Kerala has issued a helpful travel report for people planning to visit Sabarimala, especially those taking the calm but difficult Pullumedu route. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has started a chain bus service just for connecting Vandiperiyar and Sathram. This gives people travelling to religious sites a safe, easy, and low-cost way to get there.
Up until now, most people have used private jeeps to travel the 16 km from Vandiperiyar to Sathram. This road is lined with tea farms and has a lot of sharp turns and very little room. KSRTC now runs 16 trips daily, beginning at 5:30 am from Kumily, and t cost of just Rs 33 per person.
It takes about 40 minutes to get to Pullumedu, and if you’re planning to be there when the last bus leaves Sathram at 6 p.m., you’ll be right on time. The private jeeps are still running. Their normal rate is 100 rupees per person, but if you rent the whole car, the price can go up to 1,000 rupees.
Sabarimala Bus Entry Hours
Pullumedu is only open to pilgrims from 7 am to 1 pm. Anyone who gets to Sathram later must stay there for the night. Many people choose to rest at the Subramania Temple, which the Devaswom Board runs; the Board has also set up a place here where people can book counters.
People who want to visit Sabarimala but haven’t reserved a spot in the virtual queue need to book a spot at the temple. The Pullumedu trail is only open to people who have made a booking, either online or in person.
What It’s Like to Be at Pullumedu
For many travellers, the spiritual journey begins before they even reach Sabarimala. Pullumedu means “green meadows,” and it really does have green meadows.
On clear mornings, the golden sunshine shines through layers of clouds and brightens up the hills in lovely colours. People who walk through this area a lot say it feels like nature hasn’t been disturbed here. There are green fields in the middle and thick woods on both sides, where you can sometimes see wild elephants, bison, tigers, or bears.
The most interesting thing is the view of the Sabarimala hills in the distance.
Why Sabarimala Is Among India’s Most Sacred Pilgrimages
Sabarimala is in the Western Ghats and is part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Every year, it is visited by millions of pilgrims, especially during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season. Lord Ayyappa is thought to be the son of Shiva and Mohini. The shrine on the hilltop is dedicated to him.
Pilgrims walk about 5 km from the Pamba base camp to Pathinettampadi, or “18 Steps,” which they climb to reach the holy place. On their way, they pass by Neelimala, Saramkuthi, and other notable sites.People who worship the Makar Jyothi gather every January to see the holy light that appears each year at Sabarimala on Makar Sankranti.
