Sabarimala 2026 Pilgrimage Guide – Dates, Routes, Entry Rules & Temple Timings

Are you planning to explore the Sabarimala Pilgrimage in Kerala? Sabarimala is one of the most powerful spiritual destinations in India, attracting millions of devotees each year to worship Lord Ayyappan at the Sannidhanam temple amidst the dense forests of Kerala. The Sabarimala 2025-2026 pilgrimage season is expected to be one of the busiest during the Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku season. Hence, we have compiled this guide to provide you with verified information, official updates, temple opening dates, darshan procedures, virtual queue booking steps, trekking details, safety instructions and travel routes. All the Sabarimala 2026 entry rules, virtual queue requirements, and darshan timings in this guide are based on the official notifications of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

Whether you are travelling from Kochi, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Chennai or any other Indian city, this guide, along with the luxurious and affordable taxi service of Chiku Cab, will make your pilgrimage memorable and successful. For easy taxi booking over a phone call, dial 844-844-5504 and hire the best taxi service for the Sabarimala Pilgrimage with Chiku Cab. 

Quick Overview: Sabarimala Pilgrimage 2025–26 (At a Glance)

Sabarimala 2025–26 pilgrimage begins with Mandala Pooja on November 16, 2025, and concludes with Makaravilakku on January 14, 2026. Virtual Queue booking is mandatory as per Travancore Devaswom Board rules. Pilgrims must follow strict vratham, dress code, and trekking regulations to reach the Sannidhanam safely.

About Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

One of the most popular and busiest forest pilgrimage temples in India, this beautiful shrine is located on the hilltop within the Periyar Tiger Reserve Forests in the Western Ghats. The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple has been serving at least 4 to 5 crore devotees annually, with its strict rituals, spiritual discipline and seasonal openings. 

Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa (Sri Dharmasastha), the Sabarimala Temple has the following key features.

• Seasonal Access: Unavailable round the year, unlike other temples, the major pilgrimage seasons include:
  • Mandalapuja: A 41-day period from the 1st day of the Vrishchikam month (in Malayalam – Nov – Dec) to the 11th day of Dhanu (in Malayalam – Dec – January).
  • Makaravilakku: Celebrated on Makara Sankranti (mid-January), the Makarajyothi lamp is lit at Ponnambalamedu, and the Thiruvabharanam procession, which marks the end of this 2-month-long festive event by carrying Lord Ayyappa’s sacred ornaments from the Pandalam. 
• 41 days of Rigorous Rituals: Pilgrims are required to observe 41 days of strict fasting and celibacy while wearing a mala, and carrying the Irumudi Kuttu (A couple of offerings) on the top of their head to walk up the 18 sacred steps (Padinettam Padi) of the temple. 
• Harivarasanam Keerthanam – Daily Night Lullaby for Lord Ayyappa: Every night, the Harivarasanam Keerthanam (describing Sri Dharma Sastha Temple from head to toe) is being sung with 8 padas being sung every night, out of their 16 padas. Following this, the Melshanti (head priest) puts out the holy lamps in the sreekovil and closes the shrine, the ritual unique to Sabarimala.
• Sacred Journey through Nature: Filled with dangerous animals, terrains and beautiful nature, the pilgrims are required to set out through the perilous trails leading to the holy Pampa River bath and finally reach Sabarimala and take the Irumudi Kettu to climb the 18-sacred-steps to the Temple. 
• Other Opening Dates for the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple: The temple opens for the first five days of every Malayalam month, and during festivals like Vishu and Onam. We have also included the dates in the later sections of this guide. 

About Mandala Pooja (November 16, 2025, to December 27, 2025)

The popular 41-day rigorous fast and celibacy pilgrimage is known as Mandala Kaalam at Sabarimala, where the Mandalapooja is the most prominent pilgrimage season. In order to participate in this pilgrimage, the devotees must take a dip in the Pampa River after crossing the Karimala. They can finally reach Sabarimala with the traditional Irumudi Kettu on their head and climb the 18 sacred steps to pray to the deity.

