Sabarimala is the most famous pilgrim centre in Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyapa meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. It is situated on a hilltop and is surrounded by mountains and dense forest. This temple is unique in many respects. One is that the temple is open to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple (east to Sannidhanam) dedicated to the Vavar called "Vavarunada".This is an epitome of religious harmony. Another fact is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship, only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishu. The pilgrims have to follow fasting for many days and the journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa.

Nearest Railway stations to Sabarimala are Kottayam and Chengannur.

Three important routes to Sabarimala are :

1.Kottayam to Pamba (via) Erumeli and from Pamba to Sabarimala (by foot) - total 136Kms
Kottayam to Pamba (via) Manimala and there to Sabarimala by foot - total 116 Kms

2.Erumeli to Sabarimala (via) Kalaketty, Azhutha, Inchippara, Karimala, Pamba 45 Kms. There to Sabarimala by foot.

3.Vandiperiyar to Mount Estate by vehicle and there by walking to Sabarimala

4.Climb down to Sabarimala from Vandiperiyar to Kozhikkanam 15 Kms. Kozhikkanam to Uppupura 10 Kms. Uppupura to Sabarimala 3.5 Kms. (Upto Uppupura vechicle-jeep or bus- is available