Sabarimala is a famous pilgrimage site located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the Mandala season. Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is a common starting point for pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala due to its connectivity and proximity.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Sabarimala from Chennai. You will learn about different transport modes, travel times, routes, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Chennai to Sabarimala – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for many pilgrims. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way. However, the train does not go directly to Sabarimala, so you will need to combine it with road transport.

• The nearest major railway stations to Sabarimala are Chengannur and Tiruvalla, both well connected from Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore stations. The journey takes around 10 to 12 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Popular trains include the Chennai-Kollam Express and Chennai-Ernakulam Intercity Express, with fares ranging from INR 300 to INR 1500 depending on class and availability.

• Train frequency is good, but booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is essential during the pilgrimage season to avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Chengannur or Tiruvalla, you can hire taxis or take buses to Pamba, the base camp for Sabarimala, which is about 60 km away and takes around 2 to 3 hours by road.

• Be prepared for crowded trains during peak pilgrimage months (November to January), and carry light luggage for easier movement.

Bus

Buses offer direct and affordable travel options from Chennai to Kerala towns near Sabarimala. This mode suits budget travelers and those who prefer road travel over train.

• State-run buses like TNSTC and Kerala State RTC operate direct and connecting services from Chennai to Pathanamthitta and Chengannur, the main towns near Sabarimala.

• The journey by bus takes approximately 12 to 14 hours covering around 700 km via NH44 and NH183, with fares typically between INR 600 and INR 1200 depending on the bus type.

• Volvo and deluxe buses provide better comfort and are recommended for night travel to save daytime energy for pilgrimage activities.

• During the pilgrimage season, buses can be overcrowded, so booking tickets early online or at bus depots is advisable.

• From Pathanamthitta or Chengannur bus stands, local buses and taxis are available to reach Pamba and Sabarimala.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chennai to Sabarimala is a flexible option for those who prefer privacy and want to explore en route. The roads are mostly good, but mountain driving near Sabarimala requires caution.

• The distance from Chennai to Sabarimala is about 700 km via NH44 and NH183, taking roughly 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• You will pass through major towns like Vellore, Salem, Coimbatore, and Pathanamthitta, with plenty of rest stops and food options along the way.

• Toll plazas are present on NH44 and NH183; expect to pay INR 300 to INR 500 in total toll fees for the one-way trip.

• Driving in the Western Ghats near Sabarimala involves narrow and winding roads, especially after Pamba; drive carefully and avoid night driving in this section.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Chennai; ensure the vehicle is well-maintained and carry a physical map or GPS device for navigation in remote areas.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover most of the distance, but there is no airport near Sabarimala. You will need to combine flight travel with road transport.

• The nearest airports to Sabarimala are Trivandrum International Airport (about 110 km away) and Cochin International Airport (about 140 km away).

• From Chennai International Airport, daily flights to Trivandrum and Cochin take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, with fares ranging from INR 2000 to INR 6000 depending on advance booking and airline.

• After landing, you can hire taxis or take buses to Pathanamthitta or directly to Pamba; the road journey takes 3 to 4 hours from Trivandrum and 4 to 5 hours from Cochin.

• Flight tickets should be booked well in advance during the pilgrimage season to avoid price surges and unavailability.

• Consider flight plus taxi packages offered by some travel agents for a hassle-free combined journey.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Chennai to Sabarimala. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially during November to January, using IRCTC or official bus portals to secure confirmed seats.

• Pack light and carry essential items like water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit, as the pilgrimage involves long walks and limited facilities en route.

• Reach the Chennai departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus easily.

• On arrival at Chengannur, Tiruvalla, or Pathanamthitta, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safe and reliable transport to Pamba, the Sabarimala base camp.

• Register your pilgrimage details online on the official Sabarimala portal if required, to comply with local regulations and ensure smooth entry.

• Wear comfortable footwear and carry rain gear during the monsoon season, as the trek to the temple can be slippery and challenging.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at railway stations and airports to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during your onward journey.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the trip to prevent waterborne illnesses, especially when traveling through rural areas en route to Sabarimala.

• Book your travel tickets online through official portals like IRCTC or KSRTC to avoid scams and last-minute unavailability during peak pilgrimage times.

• Local transport from Pamba to Sabarimala involves walking and trekking; avoid carrying heavy luggage and use porter services if needed.

• Carry a small bag with essential medicines, as medical facilities near the temple are basic and crowded during the season.

• Monsoon rains can cause delays and slippery roads; check weather forecasts and plan your travel accordingly to avoid hazards.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Chennai to Sabarimala is during the Mandala season (mid-November to mid-January) when the temple is open and pilgrimage activities are at their peak. Weather conditions are generally favorable, but expect heavy crowds.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon months (June to September) as heavy rains can cause landslides and roadblocks in the Western Ghats. Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and make the journey smoother.

• Avoid major festival days like Makara Jyothi day when roads and transport are extremely crowded and prices surge.

• Winter mornings can be foggy on the highway stretches near Salem and Coimbatore, so drive carefully and use headlights.

• Monsoon rains may cause delays and slippery roads near Pamba; carry raincoats and waterproof bags.

• Start your journey early in the morning from Chennai to avoid city traffic and reach your destination before dark.

Arrival at Sabarimala & What to Expect

On arrival at Pamba, you will find well-organized facilities for pilgrims, including parking, food stalls, and resting areas. The final trek to the Sabarimala temple is about 4 km and involves walking through forested paths.

Local transport options include shuttle buses and porters who can help carry luggage. Accommodation is available in nearby towns like Nilakkal and Pathanamthitta, but booking in advance is recommended during peak season. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited near Pamba, so plan your last-mile travel accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chennai to Sabarimala involves a combination of train, bus, car, or flight options, each with its own advantages. Train and bus are economical and popular, while flying saves time but requires additional road travel. Driving offers flexibility but demands careful planning for mountain roads.

Plan your journey well in advance, especially during the pilgrimage season, and book tickets early to avoid last-minute issues. Carry essential items, stay safe on the roads, and use trusted local transport services. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage from Chennai to Sabarimala.