Sabarimala trek

There is a 45 km long forested pedestrian route from Erumeli to Pamba via Periyar Tiger Reserve. The ardous trek takes 10 hour. I started the trek at 5.20 am. The route follows the Sabarimala road, Erumeli estate and a right turn to reach Irumboonikkara temple. The road is motorable up to the temple.

From here follow the unmetaled road to reach Forest check post (One hour). From here there is forest and two small climbs on the Kalaketty route. A small tribal temple and a stream is on the way. At Kalaketty, can be accessed by road from Erumeli, there is a Shiv temple, big trees, shops and place for resting. A 1.5 km walk takes one to Azhutha river, on the Erumeli - Mundakkayam road. Cross the Azhutha river by bridge to reach Periyar Tiger Reserve. This is the right place to start the trek. Lot of devotees reach Azhutha by vehicles and start the trek.



From Azhutha there is a 2 km long steep trek to Kallidamkunnu, where devotees drop pebbles with respect. It takes one more hour. There is plenty of tea shops providing 'viri' for taking rest and Gruel (kanji). I enjoyed the refreshing lemon soda (with salt) and take my first rest. From here there is a flat walk to Injippara Ayyappa shrine. From the temple, the route climbs down to reach Mukuzhi Devi temple. The temple is having road access. The forested route has huge trees worth admiration. Devotees do this ardous trek of 50 km bare footed !. One day rest is advised at Kallidamkunnu.