How to reach Sabarimala

Routes To Ayyappan Temple

By Train: You can arrive at Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broad gauge) and Punalur (Metre gauge) and from there by BUS to Pampa.

Nearest Railway Stations

Kottayam - (0481) 2563535

Chengannur - (0479) 2452340

Pamba Railway Enquiry Counter - (04735) 203605

*Please check for the latest timings with railways, as the timings may change from the date of writing this article.

Kottayam (Towards South)

Train No. Train Name                                                Time
16348 Mangalapuram – Trivandrum Express                         1.00
16344 Palakkad Town – Trivandrum Amrutha Express                 2.55
12697 Chennai – Trivandrum Super Fast (Monday)                 3.25
12695 Chennai – Trivandrum Super Fast Express                 4.10
16630 Mangalapuram – Trivandrum Malabar Express                 4.55
56305 Kottayam – Kollam (Passenger)                                 5.40
16381 Mumbai-Kanyakumari (Jayanthi Janatha Express)         6.25
16303 Ernakulam – Trivandrum Vanchinad Express                 6.10
12623 Chennai – Trivandrum Mail                                     7.40
56385 Ernakulam – Kottayam Passenger                                9.25
12081 Kozhikode – Trivandrum Jansathabdhi Express (Except Wednesday & Sunday)                                                               10.51
12626 New Delhi – Trivandrum (Kerala Express)                 11.05
16526 Bangalore – Kanyakumari (Island Express)                 11.30
56387 Ernakulam – Kayamkulam Passenger                         13.13
16327 Korba – Trivandrum Express (Monday, Friday)                 14.20
16649 Mangalapuram – Trivandrum (Parasuram Express)         14.53
17230 Hyderabad – Trivandrum (Sabari Express)                 15.10
16318 Jammuthavi – Himasagar Express (Thursday)                 15.35
12660 Shalimar – Nagercoil Express – Gurudev (Friday)         16.55
12201 Lokmanyathilak – Kochuveli Sabareerath (Tuesday, Saturday – Via Konkan)                                                                20.10
56393 Kottayam – Kollam Passenger                                 17.45
16301 Shornnur – Trivandrum (Venad Express)                         18.33
56391 Ernakulam – Kollam Passenger                                 19.45
12516 Guvahathi – Trivandrum Express (Friday)                       19 .05
56389 Ernakulam – Kottayam Passenger                                22.00
16333 Veraval – Trivandrum Express (Friday – Via Konkan)         2.20
16311 Bickaneer – Kochuveli Express (Thursday – Via Konkan 2.20
16335 Gandhidham – Nagercoil Express (Saturday – Via Konkan) 2.20
12777 Yeswanthpur – Kochuveli Super Fast Express (Thursday) 3.25
12257 Yeswanthpur – Kochuveli Sabarirath Express (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)                                                                 9.30
12288 Dehradoon – Kochuveli Express (Wednesday, Via Konkan) 15.28

Chengannur (Towards South)

Train No. Train Name                                                                Time

16311 Bickeneer – Trivandrum Express (Friday)                        0.20

16333 Veraval – Trivandrum Express (Saturday)                   0.20

16335 Gandhidham – Nagercoil Express (Sunday)                0.20

16348 Mangalapuram – Trivandrum Express                        1.40

16344 Palakkad – Trivandrum (Amrutha Express)                3.35

12777 Hoobli – Kochuveli Express (Thursday)                        4.00

12695 Chennai – Trivandrum Super Fast                                4.50

16630 Mangalapuram – Trivandrum Malabar Express                5.40

56305 Kottayam – Kollam Passenger ç                                6.20

16303 Ernakulam-Trivandrum (Vanchinad Express)                6.50

16381 Mumbai – Kanyakumari (Jayanthi Janatha Express)        7.15

12623 Chennai – Trivandrum Mail                                        8.30

12257 Yeswanthapuram – Kochuveli Sabareerath Express (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)                                                                10.07

12081 Kozhikode – Trivandrum Janshathabdhi Express (Except Wednesday & Sunday)                                                                11.25

12626 Newdelhi – Trivandrum Kerala Express                        11.45

16526 Bangalore – Kanyakumari Island Express                        12.10

12288 Dehradoon – Kochuveli Express (Wednesday)                12.30

56387 Ernakulam – Kayamkulam Passenger                        13.55

16649 Mangalapuram – Trivandrum Parasuram Express        15.35

17230 Hyderabad-Trivandrum Sabari Express                        15.55

16327 Korba-Trivandrum Express (Monday, Friday)                15.00

16318 Jammuthavi – Kanyakumari Himasagar Express (Thursday)               

                                                                                               16.20

12209 Lokmanyathilak-Kochuveli Sabarirath Express (Tuesday, Saturday)                                                                                         17.35

