Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Region
South Kerala
Best Time to Visit
November to January, the Mandalam and Makaravilakku season
About This Pilgrimage
Experience one of India's most revered pilgrimages through forests, sacred traditions, and devotion. The pilgrimage traditionally includes the Pamba River crossing and the 18 Sacred Steps for eligible devotees carrying Irumudi.
Destinations You'll Visit
The Destinations on This Route
A little background on each place this pilgrimage takes you to.
Sabarimala Temple
Set deep in the Periyar Tiger Reserve at about 1,260 metres elevation, this is one of India's most revered pilgrimage centres, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims traditionally observe a 41 day vratham before the climb up the Pathinettampadi, the eighteen sacred steps, carrying the irumudikkettu offering bundle.
Pamba
The base camp for the final stretch of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, on the banks of the Pamba river. Pilgrims take a ritual bath here before beginning the trek up to the shrine.
Erumely Vavar Mosque
Also known as Vavar Palli, this mosque in Erumely honours Vavar, a companion of Lord Ayyappan in local tradition (accounts of his exact origins vary). Pilgrims customarily visit both the adjoining Ayyappa temple and this mosque as part of the Erumely rites, a well known example of Hindu Muslim harmony in Kerala.
Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Temple
The family temple of the former Pandalam royal family, within the Pandalam Palace complex, and closely tied to the Ayyappa legend, since Pandalam is traditionally held to be where he was raised. Each year before Makaravilakku, the procession carrying the sacred ornaments for Lord Ayyappan sets out from here toward Sabarimala.
Highlights
- Traditional forest pilgrimage
- Sacred Pamba River
- 18 Sacred Steps
- Spiritual trekking experience
Includes
- Hotel stay
- Transportation
- Pilgrimage guidance
- Trek assistance