Sabarimala · Verified guide
Sabarimala 2026–27: Complete Pilgrimage Guide
Sabarimala is open only on set days of the year, and most pilgrims come in the Mandala–Makaravilakku season from mid-November to mid-January. Plan your darshan slot, your route to Pamba and your vratham together.
Changing information reviewed · Official sources separated from planning guidance
Quick answer
The 2026–27 Mandala season opens on 16 November 2026 (evening), Mandala Pooja is on 27 December 2026, and Makaravilakku is on 15 January 2027. Book a darshan slot through the Travancore Devaswom Board's virtual queue at sabarimalaonline.org, then travel to Pamba and trek about 5 km to the shrine.
On this page
2026–27 season at a glance
| Event | Date (as published) |
|---|---|
| Temple opens for Mandala season | 16 November 2026, 5:30 pm |
| Mandala Pooja (temple closes that night) | 27 December 2026 |
| Re-opens for Makaravilakku | 30 December 2026, 5:30 pm |
| Makaravilakku / Makara Jyothi | 15 January 2027 |
| Season closes | 20 January 2027 |
Dates follow the published Malayalam calendar. The Travancore Devaswom Board confirms the final schedule; check it before you book travel.
Plan in this order
- Pick your dateMandala opening days, weekends and the days around Makaravilakku are the most crowded.
- Book a virtual queue slotBook on sabarimalaonline.org and carry the booking and the ID you used. How to book
- Complete your vrathamMost pilgrims observe a 41-day vratham and carry an irumudi. Vratham and irumudi guide
- Travel to PambaBy road via Nilakkal, Erumeli or Vandiperiyar; nearest railway station Chengannur. Routes
- Trek to SannidhanamAbout 5 km uphill from Pamba. Report at your allotted time.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deity | Lord Ayyappa (Sree Dharma Sastha) |
| Location | Perunad village, Ranni taluk, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala; inside Periyar National Park in the Western Ghats |
| Altitude | About 1,260 m above sea level |
| Managed by | Travancore Devaswom Board |
| Base for the trek | Pamba, about 5 km below the shrine |
| Nearest railway station | Chengannur, about 85 km |
| Nearest airports | Kochi (about 154 km), Thiruvananthapuram (about 170 km) |
Daily timings in the season
| Session | Time (as published) |
|---|---|
| Temple opens | 3:00 am |
| Usha Pooja | 7:30 am |
| Uccha Pooja | 12:30 pm |
| Afternoon closing | 1:00 pm |
| Re-opens | 3:00 pm |
| Deeparadhana | 6:30 pm |
| Night closing (after Harivarasanam) | 11:45 pm |
Timings can be changed on special days. Your virtual queue slot is your reporting time.
Who should plan extra time
- First-time pilgrims (kanni swamis) and older pilgrims: the uphill trek is steep in places; walk slowly and rest at the stops.
- Children: carry snacks, water and an ID; keep them close in the queue.
- Anyone with heart or breathing problems: consult a doctor before the trek.
Book travel to Chengannur
Fix your darshan first, then book the journey with buffer on both sides.
Frequently asked questions
When does Sabarimala open in 2026?
The Mandala season opens on 16 November 2026 at 5:30 pm, as per the published calendar. Mandala Pooja is on 27 December 2026 and Makaravilakku on 15 January 2027. Confirm with the Travancore Devaswom Board.
How do I book Sabarimala darshan?
Book a virtual queue slot on sabarimalaonline.org, the Travancore Devaswom Board portal. A limited number of spot bookings has been offered at base centres in past seasons.
How far is the trek from Pamba?
Sabarimala is about 5 km from Pamba, uphill through forest.
What is the nearest railway station to Sabarimala?
Chengannur, about 85 km away. From there, buses and taxis go to Pamba via Nilakkal.
Sources
- Sabarimala 2026–27 season dates (Hindu Blog calendar)
- Virtual queue booking from 1 November 2025 (ETV Bharat)
- How to reach Sabarimala (Kerala Tourism)
- Sabarimala (Pathanamthitta district administration)
- Sabarimala (Wikipedia)
Checked 6 Oct 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the official source before you travel.