12660 Shalimar-Nagercoil Gurudev Express (Friday)                 17.35

56393 Kottayam – Kollam Passenger                                 18.35

16301 Shornnur- Trivandrum Venad Express                         19.13

56391 Ernakulam – Kollam Passenger                                 20.25

12516 Guvahathi-Trivandrum Express (Friday)                         19.50

Kottayam (Towards North)

Train No. Train Name                                                          Time

16347 Trivandrum – Mangalapuram Express                         23.58

16343 Trivandrum – Palakkad Town Amrutha Express                 1.30

56385 Kottayam – Ernakulam Passenger                                 5.25

1352 Kollam – Ernakulam Passenger                                         6.40

16328 Trivandrum – Korba Express (Monday, Thursday)         8.35

16302 Trivandrum – Shornnur Venad Express                         8.18

16650 Trivandrum –Mangalapuram Parasuram Express         9.40

17229 Trivandrum – Hyderabad Sabari Express                         10.20

56394 Kollam-Kottayam Passenger                                         10.50

12202 Kochuveli-Lokmanyathilak Sabareerath (Sunday, Thursday (Via Konkan)                                                                                 11.30

16382 Kanyakumari – Mumbai Jayanthi Janatha Express         11.40

12625 Trivandrum – New Delhi Kerala Express                         14.10

12515 Trivandrum – Guvahathi Express (Sunday)                 15.45

16525 Kanyakumari – Bangalore Island Express                         16.25

12082 Trivandrum-Kozhikode Janshathabdhi Express (Except Tuesday, Saturday)                                                                                 16.50

56390 Kottayam – Ernakulam Passenger                                 17.15

12624 Trivandrum – Chennai Mail                                         17.35

56388 Kayamkulam – Ernakulam Passenger                         17.50

16334 Trivandrum – Veraval (Monday, (via) Konkan)                 18.25

16336 Nagercoil-Gandhidham Express (Tuesday-Via Konkan) 18.25

16312 Kochuveli – Bickaneer Express (Saturday-Via Konkan) 18.25

16317 Kanyakumari – Jammuthavi (Friday) Himasagar         19.10

12659 Nagarcoil – Shalimar Gurudev Express (Sunday)         19.10

56304 Nagercoil – Kottayam Passenger                                 19.50

12696 Trivandrudm – Chennai Super Fast Express                 20.25

16304 Trivandrudm – Ernakulam Vanchinad                         20.50

16629 Trivandrudm – Mangalapuram Malabar Express                 22.15

12698 Trivandrudm – Chennai Central Super Fast (Saturday) 23.05

12287 Kochuveli – Dehradoon (Friday (via Konkan)                 11.30

12778 Kochuveli – Yeswanthpur Super Fast Express (Thursday) 15.45

12258 Kochuveli – Yeswanthpur Sabareerath Express (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

Chengannur (Towards North)

Train No. Train Name                                                                 Time

16343 Trivandrum – Palakkad (Amrutha Express)                 0.40

56392 Kollam - Ernakulam Passenger                                 5.40

16302 Trivandrum - Shornnur (Venad Express)                         7.25

16328 Trivandrum - Korba Express (Monday, Thursday)         7.45

16650 Trivandrum - Mangalapuram (Parasuram Express)         8.45

56394 Kollam - Kottayam Passenger                                 9.15

17229 Trivandrum - Hyderabad (Sabari Express)                 9.30

12202 Kochuveli-LokmanyathilakSabarirath(Sunday,Thursday)     10.40                                                          

12287 Kochuveli - Dehradoon Express (Friday)                         10.40

16382 Kanyakumari - Mumbai Jayanthi Janatha Express         10.30

12625 Trivandrum – New Delhi Kerala Express                         13.20

12515 Trivandrum – Guwahati Express (Sunday)                 14.50

2778         Kochuveli – Hoobli Express (Thursday)                           14.50

16525 Kochuveli – Bangalore Island Express                         15.25

12082 Trivandrum- Kozhikode Janasathabdhi (Tuesday,Saturday) 16.12

12624 Trivandrum – Chennai Mail                                         16.35

56388 Kayamkulam – Ernakulam Passenger                         17.07

16312 Trivandrum – Bikkaneer Express (Saturday)                 17.15

16334 Trivandrum – Veraval Express (Monday)                         17.15

16336 Nagercoil – Gandhidham Express (Tuesday)                 17.15

16317 Kanyakumari- Jammuthavi Himasagar Express (Friday) 18.15

12659 Nagercoil – Shalimar Gurudev Express (Sunday)         18.15

56304 Nagercoil – Kottayam Passenger                                 18.40

12258 Kochuveli-Yeswanthapuram-SabarinathExpress(Monday, Wednesday, Friday)                                                                 19.10

