.
• From Hyderabad: The Sabari Express travels from Hyderabad to Chengannur in about 20 hours.

One can easily get a taxi or bus from any of these stations to Pamba. From here, it takes about 3 to 5 hours to reach Pamba, depending upon the traffic conditions.

Reaching Sabarimala by Road

For those who love road trips, the way leading towards Sabarimala itself will be a memorable experience. The pilgrimage base at Pamba is well-connected through well-maintained highways and roads from many major towns and cities.

Driving from Big Cities

• From Cochin: The route Cochin – Kanjirappally – Erumely – Pamba is 146.9 km and takes about 4 to 5 hours of travel.
• From Trivandrum: The route Trivandrum – Pathanamthitta – Pamba is 167.3 km and takes about 5 to 6 hours to travel.
• From Bangalore: The route Coimbatore – Palakkad – Pamba is 308 km and takes about 10 to 11 hours to travel.

Bus Services and Car Rentals

• Bus Services: Buses are fairly regular in schedules from Cochin, Trivandrum, and Kottayam. The operators are usually the state or private operators. Though they provide economic services, they might lag in the comfort of a taxi or private vehicle.
• Other Car Rentals: For a more convenient and comfortable trip, hire a car from the cities of Cochin, Trivandrum, or any nearest town.

Local Transportation within Sabarimala

Once you’ve arrived at Pamba, getting to the temple at Sannidhanam involves a trek that is both challenging and spiritually rewarding.

• Jeep Services: Jeep services are available from Nilackal to Pamba for those who need assistance with the initial part of the journey.
• Trek from Pamba to Sannidhanam: The final 4.5 km trek from Pamba to Sannidhanam is on foot. Despite the short distance, the challenging terrain and steep ascents make the pilgrimage a demanding walk.

How Many KM from Pamba to Sannidhanam?

The trek from Pamba to Sannidhanam is an integral part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The 4.5 km trail, often referred to as the “Neelimala trek,” is steep and can be physically demanding, but the experience is spiritually uplifting.

Traditionally, pilgrims walk the path from Pamba to Sannidhanam barefoot, making the pilgrimage more challenging and disciplined. Many devotees also bear the “Irumudi”—a holy bundle containing offerings for Lord Ayyappa on their heads, signalling their dedication and humility.

The trail winds through dense forests and steep hills, with several rest points along the way. A well-marked and maintained path, along with facilities such as water stations and medical aid available.

Religious Significance of Pamba and Sannidhanam

Pamba, named after the Goddess Pamba, is the longest river in Kerala. Devotees take a holy dip in the Pamba River before beginning their ascent to Sannidhanam. People consider the river sacred, believing that a dip here purifies the soul.

Sannidhanam, the final destination, is the sanctum sanctorum where people have enshrined Lord Ayyappa’s idol. Reaching Sannidhanam is the end of the pilgrim’s spiritual journey, symbolizing the devotee’s surrender to the divine.

Nearby Attractions

Apart from the main temple, several other attractions near Sabarimala are worth visiting:

• Pandalam Palace: Legends claim that the Raja of Pandalam adopted Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of the Sabarimala Temple, and raised him in this palace.
• Sabarimala View Point: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests.
• Gavi: A pristine hill station nestled amidst the Western Ghats, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the Nilgiri tahr.
• Periyar Tiger Reserve: A wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve, Periyar offers a unique opportunity to spot tigers in their natural habitat.
• Aranmula: A historic village renowned for its ancient Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his chariot form. The village is also famous for its traditional metalwork, particularly the Aranmula Kannadi (mirror work).
• Erumely: The famous Malikappurathamma Devi Temple, commonly known as the Malikappuram temple is located here.
• Jatayupara Earth’s Centre: A unique tourist attraction featuring a giant statue of Jatayu, the mythical eagle from the Ramayana epic. The centre offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

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Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Advance Bookings: Sabarimala sees an enormous number of visitors, especially during the peak season. Booking your accommodation well in advance is crucial to securing a comfortable stay.
• Packing Essentials: Pilgrims are encouraged to wear simple, traditional attire during the pilgrimage. For men, this usually means a black or blue dhoti, while women typically wear a sari. It is also important to carry warm clothing if you’re visiting during the cooler months, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
• Health Precautions: The trek from Pamba to Sannidhanam can be physically demanding, so it’s important to be in good health. Carry any necessary medications with you, as medical facilities along the trek are limited. Use mosquito repellents to protect yourself from insect bites.
• Understanding the Customs and Traditions: Familiarize yourself with the customs and rituals associated with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. For example, many devotees observe a 41-day fast and follow strict abstinence before undertaking the journey. The period of ‘Vratham’ is meant to purify the body and mind.
• Respect the Environment: Sabarimala is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a protected forest area. Dispose of waste properly and avoid littering along the trek or in the temple premises. Consider using eco-friendly products during your trip, such as biodegradable toiletries and reusable containers.

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Embarking on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala is a journey of faith, devotion, and self-discovery. The trek from Pamba to Sannidhanam is not just a physical ascent but a spiritual one, ending in the divine darshan of Lord Ayyappa. The spiritual energy of Sabarimala, combined with the natural beauty of the Western Ghats, makes this journey one of the most profound in India.

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