About Sabarimala
Madurai to Sabarimala distnce : 246 km
Estimated travel time : 6.5 hours
Madurai 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 Madurai to Sabarimala is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Madurai to Sabarimala by car is well connected through NH85 and NH183 and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Madurai to Sabarimala distance is 246 Km and is 6.5 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
Usilampatti - Shri Pandi Kovil, Vinayagar Temple, Sri periya Andavar Temple
Andippatti - Bagavathi Amman Temple, Sri Bathirakali Amman Temple, Sri Kalkovil Pillayar Temple
Theni - Karupasamy Temple, Shri Jayamangala Anjaneyar Temple, Shri Bhadrakali Amman Temple
Chinnamanur - Veerapandi, Berijam Lake, Suruli Falls, Ramakalmedu, Vaigai Dam, Tiger Falls
Cumbum or kumbum - Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Sri Ahobila Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mahanandi Temple, Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal
Kumily - Periyar National park, Trekking, Abraham spice garden, Thekkady lake, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
Kuttikkanam - Valanjamkanam Water Falls, Ammachi Kottaram, Mottakunnu Hill View Point, Ashley Bungalow, Pine Forest, Madhammakkulam Waterfalls
Perunad - Nilakal Chek Dam, Nilakkal Mahadeva Temple Arch, Nilakkal Sree Mahadeva Temple