The path of Saranam

Most pilgrims reach Sabarimala by road. After reaching Pathanamthitta one can reach Sannidanam via Plapilly, Seetathod, Chalakayam and Pampa. Those who reach Erumeli negotiate the traditional route and arrive at Pampa either by walking or by vehicles. From Pampa pilgrims walk the 7 km stretch covering places like Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sabareepetham, Saramkuthi and Marakkoottam to reach the Sannidanam as no road transport facility are available in this route. The route towards Sabarimala via Appachimedu is very steep and adequate medical support has been provided with for pilgrims in case of an emergency.

Those who come from parts of Tamil Nadu and Idukki district reach Vandiperiyar from Kumili via K K Road and walk for 6 km either via Uppupara or Sathram to reach Sabarimala.

The distance to Pampa from various places is as under:

Kottayam – Pampa via Erumeli : 136 km
Kottayam – Pampa via Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta : 123 km
Kottayam – Pampa via Manimala : 116 km
Thiruvananthapuram – Pampa via Kottarakkara, Adoor : 188 km
Thiruvananthapuram – Pampa via Punalur, Pathanamthitta : 180 km
Chengannur – Pampa : 93 km
Ernakulam – Pampa via Kottayam : 200 km
Alappuzha – Pampa via Changanassery : 137 km
Pandalam – Pampa via Pathanamthitta : 86 km
Erumeli – Pampa via Kalaketti, Azhuta, Karimala (by foot) : 51 km
Erumeli – Pampa via Mukkuttuthara, Pampa Valley : 46 km
Kumili – Pampa via Erumeli, Vandiperiyar : 180 km

Those who are coming by rail will have to alight at Kottayam or Chengannur stations and reach Pampa by road.

Even though Pampa is closest to Sabarimala, the place has very limited facilities for stay and thus the pilgrims will have to depend on other surrounding towns. The satellite towns neighbouring Pampa are:

Erumeli
Pathanamthitta
Ranni
Mavelikkara
Kottayam
Kochi
Changanassery