12696 Trivandrum – Chennai Super Fast                                 19.30

16304 Trivandrum – Ernakulam Vanchinadu Express                 20.00

16629 Trivandrum – Mangalapuram Malabar Express                 21.10

16347 Trivandrum – Mangalapuram Express                         23.12

By Flight: You can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin & Nedumbassery by Air and from there reach Pampa by BUS/CAR/Personal Vehicle.

- Trivandrum International Airport is located at a distance of 175 km from Sabarimala.

- Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi is at a distance of about 190 km from Sabarimala.

From Pampa to Sabaimala Sannidhanam is just 8 km from Pampa.

By Bus: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus Schedule & Services

Motorable road routes (Bus route):

From                         To                                         Distance

Erumeli                 Pampa                                 56 Kms

Kottayam                 Erumeli                                 72 Kms

Kottayam                 Pampa                                 128 Kms

Chengannoor         Pampa                                 93 Kms

Thiruvalla                 Pampa                                 99 kms

Ernakulam                 Pampa (via) Kottayam           200 Kms

Alleppy                 Pampa (via) A.C. Road                 137 Kms

Punalur                 Pampa                                 105 Kms

Pathanamthitta         Pampa                                 69 Kms

Pandalam                 Pampa                                 84 kms

Thiruvananthapuram Pampa                                 175 Kms

Ernakulam                 Erumeli (via) Palai, Ponkunnam 175 Kms

Different routes to Sabarimala (0929 North 7706 East)

(i) The Traditional Forest Route (From Erumely to sannidanam)

Pilgrims going through the forest route are comparatively less during the first phase of the pilgrim season, that is, during the Mandala Pooja season, between the 1st Vrischikam (mid- November) and the 11th Dhanu (end of December); but during the Maka-samkrama phase beginning from the 1st January, a large number of pilgrims go by this route. 

Till about two decades ago, the pilgrims taking to the forest route used to step directly into the forests immediately after Erumely, but now he has to walk at least 4 kms through public roads before entering the forests. On the way there is a broad stream called Peroorthodu, once considered the boundary that separated the inhabited land from the forests. But now villages extend from here up to a place called Irumpoonnikara, 3 kms eastwards. At Irumpoonnikkara there are three temples,

dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Subrahmanya and Goddess Balabhadra Devi. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa rested at peroorthodu during his expedition. It is from here the rise begins. Giving alms here is important. By giving alms, one is disposing of all dharma and seeking asylum in Ayyappa. The forest beyond Perurthodu is poongavanam, the blooming grove of Lord Ayyappa. (Ayyappan's garden).

After about 3 kms walk, crossing some of the gentle forest streams, the pilgrim reaches a place of rest known as Arasumudikotta , where it is believed that Ayyappa and his soldiers took rest for some time. It is a place of worship of the Guardian Deities of the forests and there is a small shrine for them. Then the pilgrim proceeds ahead through a forest path that lies along the side of a river called Paarathode.

The traditional forest route to Sabarimala covers the following places. (1) Erumely (2)

Peroorthodu, (3) Irumpoonikkara (4) Arasumudikotta (5) Kalaketti (6) Azhutha (7) River Azhutha (8) Kallidumkunnu (9) Inchippara (10) Mukkuzhi (11) Kariyilamthodu (12) Karimala peak (13) Valiyanathavalam (14) Cheriyanathavalam (15) River Pampa.

An important centre of pilgrimage in the forests, after leaving Erumely, is a place called Kalaketti, about 11 kms from there. After climbing one or two hill slopes the path to Kalaketti is rather even. It is a sacred spot and there is a temple of Lord Siva. In the vast space around the temple, the pilgrims take rest under the big forest trees. The legend says that Lord Shiva, Ayyappa's father, came on his ox and tied it here and witnessed Lord Ayyappa killing Mahishi. There is a shrine where the pilgrims light camphor and break coconuts.

