Places to visit near sabarimala temple

Places to visit near sabarimala temple

Ayyappa Temple :

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique in many respects. The uniqueness gathers its voice, as 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 (a sufi and friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called 'Vavarunada', an epitome of religious harmony. Another interesting 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. It is said that the pilgrims have to follow fasting for 41 days to cleanse their minds before going to Sabarimala. The journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa.

Makaravilakku and Makara jyothi:

Makara Jyothi is a star which is worshiped by pilgrims in huge numbers at Sabarimala Temple in Kerala on Makara Sankranti on 14 January every year. However many devout Hindus claim that Makara Jyothi is the celestial lighting which takes place on Makara Sankranthi day and they believe that Lord Ayyappan asserts himself as Makara Jyothi to bless his devotees.
Makara Jyoti is not to be mistaken to Makara Vilakku. Makaravilakku is a light or flame that appears thrice on the Ponnambalamedu hill, four km away to the temple.

Makara Jyothi is a celestial star which is seen in January 14 every year. Thousands of pilgrimage from all parts of India reaches Sabarimala during this day. Kerala Government is getting a huge amount of revenue from Sabarimala during Makaravilakku season. Sabarimala pilgrimage is considered as a second largest pilgrimage in India.
Makaravilakku is a natural light which appears at Ponnambalamedu hills in Sabarimala. It appears for three times in January 14. It disappears after the Thiruvaabharanam are placed on the lord.
Makaravilakku and Makara jyothi are not same.Both of this appears on January 14 ever year. Makara Jyothi is actually a star which is seen in sky every year on January 14. But Makaravilakku is a light which is seen in sky on January 14. This light appears in sky for three times in Makaravilakku day. The below picture can give you the clear difference between Makaravilakku and Makara Jyothi.
Pathanamthitta:

Pathanamthitta is the head quarters of Pathanamthitta district . The district was formed on Ist November 1982. It was carved out of Idukki, Alappuzha and Kollam districts.The district is close to the western Ghats and is endowed with scenic landscape comprising
of low undulating hills, extensive stretches of lush forests, rivers and charming countryside. It is also known for exuberant fairs and festivals. Pathanamthitta district is known as the 'Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism', of the State.

Pathanamthitta famus for boat races, religious shrines and the cultural training centre.
Peermede:

Peermade also called Peerumedu it is a hill station in the state of Kerala, India. It lies 915 metres (3,002 ft) above sea level in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) some 85 kilometres (53 mi) east of Kottayam on the way to Thekkady through the nearby city of Kanjirappally.Peermade was once the summer retreat of the Maharajas of Travancore. Once these regions were quite unaccessible which were covered by dense forests and was inhabited by certain tribes like 'Malappandarams' and 'Malayarans'.
Thrissanku Hills,Thrissanku Hills are located just 4 km from Peermede.

Peeru Hills,If you are looking for a beautiful trekking trail or an ideal spot for picnic, Peeru Hills is just the right place. The place is named after the sufi saint Peer Mohammed who was here in his last days.

Grampi,Grampi is situated nearly 5 km from Peermede. It is also referred to as Parunthupara (eagle rock) and is said to be adorned with amazing trekking trails along with panoramic surroundings, rocky terrain, a stretch of green forests and beautiful hillsides.

Pattumala,Located 17 km from Peermede, Pattumala comprises of several attractions including rolling peaks, beautiful tea gardens and small streams. The place houses two tea gardens namely AV Thomas and Co. and Harrisons Malayalam.Pattumala is also adorned with a church made completely out of granite, Velamkanni Matha Church lying on the top of the hill. An enchanting sight of flower garden is the show stopper of the place.

Wagamon,Wagamond situated at ana elevation of 1100 m above the sea level, Wagamon is a trekker's paradise. Located at a distance of 25 kms from Peermede, the place is flanked by never ending tea gardens, sprawling meadows and valleys, an admiring piece of art.
Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center,Sahyadri Ayurvedic Center is a hospital which offers Ayurvedic treatments to its patients and is managed by the Peermede Development Society in Pallikunnu.
It offers some of the best curative and restoring packages. Apart from that, the hospital is also renowned for its well appointed accommodation facilities and manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines. In fact, the place also maintains a museum of raw drugs housing more than 200 types of rare and endangered herbs. Covering a massive area of 35 acres, this Ayurvedic center grows more than 400 herbs that are used in manufacturing of medicines.

