Sabarimala Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Located about 72 km from Pathanamthitta and about 190 km from Thiruvananthapuram, on the western coast of Kerala, Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrim centres in India. It is situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914m above sea level and can be accessed only by foot from Pamba, which is 4 km away. The temple is dedicated to Sri Ayyappa and is held by millions as a very sacred spot. The pilgrimage season starts in November and ends in mid January. On the particular day of 'Makaravilakku', lakhs of devotees throng around the temple for a glimpse of 'Makarajyothi'.

The temple is closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during the Malayalam New Year. People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age. Also certain customs have to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days