About Sabarimala
Kochi to Sabarimala distnce : 148 km
Estimated travel time : 4.3 hours
Kochi to Sabarimala is very famous route for tourism. Sabarimala, famous for Sabarimala temple is situated near Pamba river which is a culture that flows unhindered and left its marks in historical, religious and cultural life of Kerala.
Sabarimala is situated in deep forest in state of Kerala near Pamba. River Pamba, which originates in the Western Ghats, is the third longest river in South India. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple in Sabarimala annually, making it the largest in India. The temple is also known as Dharma Sashta and is believed to be the son of Shiva and Mohini, the feminine incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People believe that Vishnu's incarnate, Parasurama, placed the Ayyappa Idol at the top of the mountain. One can notice that the traditions of Sabarimala are a blend of Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and other Sramana traditions.
It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers. Pamba river nourishes hundreds of medicinal plants in mountains from where it originates and carries its boons to everywhere it flows. This place has several attractions near its banks. Most important attraction is worldwide famous Sabrimala temple. From river bank, devotees take 5-6 km trek to reach the temple. Other attraction is Cherukolpuzha convention. It is religious convention of Hindus held usually in February on the sandy banks of river at Cherukole. Other attractions are Aranmula (unique cultural village), ancient Parthasarathy temple, annual snake boat race during Onam and Aranmula Kannadi (a medieval marvel of metallurgy).
Taxi from Kochi to Sabarimala is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Kochi to Sabarimala by car is well connected through Mannarkulanji-Pampa road and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Kochi to Sabarimala distance is 148 Km and is 4.3 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
Ernakulam - Sree Narasimha Swami Temple, Ameda Temple, Arayankavu Bhagavathy Temple,
Thalayolaparambu - Pundareekapuram Temple
Kadanthery - Kadanthery Nature Park, Theme Park
Elackad - Therakathumkuzhi Waterfalls, Temple
Kadappattoor - Kadappattoor Mahadeva Temple, St. Thomas Cathedral Palai
Erumeli - Sri Ayyappan Temple, Sarwasiddi Vinayaka Temple
Panapilavu - Ayyanoli Waterfalls, St.Joseph's Church
Eruthuvapuzha - Eruthuvapuzha viewpoint, Unni Misiha Church
Perunad - Old hydroelectric project dam
Tourist Attractions
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Makaravilakku Malikappurathamma temple Vavar Shrine Pampa Ganapathy Temple Erumeli Neelimala