Adoor:

Adoor located near Pandalam in Kerala have various temples and churches.
Pandalam Mahadeva Temple,Pandalam Mahadeva Temple is situated on the bank of the river Achenkovil and is counted amongst the 108 Shiva temples built by Sanayasin Khara, a famous Muni. Situated in the Pandalam town in the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala, the temple is known for its natural procession route around the sanctum.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the water of the River Achenkovil touches the feet of the temple, representing the Ganga, which flows from Shiva’s Jata. Idols of Lord Ganesha, Maya-Ekshi Amma, Lord Ayyappa, Nagaraja, Lord Subramanian, Brahma Rakshas and Rakshas are the other idols in the temple.

Trichenamangalam Mahadevar Temple,It is located 10 kilometers away at small village Peringanad.The Trichenda Mangalam Mahadeva Temple. is Situated around 5 km from Adoor, this site is renowned for housing the ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sree Dharma Sastha Temple,It is prominent among all the Sastha temples, is located 5 kilometers away at Chenampalil in Sabarimala of the Pathanamthitta District. The temple is a symbol of secularism and communal harmony and is visited by devotees of various religions.
Ezhamkulam Devi Temple,It is Situated 5 km from Adoor Town in State of Kerala. The Garudan Thookkom held as part of the Kumbha Bharani festival at the Ezhamkulam Bhagavathy temple, near Adoor, Pathanamthitta,Kerala,India.
Ammummakavu Devi Temple ,It is located 5 km from Adoor Town in Parakode North Chiranickal. Ammummakavu is the Propitiating Mother Goddess
Kodumon Palliyara Devi Temple: It is located 8 km from Adoor Town and junction in Kerala state of south India. The water of the Chilanthikinar (Well) on the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases.
Indilayappan Temple,It is located 3 kilometer from Adoor in Parakode. This temple is famous for one of the different “Bhava” related to “Lord Ayyapa Swami”.
Peedikayil Devi Temple :The temple is situated at Pannivizha, 2 km from Adoor towards Pathanamthitta .It is one of the famous Hindu temple in adoor. Main Prathistha Sree Badrakali. Upaprathistas Sree Ganapathy, Sree Vishnu, Sree Madanthampuran, Yakshiamma, Nagaraja, Mudippura.

Punalur:

Punalur is famous for its pineapples, plywood, pepper and timber. It is also famous for its suspension bridge which was constructed was back in the 19th century by a British national. The authorities have declared this suspension bridge as a monument of national importance. Though the bridge is not in use now, renovation has been done to protect it. Punalur also has a bio-reserve known as Agasthyamalai.
Kottayam:

Kottayam is bounded by Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake on the west. Kottayam is well known as a beautiful Kerala backwaters destination with stunning landscape and beauty. Kumarakom, the most famous backwater destination of Kerala is situated very close to Kottayam (13 km). It is also a gateway to the pilgrim centers of Sabarimala, Mannanam, Vaikom, Ettumanoor, Bharananganam, Erumeli, Manarcaud.
Kottayam is the first town to have attained 100 percent literacy in India. It had the first college in Kerala and first Malayalam Printing Press. Major Kerala print media such as Malayala Manorama group and Deepika are headquartered in the city.
Kottayam was ruled by the Kulasekhara Empire (1090 - 1102 AD). It was later split into the Thekkumkoor kingdom and Vadakkumkoor kingdom. The Portuguese and the Dutch had trade contacts with both Thekkumkoor and Vadakkumkoor Kingdoms. Both these kingdoms were occupied by Marthanda Varma of Travancore in mid 18th century and remained under Princely State of Travancore.
Kottayam tourist places are The Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Pallippurathu Kavu, Thiruverpu Temple and the Saraswathy Temple are some famous temples situated in proximity to Kottayam. The Subramanya Swami Temple of Kottayam is one of the few temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya in Kerala. The ancient Thazhathangady Juma Masjid and the old St. Mary's Orthodox Church Kottathavalam attract many devotees every day.
The cave at Kottathavalam is another tourist hotspot. When you are in Kottayam, schedule a visit to the beautiful scenic villages of Nattakam and Panachikadu. These villages will relax your mind and soul. Moreover, do not miss a trip to the hill station of Elaveezhapoonchira. From Kottayam, you can also visit the nearby places of Munnar, Ernakulam, Peermade, Thekkady, Madurai, Vaikom, Sabarimala, Ettumanoor and many more.

Vagamon:

Pine Hill,The huge forest cover of Pine trees make up for a lovely sight. You can spend as much time here. Most tourists find this place relaxing and use their time here to relax in the lap of nature or stroll down the hill, it's a beautiful experience being so close to nature.

