Trekking routes to Sabarimala

1. From Erumeli, the pilgrim can, if he so wishes, trek on foot along the forests to reach Pampa. The trekking distance from Erumeli to Pampa is 43 km. The route is via Peroorthodu-Irumbunnikara (3 km (Forest starts from Irumbooni Kara), Arasumudikotta (further 3 km), Kaalaketti (11 km from Erumeli), Azhutha (further 2.5 km), Azhutha River (37 km to Pamba), Kallidum Kunnu, Inchipara, Mukkuzhi, Kariyilam Thodu, Karimala, Valiyana Thavalam, Cheriyana Thavalam and Pampa.

From Erumeli to Azhutha is a gradual climb via Arasumudi Kotta. Then climb down and cross the Azhutha river. The route climbs steeply to Kallidum Kunnu (First hill) and then downward to Kariyilam Thodu (river). Next is the arduous climb to Karimala. From there, climb down and walk to Pamba. From Pamba, the usual 5 km trek to the Sabarimala temple via Neelimala, Appachimedu and Sabaripeedom.

Three steep ascents on the route are Azhutha Nadi to Inchiparakotta, Kariyilam Thodu to Karimala (on Erumeli - Pampa route) and Pampa - Neelimala (on the Sannidhanam/Sabarimala temple route).

2. Another trek route is from Vandiperiyar on NH 220 (Kottayam - Ponkunnam - Mundakkayam - Peermade - Vandiperiyar - Thekkady - Kumily). Travel by vehicle to Mount Estate and trek to Kozhikkanam (15 km). Kozhikkanam to Uppupura (10 km). Uppupura to Sabarimala (5 km). Up to Uppupura, vehicles can be used for the travel from Vandiperiyar.

Sabarimala Video