Irumudi Kettu: Climbing the Padinettam Padi (18 steps) with Irumudi on Head

An important ritual performed under a Guru Swami/Temple Priest, the Irumudi Kettu is prepared, where an emptied coconut is filled with ghee, symbolising the eradication of worldly attachments to fill the mind with spirituality and devotion. Hence, only the devotees who carry this Irumudi on the top of their heads are allowed to climb the sacred 18 Steps of the Padinettam Padi. 

About Makaravilakku Festival

The other major pilgrimage season, the Makaravilakku festival, is observed just the next month on the Makar Sankranti Day (mid-January) and concludes the season. Here, the Makarajyothi (a sacred lamp) is lit at Ponnambalamedu, which is a nearby hill. You can witness this auspicious event from Pulmedu, Marakootam, Sharamkuthi, Neelimala, Chalakkayam, Paandithavalam, Attathodu, and Sannidhanam.

The Thiruvabharanam Procession – The End of Sabarimala Pilgrimage

A sacred and ancient ritual of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the Thiruvabharanam procession is another mesmerising event associated with Makaravilakku, which marks the end of the two-month pilgrimage. Here, the divine ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are transported from the Valiyakoikkal Temple, believed to be the ancestral home of the Pandalam royal family, to those entrusted to Lord Ayyappa as a child, and then to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam (main temple) for the Makaravilakku festival.

• Schedule: The Thiruvabharanam processions begin 3 days before Makaravilakku, which falls on Makara Sankranti (usually on Jan 14th). 
• Route: Covering over 40 to 45 km over hilly and forested terrain, the journey begins at the Valiyakoikkal Temple and proceeds through Kozhencherry, Plappally, Kallida and Nilackal (Chalakkayam), before finally reaching Pamba, the final place to take a bath and reach the steep mountain of Sabarimala Temple.
• Significance of the Thiruvabharanam Ritual: When the Thiruvabharanam (sacred jewellery of Lord Ayyappan) reaches the temple, the Makarajyothi (the celestial light on the Ponnambalamedu Hill) is seen on Makar Sankranti at the exact moment when the ornaments are placed on the idol. The devotees line up to witness this celestial procession, chanting ‘Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa’ with traditional percussion music (including Chenda) playing in the background. While it is considered a great punya (merit) to witness this procession, many actively participate in accompanying the Thiruvabharanam. While this happens, you can witness the holiness with the ringing temple bells and conches as the Makarajyothi is seen. 
• Thiruvabharanam Ornaments: Crafted with detail, the sacred ornaments (including the crown, necklaces, ear ornaments and waistbands) are carried with high security. These are carried in three decorated caskets over the heads of three designated bearers from the Pandalam royal family. Thousands of pilgrims escort this procession, along with the forest department present. 
• Return Journey: The Makaravilakku rituals end when the ornaments are returned to Pandalam, usually two days later, marking the end of the pilgrimage cycle.

How to Plan a Comfortable Sabarimala Trip with Chiku Cab?

Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala in groups can book outstation cabs directly from Kochi, Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Bangalore or Chennai. Chiku Cab offers a range of affordable and luxury sedans, SUVs and Tempo Travellers with experienced drivers familiar with Nilakkal and Pamba regulations. Services include doorstep pickup, luggage assistance, safe hill driving and flexible return-trip planning. This ensures a comfortable and stress-free pilgrimage experience.

All you need to do is download the Chiku Cab app and dial 844-844-5504 for instant bookings and support. 

Sabarimala Pilgrimage Official Dates 2025 and 2026

Here is a detailed guide on the Sabarimala Pilgrimage with dates, darshan timings, and must-know facts for your convenience. 

Sabarimala Mandala Puja Dates 2025

• Mandala Season Temple Opening Date: November 16, 2025 – 05.00 PM
• Mandala Pooja Officially Confirmed Date: December 27, 2025
• Mandala Season Temple Closing Date: December 27, 2025 – 10.00 PM

Sabarimala Makaravilakku Festival 2026 (2025-26)

• Makaravilakku Season: Expected from 30th December 2025 to 20th January 2026.
• Makaravilakku Day 2026: 14th January, 2026

Make sure to check the official Travancore Devaswom Board website for final date confirmations before planning your trip. Enjoy a comfortable trip from the nearby airports like Kochi Airport with Chiku Cab’s senior citizens’ friendly taxis. 