Kurisumala,A popular Christian pilgrimage, it is flocked by followers specially during the Good Friday week. Its followers come from various part of the country to climb up the hills with wooden crosses. Kurisumala is one of the most popular tourist spots in Vagamon.

Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary,Located 10km away from Vagamon, Ulipooni makes up for a perfect picnic spot. It is away from the noisy crowd of the city, you might spot couples boating here.It is a peaceful romantic destination, a good place to spend a day with your family or spouse.

Kottarakkara:

Kottarakkara, a small town located in the district of Kollam, is primarily known for its palaces and temples. The name of the town is derived from two Malayalam words: kottaram (which means palace) and kara (which means land). When combined, Kottarakkara literally means the land of palaces and the name is rightly justified through its history.Kottarakkara is Birthplace of Kathakali.

This place has an interesting mix of temples, churches, mosques, and palaces which reflect a rich artistic history that has played a significant role in influencing the culture of this region. Although this town boasts unique history and historical structures it attracts relatively less tourists. The main visitors here come to visit the famous temple of Lord Ganesha. A visit to Kottarakkara can be clubbed with other sightseeing places in and around Kollam.Kumarakom:

Kumarakom tourist places really memorable. Popular well known attractions from the destination include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, and Juma Masjid.Also, don’t miss the Vembanad Lake and Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple.

Kollam:

K ollam town, the headquarters of Kollam district and Kollam taluk, has a hoary past. It was an international emporium of trade and even now it is a prosperous commercial centre. It is situated about 71 Kms. north of Thiruvavanathapuram and is linked by rail, road and backwater transport.

The region came under the reign of the Chera Dynasty until the formation of the Venad Kingdom in the 9th century. The city had trade relations with China, Egypt and Malaysia and has been deeply influenced by the plethora of cultural exchanges that occurred during the Sangam period. The city is another tourist hub, a trait common with most major towns in Kerala and is known for its spices and cashew industry.
The 144 ft. Thangassery Light House, built in 1902, is a centre of attraction. The Ananda Valleswaram Temple here, attracts people on almost all days. There are several Churches and Mosques in and around Kollam. The Pullichira Church was established in 1700 A.D. One of the oldest and most important Mosques in the Chinnakkada Palli. The Thangal Kunju Musliar College of Engineering, the first of its kind in the private sector in the state, is at Kilikolloor, about 7 Kms. east of Kollam town.

Palaruvi Waterfalls,With a massive height of 91 meters the Palaruvi Waterfalls are a horsetail waterfall and a major tourist attraction in Kollam. The name Palaruvi literally means a stream of milk and is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Kerala.

Thevally Palace,The erstwhile abode of the King of Travancore, the Thevally Palace was constructed between 1811 and 1819. The architecture of the palace borrows influences from British, Dutch and the Portuguese architectural styles. The Palace also contains a temple dedicated to a local deity Lord Sastha.

Periyar national park and wildlife sanctuary:

Sanctuary Wildlife Sanctuary,One of the most flora rich areas of Kerala, the sanctuary Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 100 sq kilometers. The sanctuary was established in 1984 and contains a plethora of animal, bird and reptile species along with several archaeological sites with excavations dating back to the Stone Age.A part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Shenduruny Wildlife sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, one can also see Parappara Dam in the forest constructed across the Shenduruny and Kulathupuzha River.Safari 
Timings:
Boat Cruise in jungle for half n Hour:
7:25 AM, 9:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:30 AM, 4:00 AM
Jeep Safari:
Night safari: 11.00 PM to 03.00 AM
Full Day Safari: Max 03.00 PM Last entry
Elephant Safari :
Every day for Half an Hour: 06.00 A.M. to 05.00 P.M.
Best Time to Visit Periyar
The best season to visit Periyar wildlife sanctuary is from the months of October to June.
How to reach there:
By Air : Kochi (Cochin) at 200-kms or Madurai in Tamil Nadu at 140-kms is the nearest airports from Periyar.
By Rail : Kottayam at 114-kms is the nearest railhead from Periyar.
By Road : Kumily, the nearest town from Periyar is well served by both state and private buses from Kottayam, Ernakulam and Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

Malikkappuram Devi Temple:

It is situated very near to Ayyappa temple. It is a small temple. Need to walk in forest to reach temple.Lord Ayyappa a brahmachari was requested by malikappurm goddess to marry her.Ayyappa replied that he will marry here when a time comes where there is not a single new devote- Kanyaswami (who wears Mala for the first time and come to Sabarimala) visiting sabarimala.Every year during festival this is cross checked as a ritual.

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