Sabarimala is a name that you have likely heard of in passing from time to time. Home to Swamy Ayyappa, this place in Kerala is one of the country’s most popular Hindu pilgrim centres. Every year, hundreds and thousands of pilgrims set on this journey to pray to Lord Ayyappa. Most of the time, the pilgrims set out on their journey to Sabarimala from Erumeli. However, once you finish offering prayers and seeking blessings from the deity, how do you utilise the remainder of your time in Sabarimala? This is when you explore the places in and around the quaint location. Primarily shrouded in its spiritual and religious significance, knowing about the best places to visit in Sabarimala adds to your experience exploring the sacred place.
About Sabarimala
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Sabarimala enshrines Lord Ayyappa, a renowned Hindu deity known for his courage and righteousness. Located on the perimeter of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the Sabarimala temple complex, which is the primary pilgrim attraction, is situated amid the lush green hills. Among all the pilgrimage experiences in India, the one that takes pilgrims to Sabarimala is one of the most arduous ones. However, the final experience is rewarding. The pilgrims, known as “Ayappan Swamy”, embark on this strenuous pilgrimage trek to the top of the temple wearing black dhotis.
During their journey, constant chanting of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa,” meaning “I surrender to Lord Ayyappa,” echoes through the roads and trekking trails, further adding to the spiritual atmosphere in the area.
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What Is The Significance Of Sabarimala?
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Sabarimala holds immense significance for Hindus, particularly those in the Ayyappan tradition. It’s one of the six abodes of Lord Ayyappa, known as Arupadai Veedu. According to mythological beliefs, Lord Ayyappa Swamy is believed to be the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini. The inner sanctum of the temple, where the idol of Lord Ayyappa lies, is open to every devotee and pilgrim, irrespective of age, caste, creed, etc. However, women in their menstruating age (10-50 years on average) are usually now allowed to enter the temple.
The pilgrims on the Sabarimala Yatra to the temple perform penance and a 41-day fasting period known as “Vratham” before embarking on the pilgrimage. Besides seeking blessings from the lord, the fasting period and pilgrimage also represent a sign of self-purification.
Top Places To Visit In Sabarimala
While Sabarimala is primarily known for the Lord Ayyappa Swamy temple, there are many other places to explore after your pilgrimage.
1. Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
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More commonly known as the “Sabarimala Temple,” this is the main attraction in the area. Thousands and lakhs of pilgrims embark on this journey every year, trekking through the mountainous terrains and rugged regions to reach the temple. The trek also crosses through the holy Pamba River and the eighteen sacred steps (“Pathinettam Padi”), adding to the unique spiritual experience of the pilgrims visiting.
Location: Sannidhanam, Appachimedu, Sabarimala, Kerala 689662
Timings: 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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2. Pamba River
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Located at the base of the hill where the religious Sabarimala Temple is located, Pamba River is another must-visit spot and experience you have to witness while you are there. Before beginning the ascent to the temple, most pilgrims stop at the river to take a dip, cleanse themselves and rejuvenate to embark on the rough trek to the top. Besides the crystal-clear water, the river is surrounded by lush green forests, which add to its beauty.
Location: At the foothills of Sabarimala hill
Timings: Accessible all-day
3. Malikappuram Devi Temple
Quite close to the Ayyappa Swamy Temple in Sabarimala, the Malikappuram Devi Temple is another famous temple in Sabarimala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Malikappuram, and according to legend, your pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple isn’t complete until you visit this nearby temple. According to legend, the deity was a close companion of Lord Ayyappa. So, most devotees visit this temple after completing their pilgrimage at Ayyappa Swamy temple in Sabarimala.
Location: C3PJ+95V, Sannidhanam, Sabarimala, Kerala 689662
Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
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4. Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple
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The Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple is located around 19 km from Sabarimala Temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. While it is not one of the places to see in Sabarimala itself, the temple falls on the way to the pilgrimage site. Many tourists stop and take a breather to explore the temple before embarking on the journey towards the Sabarimala temple again. Some legends depict that Lord Ayyappa Swamy rested here before continuing his journey towards Sabarimala.