Sabarimala Temple Daily Darshan Official Timings 2025-26

As per the official notification issued by the TDB, the following darshan timings are provided for your successful pilgrimage. 

For Morning:

• Temple Opening Time – 3:00 AM
• Ganapathi Homam – 3:20 AM
• Usha Pooja – 7:30 AM
• Neyyabhishekam – 3:30 AM to 7:00 AM, and 8:00 AM to 11:10 AM
• Ashtabhishekam (15 nos) – 11:00 AM –11:30 AM
• Ucha Pooja – 12:30 PM
• Temple Sanctum Closing Time – 1:00 PM

For Evening:

• Temple Sanctum Opening – 3:00 PM
• Deeparadhana – 6:30 PM
• Pushpabhishekam – 7:00 to 9:30 PM
• Athazha Pooja – 9:30 PM onwards
• Harivarasanam – 10:50 PM
• Temple Closing – after Harivarasanam – 11.00 PM

Please note that the temple shall remain open daily for 18 hours during the peak season. However, the timings may vary during the Mandalam and Makaravilakku seasons due to crowd surges and special rituals.

Complete Sabarimala Temple Official Opening and Closing Dates for 2025 – 2026 – 2027

The following table describes the exact information regarding the Sabarimala Temple opening and closing dates as provided by the official Ayyappa Temple for the years 2025-26 and 2026-27 for your convenience. 

Kindly note that while the Sabarimala Temple opens at 05.00 AM and closes at 10.00 PM, the timings change to accommodate the large number of devotees, especially during the peak seasons like the Makara Vilakku Mahotsavam. 

Mandatory Free Online Booking for Sabarimala Darshan – Virtual Queue System

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has officially made it compulsory for all devotees to use the official online Virtual Queue booking system to manage the huge influx of pilgrims. It helps manage crowd flow and assign darshan time slots more efficiently. The following section guides you through the online booking process for darshan at the Sabarimala Temple. 

How to Book a Virtual Q for the Sabarimala Pilgrimage Online for Free?

Sabarimala Darshan Free Online Booking Step-by-Step Guide

Follow the given stepwise instructions to easily book your slot for the Sabarimala Package online for free. 

• Visit the official Sabarimala Online Services portal sabarimalaonline.org 
• Register or log in with your details, as asked
• Choose your darshan date and time
• Upload ID proof and confirm booking.

Spot Booking Counters:

You can also book your slot by reaching the following spot booking counters. 

• Pamba
• Erumeli
• Sathram
• Nilackal
• Chengannur, and 
• Vandiperiyar

Important Information for Sabarimala Pilgrims 2025-26: Temple Entry Rules

Here are the Do’s and Don’ts that you can follow for a successful Sabarimala Pilgrimage, according to the official TDB guidelines for Sabarimala 2025-26. 

Do’s:

• Report on time and carry a print or soft copy of the QR entry pass while travelling.
• Devotees should observe the 41-day vratham before the pilgrimage.
• Irumudi Kettu is mandatory for trekking from Pamba to Sannidhanam. 
• Dress Code: Black or blue clothing preferred. Mundu or dhoti for men.
• Book online or use Spot Booking Counters: Pamba, Erumeli, Sathram, Nilackal, Chengannur and Vandiperiyar.
• Report any attempt to charge for the Sabarimala trip to the police or TDB.
• Cancel your online booking in case you are unable to visit the temple on the booked date, so that they can provide an empty slot for other pilgrims in line.

Don’ts:

• Substances like alcohol, cigarettes, meat and intoxicants are strictly prohibited during vratham and pilgrimage.
• Plastic items are banned in Pamba, Nilakkal and Sannidhanam. Follow eco-friendly practices during the trek and in Sannidhanam.
• Do not throw clothes/belongings into the River Pamba, as this is condemned by the Kerala High Court, with possible penalties under the Water Act for Pollution.
• Do not pay any fees for online/spot bookings – Clarified by The TDB Authorities.
• Don’t book choppers/helicopter service as no tour operator has permission to offer Helicopter/chopper service at Nilakkal by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). 

How to Reach Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple?

Nearest Airport to Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple:

• Kochi International Airport (COK) – 155 km
• Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) – 170 km (Thiruvananthapuram Airport)
• Madurai Airport – 225 km
• Bangalore Airport – 600 km (Long-distance, but preferred by many devotees)

Dial 844-844-5504 and easily hire Chiku Cab for a comfortable airport transfer from any nearby airport.

