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Pilgrims in black dhotis before the golden-roofed Ayyappa shrine at Sannidhanam, Sabarimala

Home › Sacred places › Sabarimala

Pilgrimage & heritage route · from Kochi or Madurai

Sabarimala route, cost & what to book

A hill shrine reached only on foot, with a virtual queue system that in season is effectively compulsory.

Photo: Dhinakar01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Duration2–3 days
Starts fromKochi or Madurai
Cost from₹2,500 each
Stops5
Best timeThe main pilgrimage season runs mid-November to mid-January, with shorter monthly openings through the year
Good forSolo, Groups, Families

A hill shrine reached only on foot, with a virtual queue system that in season is effectively compulsory. This is a pilgrimage in the full sense — most who go observe a 41-day vratham beforehand — and travellers who arrive treating it as a sight are both unwelcome and unprepared for the climb.

Step 2 of 6Next: Route
Your trip plan · PDF

Sabarimala, planned for you

Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.

  1. Day 1 Kochi or Madurai to Pathanamthitta
    • TravelKochi or Madurai₹600
    • TravelPathanamthitta₹120
  2. Day 2 Nilakkal to Pampa
  3. Day 3 Sannidhanam

₹49 once, 6 pages. Secure payment by Razorpay, instant download. Already bought? Get your download

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The route, stop by stop

The whole route first. Tap any stop and the map zooms to just that place.

Route

Stops

Kochi or Madurai → Pathanamthitta → Nilakkal → Pampa → Sannidhanam · Directions in Google Maps ↗

  1. 1
    Train or bus to Chengannur or Kottayam Map ↗
  2. 2
    Bus, 1 h 30 m Map ↗
  3. 3
    Base camp and parking. KSRTC shuttle onward Map ↗
  4. 4
    Shuttle bus, 20 min. The walk starts here Map ↗
  5. 5
    5 km climb, 2–4 h depending on the queue Map ↗

Travel legs add up to about ₹900 per person.

Step 3 of 6Next: Cost

What it costs

Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.

Your group₹5,000
Couple · from Kochi or Madurai
Per person₹2,500

A do-it-yourself budget: trains and buses, simple lodges and temple meals. Paid darshan and donations are extra.

Step 4 of 6Next: What to book

What to book ahead

Step 5 of 6Next: Stay & food

Where to stay and eat

Stay

Dormitories and pilgrim halls at Pampa and Nilakkal, simple and very cheap. Nothing needs a booking site; everything needs you to arrive early.

Food

Free annadanam at Sannidhanam and large subsidised canteens at Pampa. Carry water for the climb.

Local tip: If you are going as a traveller rather than a devotee, read about the vratham and the customs first. This is not a viewpoint with a temple on it, and going unprepared is both disrespectful and physically harder than people expect.
Step 6 of 6Next: FAQ

Photos

Questions people ask

How many days do you need for Sabarimala?

2–3 days, starting from Kochi or Madurai.

What is the best time for Sabarimala?

The main pilgrimage season runs mid-November to mid-January, with shorter monthly openings through the year.

How much does Sabarimala cost?

From about ₹2,500 per person doing it yourself, with the travel legs adding up to roughly ₹900.

What needs to be booked in advance?

Virtual queue slot (must book): Booked on the official Kerala police / Devaswom portal. In season, effectively required before you travel. Accommodation at Pampa or Nilakkal: Dormitories and pilgrim halls, allocated on arrival. Arrive early in the day. Return transport (must book): Book the outward train before the slot if you can; the Chengannur and Kottayam trains fill through the season.

Where do pilgrims stay?

Dormitories and pilgrim halls at Pampa and Nilakkal, simple and very cheap. Nothing needs a booking site; everything needs you to arrive early.

What about food?

Free annadanam at Sannidhanam and large subsidised canteens at Pampa. Carry water for the climb.

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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.

By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Dhinakar01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Adarshjchandran · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Vinayaraj · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Adarshjchandran · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

2–3 days · —
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