Location: 92Q6+RXC, Perunad, Kerala 689662
Timings: 05:00 to 09:00 AM; 05:00 to 08:00 PM
5. Erumeli
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Another tourist attraction in Sabarimala is Erumeli. It is a quaint town that serves as a starting point for most Sabarimala pilgrims. Located around 45 km away, the city is where most pilgrims halt before continuing their journey. The town is famous for the Erumeli Sastha Temple and the Vavar Mosque. The Sastha Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, while the mosque is dedicated to Vavar, a close associate of Lord Ayyappa. The place holds a lot of significance in terms of communal harmony since Muslim and Hindu devotees offer their prayers at their respective religious sites.
Location: Kottayam district
Timings: N/A
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6. Peerumedu
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Although Peerumedu isn’t one of the best places to visit in Sabarimala, it’s one of those tourist attractions you explore after your pilgrimage and is about 77 kilometres away. It is an underrated hill station in Kerala that offers a refreshing break to the pilgrims after their extensive journey to the Sabarimala Temple. The place is named after Peer Mohammed, a Sufi saint. According to the legends, the saint meditated here, contributing to the place’s spiritual significance. Once there, you can explore the nearby tea and coffee plantations.
Location: Idukki, Kerala
Timings: N/A
7. Mundakayam
Lastly, Mundakayam is on the list of the best tourist attractions in Sabarimala. It is around 52 km from Sabarimala and is renowned for its natural beauty and rubber plantations. You will get lost in the stunning landscapes and find a peaceful retreat to relax and rejuvenate after your pilgrimage experience. The hill town offers access to various activities, including bird watching, nature walks, trekking expeditions and more. There are waterfalls and viewpoints in close vicinity, too.
Location: Kanjirappally Taluk in Kottayam district
Timings: N/A
Entry fee: None
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What Is The Best Time To Visit Sabarimala?
Unlike most other Hindu temples in India, the Sabarimala temple has a unique pilgrimage season. It is usually open three times a year for devotees:
- Mandalakala season (November to January)
- Makaravilakku season (mid-January)
- The first five days of each Malayalam month
So, if you are considering visiting the temple on a pilgrimage, you must plan your visit around those times of the year.
How To Reach Sabarimala?
If you want to explore the places to see in Sabarimala, you must know how to get there first. The nearest airport to the temple complex is Cochin International Airport. You must hire a taxi from the airport or even the Kochi Railway Station to reach Pamba, the base of the trek.
Reaching the Sabarimala temple complex from Pamba involves a 5 km trek, which the pilgrims must do on foot.
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Sabarimala is not just a pilgrimage destination but a place where nature, spirituality, and tradition converge. While the primary pilgrimage experience is one of a kind, you need to explore the places to visit in Sabarimala for a holistic travel experience. As you embark on your journey, keeping note of all these fantastic spots will enable you to make the most out of your next trip to Kerala.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Sabarimala
What are the best places to stay in Sabarimala?
There are no hotels or places to stay in Sabarimala itself. However, you will find popular accommodation choices in nearby towns and areas like Pampa, Erumeli, etc.
What should I carry for the pilgrimage to Sabarimala?
The pilgrims are advised to wear blue, saffron, or black-coloured costumes and carry an Irrumudi-Kettu, which contains coconut filled with ghee, rice, puja materials, and banana.
How many days are enough to explore Sabarimala?
If you are just on your pilgrimage, 2-3 days are enough. However, if you want to explore the nearby places in Sabarimala, consider staying for 4-5 days.
What is the best mode of transportation in Sabarimala?
Due to the heavy pilgrimage demand, Sabarimala has a lot of transportation mediums, including buses, taxis and shared shuttles.
How can I reach Sabarimala?
You can reach the nearby cities from Sabarimala like Kottayam and Chengannur or Erumeli and then hire a taxi from there to reach the base of the trekking point.
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