{"id":766783,"date":"2024-08-28T16:49:18","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T11:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=766783"},"modified":"2026-01-06T12:17:27","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T06:47:27","slug":"a-pilgrims-guide-of-the-places-to-visit-in-sabarimala-in-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/places-to-visit-in-sabarimala\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Places to visit in Sabarimala in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/strong> adds to your experience exploring the sacred place.<\/em><\/p>\n

About Sabarimala<\/h2>\n
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Image Credit: rajaraman sundaram for Wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

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 \u201cAyappan Swamy\u201d, embark on this strenuous pilgrimage trek to the top of the temple wearing black dhotis.<\/p>\n

During their journey, constant chanting of \u201cSwamiye Saranam Ayyappa,\u201d meaning \u201cI surrender to Lord Ayyappa,\u201d echoes through the roads and trekking trails, further adding to the spiritual atmosphere in the area.<\/p>\n

Also Read:<\/strong> Chavakkad Beach<\/a><\/p>\n

What Is The Significance Of Sabarimala?<\/h2>\n
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Image Credit: Sailesh for Wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Top Places To Visit In Sabarimala<\/h2>\n

While Sabarimala is primarily known for the Lord Ayyappa Swamy temple, there are many other places to explore after your pilgrimage.<\/p>\n

1. Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Abhinarayan for Wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

More commonly known as the \u201cSabarimala Temple<\/a>,\u201d 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.
\nLocation:<\/strong> Sannidhanam, Appachimedu, Sabarimala, Kerala 689662
\nTimings:<\/strong> 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM<\/p>\n

Related Post:<\/strong> Things To Do On Kerala Trip<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Pamba River<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Challiyan for Wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> At the foothills of Sabarimala hill
\nTimings:<\/strong> Accessible all-day<\/p>\n

3. Malikappuram Devi Temple<\/h3>\n
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Image Source: Facebook <\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> C3PJ+95V, Sannidhanam, Sabarimala, Kerala 689662
\nTimings:<\/strong> 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM<\/p>\n

Related Post:<\/strong> Famous Temples In Kerala<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Sailesh for Wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

The Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> 92Q6+RXC, Perunad, Kerala 689662
\nTimings:<\/strong> 05:00 to 09:00 AM; 05:00 to 08:00 PM<\/p>\n

5. Erumeli<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Shinsyamalan for Wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Kottayam district
\nTimings:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

Related Post:<\/strong> Ultimate Guide To Top Tourist Places In Kerala<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Peerumedu<\/h3>\n
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Image Credit: Praveenp for Wikimedia Commons <\/a><\/p>\n

Although Peerumedu isn\u2019t 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\u2019s spiritual significance. Once there, you can explore the nearby tea and coffee plantations.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Idukki, Kerala
\nTimings:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

7. Mundakayam<\/h3>\n
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Image Source: Pexels <\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Kanjirappally Taluk in Kottayam district
\nTimings:<\/strong> N\/A
\nEntry fee:<\/strong> None<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Hill stations in Kerala<\/a><\/p>\n

What Is The Best Time To Visit Sabarimala?<\/h2>\n
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Image Source: Pexels <\/a><\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n