Sabarimala is a famous pilgrimage site located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, known for the Lord Ayyappa temple. Vijayawada, a major city in Andhra Pradesh, serves as a common starting point for many devotees traveling to Sabarimala.

This guide explains the main travel options from Vijayawada to Sabarimala, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will learn practical tips, step-by-step plans, and what to expect on arrival to help you plan your pilgrimage journey confidently.

Getting from Vijayawada to Sabarimala – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for pilgrims due to comfort and affordability. Vijayawada has a major railway junction with good connectivity to Kerala.

• Vijayawada Junction connects to Chengannur Railway Station, the nearest major station to Sabarimala, about 110 km away. Trains take around 12 to 15 hours depending on the service.

• Train fares range from INR 300 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC classes. Booking in advance via IRCTC is recommended, especially during pilgrimage season.

• Chengannur station has frequent auto rickshaws and taxis to Sabarimala, but the last 3-hour journey involves hilly roads and forest paths.

• Trains can get crowded during November to January, the main pilgrimage months, so plan your travel dates accordingly to avoid rush.

• Night trains are available, allowing you to travel while resting and reach early morning for onward journey.

Bus

Buses offer direct and affordable travel but can be slower and less comfortable for long distances. Vijayawada has several bus terminals with services to Kerala.

• State-run and private buses operate from Vijayawada to Pathanamthitta or Chengannur, the common bus stops for Sabarimala pilgrims, covering about 700 km in 18 to 22 hours.

• Bus fares range from INR 700 to INR 1200 depending on AC or non-AC services. Booking tickets online via APSRTC or KSRTC portals is advisable.

• Buses may be crowded during peak pilgrimage season, and night buses are common but can be tiring due to road conditions.

• Frequent stops are available at highway dhabas and rest areas along NH16 and NH66 for food and refreshments.

• During monsoon months, some routes may face delays due to landslides or roadblocks in the Western Ghats.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Vijayawada to Sabarimala gives flexibility and comfort but requires preparation for long-distance travel on Indian highways.

• The distance is approximately 700 km via NH16 and NH66, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• The route passes through Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, with toll plazas on NH16 and NH66 charging around INR 500 to INR 700 total.

• Rest stops with food and fuel are available at major towns like Eluru, Rajahmundry, and Kollam. Plan breaks every 3-4 hours to avoid fatigue.

• Driving through the Western Ghats near Sabarimala involves narrow, winding roads; drive carefully especially during monsoon season when roads can be slippery.

• Parking near Sabarimala is limited and crowded during pilgrimage season; consider parking at Pamba and using local transport for the final stretch.

Flight

Flying is the fastest option to reach Kerala, combined with road travel to Sabarimala. Vijayawada has an airport with flights to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

• Flights from Vijayawada Airport to Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram take about 1.5 hours. From there, Sabarimala is around 110 to 150 km by road.

• Flight fares vary widely, typically INR 2500 to INR 6000 one way, depending on booking time and airline.

• From Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram airports, you can hire taxis or take KSRTC buses to Pathanamthitta or Pamba, the base points for Sabarimala.

• Flight schedules may be limited, so book tickets well in advance, especially during pilgrimage months.

• Road travel from the airport to Sabarimala takes 3 to 4 hours, so plan your arrival time accordingly to avoid night travel on hilly roads.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Vijayawada to Sabarimala to make the journey smooth and hassle-free.

• Book your train or bus tickets online early through IRCTC or APSRTC websites to secure seats during the busy pilgrimage season.

• Pack light but include essentials like comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, and water bottles, as the final trek to the temple involves walking through forest paths.

• Reach Vijayawada railway station or bus terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid last-minute rush and find your platform or bus easily.

• On arrival at Chengannur or Pathanamthitta, hire a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for the onward journey to Pamba or Sabarimala base camps.

• Register your pilgrimage at official counters in Pamba to get necessary permits and follow local guidelines for the trek to the temple.

• Plan your return journey with some buffer days to avoid rush and delays, especially if traveling by train or bus.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry only bottled water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues during the journey and pilgrimage.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs at arrival points to avoid overcharging and ensure safe travel in unfamiliar areas.

• Book tickets well in advance during November to January, as trains and buses fill up quickly due to the large number of pilgrims.

• Keep your luggage light and secure; avoid carrying valuables in the crowd and use lockable bags for safety.

• Wear comfortable clothes suitable for trekking and weather changes, as Sabarimala involves walking through forested hills.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during monsoon season, and check local weather updates before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Vijayawada to Sabarimala is during the pilgrimage season from November to January when the temple is open and special rituals take place.

However, this period sees heavy traffic and crowded transport services. The monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rains and slippery roads, making travel challenging.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Makaravilakku day when crowds peak and transport services are overburdened.

• Winter mornings can have fog on highways, especially near the Western Ghats, so start early to avoid delays.

• Midday departures are preferable in summer to avoid early morning cold and night travel risks in hilly areas.

• Plan your journey to avoid late-night arrivals at remote stations or bus stops for safety and convenience.

Arrival at Sabarimala & What to Expect

On arrival at Pamba or Sannidhanam, you will find several options for local transport including shared jeeps, taxis, and buses to reach the temple base. The area is crowded during pilgrimage season, so patience is important.

Accommodation options near Sabarimala are limited and fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended. Many pilgrims stay in Pathanamthitta or Chengannur and travel daily to the temple.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services are available at major arrival points. Walking is common for the last stretch to the temple, so be prepared for a moderate trek through forested paths.

Conclusion

Traveling from Vijayawada to Sabarimala is best done by train for comfort and affordability, especially during the pilgrimage season. Buses and self-drive are good alternatives if you prefer flexibility or direct routes. Flights save time but require additional road travel from Kerala airports.

Plan your journey well in advance, book tickets early, and prepare for the unique challenges of traveling to a hilltop pilgrimage site. With careful planning and practical tips, you can enjoy a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage from Vijayawada to Sabarimala.