Azhutha, which is on the bank of a river known by the same name, about 2 ½ kms from Kaalaketti, is another major resting place of the pilgrims. The river, Azhutha is a tributary of the river Pampa. Many of the pilgrims camp at the place during night, and there are a number of temporary sheds that provide accommodation. In Azhutha there is a temple complex of various Deities. A special ritualistic ceremony performed here is Aazhi-pooja, which is a prayerful walking around a huge pile of fire, chanting aloud “Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa ”. The holy bath in the river Azhutha is a part of the pilgrimage. While making a dip, the pilgrim, as a ritualistic custom, takes a pebble from the river which he later drops on reaching a place called Kallidumkunnu, which literally means the hill where the stone is dropped, on the top of a mountain to which the pilgrim climbs next.

Walking through the rather shallow river, the pilgrim reaches the other side and makes about a 3 kms climb of a mountainside called Azhuthamedu. This is one of the three major steep climbs of the pilgrimage. The Azhuthamedu climb culminates at Kallidumkunnu and Inchippara, a little way from Kallidumkunnu. At Kallidumkunnu the pilgrim reverentially drops the pebble that he had picked up from the river Azhutha.

According to the Puraanic lore, it is believed that Kallidumkunnu is the place where Mahishi’s body lay buried. This is done as the mortal remains of Mahishi was cast off here and filled with stones. The historical point of view evolved from the old Ayyappan Pattukal, the ballads on Ayyappa, says that there were deep trenches that protected Udayanan’s fortress at Inchippara, and Ayyappa’s soldiers, who carried stones from and around the river Azhutha, filled up these trenches. The ritual of dropping the stone seems to commemorate that event.

Walking a short distance from Kallidumkunnu over level ground, the pilgrim reaches Inchippara. There is a temple for the Guardian Deity Sri Inchippara Mooppan (Kotayil Sastha shrine). Pilgrims offer prayers here and break coconuts. This is a place of rest for the pilgrims who take refreshments or cook food.

Now the pilgrim has to climb down a steep mountain slope that ends in a valley called

Mukkuzhi, another ideal resting place. At Mukkuzhi there is a temple of Divine Mother.

There is now an 11 kms, trek through thick foothill forests to reach the lofty mountain,

Karimala. On the way there are a few places for rest and some temporary catering sheds where Kanji, the rice gruel, boiled tapioca with salad, tea etc., are available. These deep forests are ordinarily the regions where the denizens of the wilderness freely roam about, but they discreetly keep away when man dominates their havens once in a year for a few days. The pilgrim can see the droppings of wild elephants and other animals on the way. The blooming forests are a feast to the eyes.

Eventually the pilgrim reaches the banks of the stream Kariyilaamthodu in the valley of the mountain Karimala. If he had started from Azhutha about 7 A.M he would be reaching Kariyilaamthodu by 1 P. M. There are temporary sheds where the pilgrims can take rest. Many of them take bath in the forest stream, cook food or have it from the catering sheds.

Then the pilgrim crosses Kariyilaamthodu and walks about 3 kms through dense forests of the valley of Karimala. Then starts one of the most arduous climbs of the pilgrimage to reach the mountain top. While the Azhuthamedu involves almost one straight stretch of climb, the mountain of Karimala has to be climbed in seven stages. It is said in the Ayyappa lore that atop Karimala there was a formidable fort of the brigand chief Udayanan and by conquering the fort and destroying Udayanan and his hordes, the ultimate aim of Ayyappa’s expedition was achieved – the liberation of the temple of Sri Dharma Saastha of Sabarimala. In Karimala, there are places for the worship of the deities Vana Dur ga, Karimalanaathan and Kochu Kadutha, who was one of the chieftains of Ayyappa. There are two ancient wells on the top of Karimala. It is believed that Ayyappa and his soldiers quenched their thirst from these wells. It is interesting to see the Nazhikkinar - a well within a well with fresh spring like water.

Reaching the top of Karimala, the pilgrim takes rest for sometime and then starts the

adventurous climb down through very narrow and zigzag paths flanked by dense forests. At last, stepping into the valleys of Karimala the pilgrim reaches a plain grassland interspersed with shrubs and the place is known as Valiyaanavattam. At the southeastern corner of this place there is a raised platform which is the resting place for those who carry the Thiruvaabharanam, the ornaments, brought from the palace of Pandalam to adorn the idol of the Lord, during Makara-Samkrama Pooja.

Moving further the pilgrim reaches a spot called Cheriyaanavattam , another place with tall forest trees. Now the pilgrim walks along the banks of a tributary of the river Pampa.

