Sabarimala is the most visited site in the Kerala State. It is in the Pathanamthitta district of the State near Pamba River. Sabarimala is the abode of Ayyappa Swami. Only devotees of Ayyappa do visit this place. There are many stories and legends about the Ayyappa deity. No one knows when exactly the idol was installed. However the deity is revered by millions of devotees across the nation. The temple is situated on top of a hill (1535 ft above the sea level) and needs about 4 km trekking from the Pampa River basin.
The devotees who are on a strict fast (for 41 days) start walking upwards from the Pampa basin in the ‘Makara’ season (January). During that period they should restrain from sex, alcohol and non veg. The doors of the temple will be opened on the Makara Sankranth for the devotees. It is said that on that day the devotees get to see the auspicious ‘Makara Jyoti’ (light of Capricorn). People from all creed and caste are allowed to enter except women with regular menopause cycle (girls below 14 and women above 50 approximately).
Sabarimala could be reached only by foot from the Pampa river basin. Pampa Township is connected by road. Chengannur is the nearest railway station to reach Pampa. It is about 93 km from Pampa. Chengannur is well connected to Trivandrum and Kottayam by railway route. Flights are available up to Trivandrum (175 km) and Kochi (190 km) to reach Sabarimala. Private taxis are available from Chengannur.
