Erumeli (38 km from Kottayam/ 36 km from Pathanamthitta)

How to Reach

The nearest Railway stations to Sabarimala are Kottayam and Chengannur. There are regular bus service during the festival season from these Railway stations. Chengannur to Pamba is 3.5 hour journey (Rs 64, 90 km) via Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikkara, Laha (Rubber Estate) and Nilakkal (high range forested route).

Chengannur - Aaranmula (8 km) - Pathanamthitta (12 km) - Vadasserikkara (12 km) - Nilakkal (16 km) - Pamba (22 km).

Kottayam to Pamba (via Erumeli) is 138 km (Rs 71), 3 hour by bus.

Kottayam - Manarcad - Pambady - Ponkunnam - Kanjirappally (NH 220). From 26 th mile, the road to Erumeli (15 km from Kanjirappally) bifurcates from the Kumily main road.

Erumeli is a small town where one can stock items for the pilgrimmage/trek. Hotel Empire is near the Masjid provides Accommodation. Uduppi Hotel serves homely food.

Ninan Masjid famous for the Chandanakkudam festival (Jan 10) and the Petta thullal (Jan 11). The entering of the masjid by Hindu devotees by chanting prayers to pay homage to a Muslim saint is an unforgettable experience. The devotees wear tiger masks, paint their face with colors and dance with wooden swords, 'gada' and small tree branches accompanied by drummers and other musical instruments. The dancing groups proceeds to Dharmashashta temple near by.