The pilgrim reaches then the extensive area of the Pampa river bed. The region is also

known as Pampa. The Ayyappa lore has it that king Rajasekhara of Pandalam found the child Ayyappa on the banks of this river. Here, there are hundreds of camp sheds for the pilgrims to stay. Some of the pilgrims would stay for two or three days in this pious atmosphere on the banks of Pampa forgetting all their mundane affairs and immersing themselves in reading holy texts, prayer and mediation.

On reaching Pampa, the pilgrims, after setting their camps, take a holy dip in the river,

Pampa. The Pampa river is as holy as the Ganges. The Pampa water purifies one from curse and evil. Many of them perform the rite Pithrubali, the propitiatory rites for the ancestors, expressing their love and regard for those who had passed away.

An important function which the pilgrims, who come in groups, arrange here is the ritua listic feast called Pampaa-sadya, a sumptuous feast commemorating the feast Ayyappa and his soldiers arranged at the banks of Pampa to celebrate the liberation of Sabarimala temple. The pilgrims believe that there will be the presence and participation of Lord Ayyappa as an unseen guest in the feast.

There is a festival of light on the banks of Pampa a day before the most important Makarasamkrama pooja called Pampa Vilakku. This also commemorates the victory celebration on the banks of Pampa conducted after the defeat of Uadayanan. Innumerable camps of pilgrims are illuminated with oil lamps and candles on this occasion.

Climbing the mountain Neelimala is the next phase of the pilgrimage. At first the pilgrim

climbs the steps to reach the shrine of Sri Ganesha popularly known as kannemula ganapathi at the foot of the mountain and worships there before climbing Neelimala. This is the third steep climb of the pilgrimage, when the pilgrim takes to the traditional route. But for those who reach Pampa by vehicles, this is the only climb. (There is

another route to be trekked by foot via Vandiperiyar that directly reaches Sabarimala without touching Pampa). From Pampa, Sabarimala is about 6 kms away. The pilgrims who a re unable to climb, engage Dollies, the special carriers borne by a team of four persons. Near Sri Ganesha temple there is a camp of the king of Pandalam, the descendant of the foster father of Ayyappa, who stays there for a few days during the pilgrimage season. The pilgrims receive sacred ash from the king.

On the top of Neelimala there is a spot called Appaachimedu, on both sides of which there are very steep gorges - Appachi kuzhi and Ippachi kuzhi. Appaachimedu is considered to be the seat of evil spirits and the pilgrims propitiate them by throwing offerings of rice-powder balls into the gorges. It is believed that this offering is done to the evil deities who are captured by Kaduvaran, a securityof Lord Ayyappa. 

Now the great climb is over. The pilgrim is getting closer to his destination. Walking a short distance from Appachimedu, he reaches a level ground and there is the sacred spot, Sabaripeedam. This was the place where Sabari, in Sri Rama's era, performed Tapas.  Therefore, the whole region including the location of the sacred shrine of Lord Ayyappa is known as Sabarimala, the Hill of Sabari. The pilgrims make offerings and worship at the holy spot.

About a kilometre from Sabaripeedam is another sacred spot known as Saramkuthiyaal, which means the banyan tree under which the arrows are to be dr opped. This is a spot, where, it is believed, Ayyappa and his soldiers discarded their weapons after the liberation of Sabarimala temple from the domination of Udayanan. Kanniswamy leave the wooden arrow they picked from Erumeli here.

The pilgrim has now come very close to the temple at Sannidhanam and the whole region is vibrant with loud chanting of the pilgrims and the explosion of the fire works offerings in the shrine.

Pathinettaampadi - the magnificent sight

With an overwhelming sense of fulfillment, the pilgrim speeds up his pace and beholds from a distance the eighteen sacred steps, the shrine and the golden flagstaff. A divine thrill overwhelms his very being. The temple is located on a hillock in the midst of a vast valley surrounded on all sides by the mountain ranges covered with lush forests.

The pilgrim has to climb eighteen sacred steps, the Pathinettaampadi, to reach the

Sannidhanam, the Presence of Lord Ayyappa. The Golden steps are such a magnificent sight. Only those who have observed forty-one days of austerities and carry the Irumudikettu , the sacred package of offerings, on the head are supposed to climb these sacred steps. Those who do not carry the Irumudikettu are not allowed to climb them. They can use the flight of steps at the northern side to reach the temple precincts.

