"Majority of the pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple wear black dress – black dhoti, trousers, shirt or T-shirt. Others opt for the saffron colored dress. The dress code is also part of the strict and rigorous preparations that a devotee undergoes before climbing the 18-steps to the Sabarimala Ayyappa shrine. The usual custom is to observe strict austerities and self control for forty-one days preceding the visit."
- Anonymous,
Kottayam to
Sabarimala Cab
About
Sabarimala
Route
Information
Tourist
Attractions
Kottayam to Sabarimala Cab
About Sabarimala
Kottayam to Sabarimala distnce : 96 km
Estimated travel time : 2.5 hours
Kottayam 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 Kottayam to Sabarimala is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Kottayam to Sabarimala by car is well connected through NH183 / Mannarkulanji-Pampa Rd and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Kottayam to Sabarimala distance is 96 Km and is 2.5 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
Kothala - Sehion orthodox Church, Kothala Elamkavu Devi Temple
Kangazha - Meenthettippara waterfalls
Chamampathal - Mar Sleeva Syro Malabar Church Elangoi
Mukkada - Scenic Beauty, Sightseeing
Erumeli - Pine Forest, Bc cheruvally estate erumely road
Mukkoottuthara - Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
Panapilavu - Ayyanoli Waterfalls
Eruthuvapuzha - Eruthuvapuzha viewpoint
Perunad - Old hydroelectric project dam
Tourist Attractions
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
Makaravilakku
Malikappurathamma temple
Vavar Shrine
Pampa Ganapathy Temple
Erumeli
Neelimala
Pamba River
Sabarimala Traditional Trekking Path
Periyar Tiger Reserve Pampa