Nearest Railway Stations to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple:

• Chengannur – 28 km
• Kottayam – 45 km
• Thiruvalla – 30 km
• Eranakulam – 106 km

Download the official Chiku Cab app from the Play Store and get assured discounts on your Sabarimala pilgrimage trip. 

Popular Routes to Sabarimala Temple

Since the holy temple is not directly accessible by road, all pilgrims must reach Nilakkal base camp and take a personal car/the government bus to Pamba (Pampa) directly and start their trek. You can hire Chiku Cab, the best taxi for the Sabarimala Trek, for a comfortable journey with your loved ones by dialling 844-844-5504. 

There are three popular picturesque routes to Sabarimala (Officially Considered), which include Erumeli, Chalakkayam and Vandiperiyar.

Reaching Sabarimala via the Erumely Route

Considered one of the most traditional and spiritual paths to Sabarimala because Lord Ayyappa is believed to have taken this path after defeating Mahishi. Devotees trek 40 to 60 km barefoot, perfect for the authentic energy-filled experience of the Sabarimala pilgrimage with rituals like Irumudi Kettu (offerings carried on head) and Kettunira (coconut breaking).

• Trek Distance: 40 to 60 km forest trek 
• Travel Time/Duration: approximately 2 to 3 days
• Route: Erumeli → Perur Thodu → Kaalaketti → Azhutha → Kallidumkunnu → Inchipparakota → Karimala → Valiyaanavattam → Cheriyaanavattam → Pampa → Neelimala → Appachimedu → Sabari Peetam → Saramkuthi → Sannidhanam 

Reaching Sabarimala via the Vandiperiyar Route

If you are travelling from other states, the Vandiperiyar route to Sabarimala is the best as it is a scenic and comparatively less crowded route. You will have to travel from Vandiperiyar towards Uppupara, Pandi Thavalam, Vallakadavu, Kozhikkanam and Pullumedu before reaching the Sannidhanam. With beautiful forests and smooth connectivity, you can ensure the best experience via the Vandiperiyar route to Sabarimala. 

• Trek Distance: 12 to 14 km forest trek 
• Travel Time/Duration: approximately 1 day
• Route: going through Vandiperiyar → Kozhikkanam → Pullumedu → Uppupara → Paandithavalam → Pampa → Neelimala → Sannidhanam

Reaching Sabarimala via the Chalakkayam: The Pamba Route

The Chalakkayam – Pamba route is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to travel to Sabarimala, which is perfect for families, especially with senior citizens and children. After taking a holy dip in the Pamba River, pilgrims climb Neelimala, pass Appachimedu and Sabaripeedhom and reach the Sabarimala Shrine. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Nilakkal, and the following are the ways to reach Pamba from Nilakkal. You can avoid the hassle by booking a taxi/tempo traveller with Chiku Cab by dialling 844-844-5504. 

• Trek Distance: ~8 km forest trek
• Travel Time/Duration: Approximately 4 to 6 hours
• Route: Chalakayam → Pampa → Neelimala → Sannidhanam
• Round-the-clock KSRTC shuttle buses will operate from Nilakkal to Pamba, which increases during peak Mandala and Makaravilakku days.
• Taxi Services for Sabarimala 2026 – Devotees travelling in family groups can easily book an outstation Tempo Traveller for direct arrival at Pamba without any issues. 

Chiku Cab provides reliable taxi services from Airports and nearby cities, including Kochi, Trivandrum, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Madurai and Bangalore to Sabarimala with professional drivers experienced in pilgrimage routes.

Quick Facts: Top Things to Know for a Successful Sabarimala Pilgrimage 2025-26

Accommodation Guide for Sabarimala 2026

Accommodation facilities are available at:

• Nilakkal base camp
• Pamba pilgrim centres
• Sannidhanam rest houses

Advance booking through the official Devaswom Board website is highly recommended for the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons.

Weather in Sabarimala During Mandala and Makaravilakku

• December and January are cool and pleasant. 
• Rain Possible
• Nights can get chilly on trekking routes.
• Carry warm clothing, rain protection and a waterproof cover for Irumudi to prevent moisture damage.