Sannidhaanam, the Divine Presence

Climbing the Sacred steps, the pilgrim reaches the focussing point of his austerities, the very goal of his pilgrimage – the Presence (Sannidhanam). He stands immersed in Bliss in the glorious Presence of Lord Ayyappa vibrant with Divine Grace. The doors within open to Eternity and the reassuring Grace Divine, which makes him more free, harmonious and peaceful.

Now the pilgrim moves towards the shrine of Lord Karthikeya, for worship. Then he

proceeds southwards to worship the Divine Mother, Maalikappuratrh-amma, whose shrine is located a little away towards the left side of Lord Ayyappa’s shrine. The main offering here is the rolling of the coconut around the shrine. Behind the shrine of Malikappurath-amma, a little away towards the east is a structure called Manimandapam, where the representative of the king of Pandalam takes rest on his arrival in Sabarimala. On its left is the seat of the Deities, Kochu Kadutha Swami and Karuppa Swami. There are also places of worship of the Divine Serpents and the nine Planetary Deities.

Towards the south-west corner is a compartment within which is a sculptured figure of a goat and an inscription ‘Shiva-thejomayam’.

After the worship, the pilgrim prepares for a symbolic pouring of his love and his very being into the Supreme Source of all existence, represented by the splendours idol of Lord Ayyappa, by the libation of it with the ghee contained in the Nei-thenga that he has brought. This is called Neiabhishekam.

The pilgrim settles at a convenient place in the sacred precincts and opens the Irumudikettu. The coconut filled with ghee is taken out from it. He breaks the coconut and drains out the ghee into vessel. Carrying this vessel, he joins a separate queue meant for Neyyabhishekam.

The spiritual disciplines during the austerities, the journey through mountain terrains

breathing fresh air and the mind absorbed in thoughts on the Lord, reinforces the whole being of the pilgrim. The experience gives him a deeper vision about life. And if he intensifies this awakening through further spiritual expansion, it will bring about profound evolutionary transformation of life. 

Every pilgrim will certainly gain a cultural and spiritual refinement, which may of course, vary with different individuals according to the range of receptivity.

Other routes to Sabarimala

Pilgrims going to Sabarimala from different parts reach Plappally; from there, there is only one way to Pampa.

From Kottayam to Pampa: There are the following routes: 

[1]   Changanacherry-Thiruvalla- Pathanamthitta 127 kms 

[2] Changanacherry-Thiruvalla-Kozhencherry-RanniBlockpadi- Vadasserikkara-Pampa 119 kms 

[3] Kodungoor -Chamampathal-Manimala-Placherry-Chethomkara- Athikayam-Perunad-Pampa 105 kms 

[4] Kangazha-Pathanad-Manimala-Placherry-Chethomkara- Athikayam-Perunad-Pampa 104 kms 

[5] Karukachal–Manimala-Mukkada-Edamon-Athikayam- Perunad-Pampa 100 kms 

[6] Ponkunnam-Erumely-Mukkottuthara-Pampavali-Plappally -Pampa 90 kms.

Erumely to Pampa: 

[1] Karimkallummyzhy-Thulappally -Plappally -Pampa 56 kms (Because of the steep ascent, this route is not suitable for heavy vehicles) 

[2] Mukkuda -Athikkayam-Perunad-Pampa 64 kms 

[3] Vechuchira-Athikayam-Perunad-Pampa 57 kms 

[4] Erumely-Placherry-Chethornkara- Athikayam-Perunad-Pampa 69 kms. From the north, pilgrims can reach Pampa via Erumely without touching Kottayam by taking the route via Ettumannor -Pala -Ponkunnam-Erumely -Chethomkara- Athikayam-Perunad-Pampa 153kms. Many Pilgrims from Ernakulam region take the route via Alappuzha-Changanacherry- Thiruvalla–Pathanamthitta -Mannarakulanji-Vadasserikara-Perunad-Plappalli-Nilackal-Chalakayam- Pampa 69 kms.

Chengannur to Pampa: 

[1] Aranmula-Thekkamala-Pathanamthitta -Vadasserikkara-Pampa 93 kms.

[2] Aranmula -Ranni Blockpady-Vadasserikkara-Pampa 69 kms. Chengannur is the nearest railway station to Sabarimala.

Pandalam to Pampa: Kaippattur-Omallur-Pathanamthitta-Vadasserikkara-Pampa 84 kms.

Thiruvanathapuram to Pampa 

[1] Ayoor-Punalur-Pathanamthitta to Pampa 184 kms 

[2] Kottarakkara-Adoor-Pathanamthitta and onwards179 kms.