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2020-10-31T13:19:40Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}}
{{refimprove|date=October 2016}}

{{Infobox hiking trail
| name = Sabarimala Trek
| caption =
| designation =
| location = [[Kottayam district]], [[Pathanamthitta district]]
| length = {{convert|35|km}}
| trailheads =
| use = [[Trekking]]
| website =
| highest_name = Karimala
| lowest_name =
| difficulty = Easy to strenuous
| season = Mandala - Makaravilakku period
| sights =
| hazards = Thick forests Steep slopes [[Leech]]es [[Venomous snake]]s [[Elephant]]s [[Tiger]]s [[Wild boar]]s
}}

'''Sabarimala Trek''' is an important trek route to Sannidhanam, the abode of [[Lord Ayyappa]]. It covers a distance of about {{convert|35|km}} through the mountainous terrains and thick forests which are inhabited by many wild animals. It is believed that Ayyappa used this path in his expedition to kill [[Mahishi (Mahishasur's Sister)|Mahishi]], a demoness. Even now, many pilgrims heading towards [[Sabarimala]] use this route, especially the pilgrims from [[Kerala]], [[Andhra State|Andhra Pradesh]], [[Telangana]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Tamil Nadu]].

==Important rest stops==

===Peroorthodu (Kottappadi)===
Peroorthodu is a stream as well as the first stop on this path, almost {{cvt|4|km|mi}} from [[Erumely]]. Devotees often bathe here and the ''Kanniayyappas'' offers "Malarpodi" and "Aripodi" before their journey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sabarimala.org/trek-routes.htm|title=Trek routes - Sabarimala|website=www.sabarimala.org}}</ref>

===Kalaketty===
[[Kalaketty]] is situated about {{convert|6|km|mi}} from Perurthodu. According to the legends, [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]] came on his ox and tied it to a banyan tree to witness the killing of the demoness [[Mahishi (Mahishasur's Sister)|Mahishi]] by his beloved son, [[Ayyappa]]. There is a shrine here dedicated to Lord Shiva and the pilgrims burn camphor and break coconuts as a part of the rituals.

===Azhutha===
Azhutha, a tributary of [[Pamba River]] is just {{convert|2|km|mi}} from Kalaketty. In [[Sanskrit]], Azhutha is termed as ''Alamba''. Pilgrims have facilities to take rest here. There is also a temple here administrated by the "Malayaraya mahasabha", who has also the administrative controls of Kalaketty, Inchippara and Mukkuzhy temples. The far river side is known as the "Azhutha medu" which is a steep slope.

===Kallidamkunnu===
The steep Azhutha medu ends at the summit Kallidamkunnu. As part of the customs, the devotees take a pebble from Azhutha river which they drop at Kallidamkunnu to cover the remains of Mahishi. Devotees also burns a [[camphor]] here before their journey.

===Inchipparakotta===
The place got its name due to the presence of a fort built by Udaya. There is a temple here named Kottayil Sastha temple, dedicated to the ''Inchippara moopan'', the guardian of the sacred forests.

===Mukkuzhy===
Mukkuzhy is situated at a valley. A temple dedicated to [[Devi]] is situated here which is administrated by the 'Malayaraya Mahasabha'. Devotees who are tired and unable to continue trekking can and should get help here. It is near to Kuzhimavu bus stand in [[Koruthodu]] Panchayat and connected by a concrete road. From Kuzhimavu, buses and taxis are available to Pamba/Sabarimala. Frequent buses are available from Kuzhimavu to [[Mundakayam]].

===Karimala===
Karimala (Black Hill / Elephant Hill ('Kari': elephant in Malayalam)) is a hazardous point on the trail which is inhabited by many elephants. Pilgrims will have to cross eight levels in Karimala hill to reach its summit. Here, devotees often lights fire to escape from the wild animals and cold. There is a ''Nazhikkinar'' (well within a well) here which benefits many pilgrims. They offer their prayers to ''Karimalanathan'' (the protector of Karimala) and Karimala Bhagavathy (at the summit) for a risk-free journey.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sabarimala.com/trek-routes.htm|website=www.sabarimala.com|title=Trek Routes - Sabarimala|access-date=2016-11-24}}</ref>

===Valiyanavattom===
The steep Karimala hill ends at Valiyanavattom which is the abode of wild elephants.

===Cheriyanavattom===
It is the stop just before Pamba.

==References==
{{Wikivoyage|Sabarimala}}
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Hiking trails in India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Pathanamthitta district]]

Sabarimala Trek - Revision history

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