Traveller Checklist: Crowd Management and Safety Tips

• Mandala and Makaravilakku days witness extreme crowds.
• Maintain discipline while trekking.
• Follow directions from the police and volunteers.
• Use authorised resting points only.
• Do not attempt shortcuts through forests.
• Senior citizens should avoid peak hours and prefer early morning darshan slots.
• Carry warm clothing, rain protection and a waterproof cover for Irumudi
• Medical centres are available at Pamba and Sannidhanam for emergencies.

Important Rituals at Sabarimala 2026

• Mandala Pooja
• Makaravilakku
• Harivarasanam closing ceremony
• Ghee Abhishekam

These rituals attract lakhs of devotees, so planning is essential.

Top Things Must-Know for Devotees for the Mandala Vratham: Important Rules for 41 Days of Fasting

With the start of the Sabarimala Mandala pilgrimage, the devotees are supposed to wear a sacred mala called Maladharana/Malayideel to begin the 41-day Mandala Vratham.

• Follow a vegetarian diet.
• Maintain celibacy and purity.
• Avoid intoxicants.
• Engage in prayers and bhajans.
• Wear black or blue clothes.
• Visit local temples daily.
• Wear black robes to signify detachment.
• Fostering discipline and purity in simple life, people start fasting on Saturdays/Uthiram Star day.
• A guru swami/temple priest is required to get the mala

Vratham prepares the devotee spiritually and physically for the pilgrimage.

Why Trust Chiku Cab for the Sabarimala Pilgrimage? 

Operating cabs in over 250+ cities in India, covering thousands of routes and satisfying thousands of customers every year, Chiku Cab has ensured to secure a reliable and trustworthy relationship with its customers. We ensure your safety and comfort with well-maintained and well-equipped cabs – consisting of Sedans, SUVs and Tempo Travellers for all your travel needs. Our professional drivers ensure your convenience with doorstep pickup, luggage assistance and timeliness, and are also trained to be polite, respectful, and safe drivers with years of experience on the highways and hilly roads. On top of that, we also offer up to 20% discounts for senior citizens’ pilgrimage on our local, outstation and airport cab services, along with the following benefits. 

• Rated 4.2★ on Google Play Store with over 10,000+ Downloads.
• 24×7 Helpline and Bookings with real humans on call.
• Verified Chauffeurs with 10+ Years of Experience on Local and Outstation routes
• Language Friendly Drivers Available – Call us to Check Availability!
• Easy City Local Tours, Outstation Road Trips, Railway/Station Airport Pickups and Drops
• Affordable and Luxury Sedan, SUV and Tempo Traveller fleets available as per your needs
• Safety with Live GPS tracking, SOS button on the app, and driver background verification.

Dial 844-844-5504 for more information or instant booking, concerns, queries or complaints. We are available 24/7 for your convenience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected opening date of Sabarimala in 2026?

The temple opened on November 16, 2025, for the Mandala Pooja 2025 season, which will close on 27th December, 2025. The Temple will reopen on 30th December 2025, for the Makaravilakku Festival 2026.

How to book Sabarimala Darshan Online for free?

You can easily book Sabarimala Darshan online for free by visiting and registering on the official Sabarimala Online Services portal, sabarimalaonline.org. Note that Virtual Queue booking is compulsory for Sabarimala 2025/2026 to manage crowd flow and ensure safety.

Which airport is closest to Sabarimala?

Kochi Airport is the closest (155 km), followed by Trivandrum Airport (170 km), to the Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Ayyappan Temple.

How far is the trek from Pamba to Sabarimala?

The trekking distance is around 5.5 km from Pamba to Sabarimala.

Is Sabarimala safe for senior citizens?

Yes, but early morning darshan slots are recommended, and assistance should be arranged at Nilakkal and Pamba.

What is the dress code for Sabarimala?

Black or blue clothing, dhoti or mundu for men, and no modern outfits during pilgrimage.

Om Pandey

With 7+ years of experience as a professional content writer, I specialise in blog and academic content writing. For me, writing is simply more than my profession—it’s a journey of self-discovery through spiritual exploration and soulful expression, often inspired by music and mindfulness.