Sabarimala Tourism

"India's own Mecca" Sabarimala Tourism More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple in Sabarimala annually, making it the largest in India and second largest in the world, after Hajj Pilgrimage of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Tucked amongst dense forests and gurgling streams, the temple town of Sabarimala on the Pampa banks named after the mythological character Sabari shelters the famousAyyappa temple. People believe that Vishnu's incarnate Parasurama placed the Ayyappa Idol at the top of the mountain. More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple annually, making it the largest in India and second largest in the world, after Haji Pilgrimage of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. However, women of age 12-50 years, during an active menstrual cycle are not allowed inside the temple. Also, do note that the temple opens only 2 months in a year. Trekkers also find joy in trekking up the lush mountain to reach the temple. Download Sabarimala PDF Guide > What's Great? Pleasant ambience, lush green forests. What's not so Great? Women between 12-60 years of age not allowed in the temple. For Whom Protecting the busiest pilgrimage shrine in India as well as the second busiest shrine in the world, Sabarimala is mostly visited by Hindu devotees. The lush green Western Ghats attracts a lot of trekkers in the region.

Sabarimala Pilgrimage The world famous Sabarimala pilgrimage is undertaken by thousands of ardent devotees every year. A strict-41 day fast is observed before the pilgrimage, which is believed to be a cleanser for the mind, body and soul. The devotees follow a lacto-vegetarian diet and practice celibacy and teetotalism. They also do not cut their hair or nails during this period, allowing them to grow. Their attire is composed of simple black or saffron garments, and they wear a special mala or chain made of Rudraksha beads. The devotees are expected to lead an altruistic lifestyle by helping others and doing service in the name of their Lord Ayyappan. After the fast period, the devotees follow the difficult path through Erumely to reach the Pamba river, or else they arrive by vehicles. They then begin their long climb from the Neeli Mala to Sabari Mala, the abode of Lord Ayyappan. Women between the ages of 10 to 50 are not allowed on Sabarimala, following the 1991 ruling by the Kerala High Court. This is now up for contention yet again and has been receiving widespread coverage in the media over the last year. The Shrine in the hills Located in the Western Ghats, Sabarimala is one of the busiest pilgrim centres in the world. Built on a hill inside the forests with the river Pampa flowing through, the lord Ayyappa temple is popular not only for the legends associated with it but also due to its serene location. Though the shrine can be visited for a limited number of days in the year, Sabarimala remains a favourite for trekkers and devotees who enjoy the walk through the lush green forests and hill tracks to reach the temple.

Itinerary Day 1-Trek up to Lord Ayappa shrine and say your prayers in the early morning. Visit Malikauram Devi Temple.Day 2-Visit the Vavar shrine.

Restaurants and Local Food in Sabarimala Along your pilgrimage journey you will find dainty little restaurants dotting the way serving essentials of Keralan Cuisine. However, while the temple and the spiritual experiences surrounding it are the centers of attraction, there is an absence of any significant food culture and hence it might best to carry your own food. View 2 Restaurants in Sabarimala >>

Sep-Apris the best time to visit Sabarimala Sabarimala enjoys tropical climate and moderate temperature all throughout the year. The average maximum temperature is usually in the range of 20 to 37 degrees Celsius. Sabarimala experiences maximum number of pilgrims during the months of November to February and April to September. Weather in Sabarimala Loading... Sabarimala in Summer (March - May) The temperature in summer in Sabarimala usually ranges between 24 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. Summers also experiences maximum humidity. However, occasional showers keep the temperature in check in the region. Sabarimala in Monsoon (June - November) Due to its location, Sabarimala experiences monsoons in two phases- South-West monsoon in June to September and North-East monsoon in October to November. Maximum rainfall is however recoreded in the former phase. Temperature in monsoon varies between 20 to 27 degrees Celsius and is comfortable for pilgrims. Sabarimala in Winter (December - February) The temperature is winters vary between 19 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. Winters are characterised by windy mornings and cold nights. November to January is the most suitable and peak pilgrim season to visit Sabarimala. The best time to visit Sabarimala is during Makaravilakku in January. Monthly Weather in Sabarimala Month Avg. Minimum (°C) Avg. Maximum (°C) January 23 32 February 23 32 March 26 34 April 27 36 May 27 35 June 26 34 July 25 33 August 26 33 September 25 33 October 25 33 November 25 32 December 24 32