A road trip from Chennai to Sabarimala offers an exciting and scenic adventure through Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Sabarimala, located in the Western Ghats, is famous for the revered Ayyappa temple, attracting pilgrims from all over India.
Chennai to Sabarimala distance is approximately 674 kilometers and takes about 13-14 hours by car. Once you reach Sabarimala, you can immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, explore the temple complex, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Consider booking a Sabarimala tour package with Savaari Car Rentals, a newly launched package at the most affordable prices for pilgrims planning a Chennai to Sabarimala yatra.
This guide will help you plan your trip from Chennai to Sabarimala by car, providing useful travel information, popular routes, attractions, and tips for a comfortable journey. With the Savaari car rental app, you can get real-time trip updates and exclusive on-app offers, making the entire experience a memorable one for you.
Table of Contents
- Why Travel from Chennai to Sabarimala?
- Traveling from Chennai to Sabarimala by Car
- Best Time to Take a Road Trip from Chennai to Sabarimala
- Popular Routes to Travel from Chennai to Sabarimala
- Best Route From Chennai to Sabarimala
- Attractions in Sabarimala for Sightseeing
- Savaari Recommends: Popular Places to Eat in Sabarimala
- Hotels and Resorts: Accommodation in Sabarimala
- Nearby Road Trips from Sabarimala
- Highway Updates
Why Travel from Chennai to Sabarimala?
Traveling from Chennai to Sabarimala is both a spiritual journey and a scenic adventure. You’ll pass through beautiful towns and spots, experiencing the rich culture and natural beauty of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with family, this road trip promises excitement and meaningful moments.
With Savaari’s car rental service in Chennai, you can experience a hassle-free journey at an affordable price.
Traveling from Chennai to Sabarimala by Car
Traveling from Chennai to Sabarimala by car is highly enjoyable. The Chennai to Sabarimala distance is 674 kilometers, and it usually takes around 13-14 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
To make your trip comfortable, consider renting a cab service in Chennai with Savaari. Savaari car rental services offer well-maintained cars, experienced drivers, and a smooth booking process, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Important Highway Information: Chennai–Sabarimala Highway
| Highway Name | National Highway |
| Alternate Name | Chennai-Sabarimala Highway |
| Highway Number | NH-183 |
| Total Distance | 674 Km |
| Starting Point | Chennai |
| End Point | Sabarimala |
| Highway Quality | Excellent |
Quick Facts about Chennai to Sabarimala
| Details | Information |
| Chennai to Sabarimala Distance via Road | 674 Km |
| Aerial Distance from Chennai to Cochin | 527 Km |
| Time to Travel from Chennai to Sabarimala by Road | 13-14 Hrs |
| Best Routes from Chennai to Sabarimala | NH-183 |
| Best Time to Visit Sabarimala | November–January |
Best Time to Take a Road Trip from Chennai to Sabarimala
The best time for this road trip is from November to January, when the weather is cool and pleasant, making the drive comfortable. Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September), as the roads can be slippery and prone to landslides.
With Savaari Car Rentals, get chauffeur-driven cabs to travel from Chennai to Sabarimala at an affordable rate and manage stops between the journeys as you please. You can also book a tempo traveller in Chennai for a large group of more than 8 members.
Popular Routes to Travel from Chennai to Sabarimala
If you are traveling from Chennai to Sabarimala by car, there is one popular route to Sabarimala that offers smooth highways with well-maintained roads:
Route 1: Chennai to Sabarimala via NH-183
The road from Chennai to Sabarimala via NH-183 is mostly in great shape, with smooth highways. If you are planning to travel by car, this Chennai to Sabarimala route is the fastest and most convenient, and it passes through beautiful spots and small towns.
Suggested Places Along the Way
- Erumeli Ayyappa Temple: Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, this temple is highly important for devotees, especially during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season. A unique aspect of the Erumeli Ayyappa Temple is its connection to the Pettathullal ritual, which is a ceremonial dance performed by devotees symbolizing Lord Ayyappa’s victory over the demoness Mahishi. This ritual is an integral part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, starting from this temple.
- Rock Fort Temple, Trichy: Rock Fort Temple in Trichy is a famous historic and religious site located on a massive rock. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha and features impressive rock-cut architecture. Visitors have to climb 437 steps carved into the rock to reach the top. Once there, they are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Trichy.
- Sirumalai Reserved Forests, Dindigul: Sirumalai Reserved Forests in Dindigul is a peaceful hill station known for its lush greenery and cool climate. This serene location offers breathtaking views of the surroundings, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. The hills are covered with dense forests and have a variety of flora and fauna, making it a great place for nature lovers.
Popular Places to Eat on This Route
- Sangeetha Pure Veg Hotel, Villupuram: Sangeetha Pure Veg Hotel is a popular vegetarian eatery known for its delicious South Indian dishes, such as idli, dosa, and vada. It’s a great place to enjoy a wholesome meal.
- Amma Mess, Trichy: Amma Mess is famous for its authentic South Indian non-vegetarian dishes, especially the mutton biryani and fish fry. It’s a must-visit for food lovers.
Route 1: Chennai to Sabarimala Road Conditions
The road conditions from Chennai to Sabarimala on this route are excellent, with well-maintained highways and smooth traffic flow. There are very few obstacles and tolls, making it a comfortable drive.
Best Route from Chennai to Sabarimala
The route via NH-183 from Chennai to Sabarimala is the most popular among travelers. It is the quickest and offers more scenic spots along the way.
Other Means of Traveling From Chennai to Sabarimala
Some other popular means of traveling from Chennai to Sabarimala are:
How to Reach by Train?
There is no direct train from Chennai to Sabarimala. However, you can catch a train from Chennai to Chengannur railway station, the nearest railway station to Sabarimala, which is around 85 Km away. You can hire a Savaari taxi or take a bus to cover Chengannur to Sabarimala distance. To book train tickets, visit the IRCTC website for the latest schedules, ticket availability, and live running status.
How to Reach by Flight?
There are no direct Chennai to Sabarimala flights. The nearest airport to Sabarimala is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 160 kilometers away. Regular flights from Chennai to Cochin are available. You can hire an airport taxi in Kochi with Savaari or take a bus to reach Sabarimala. Flights typically cost around INR 2700 – INR 5000, depending on the travel dates.
How to Reach by Bus?
Chennai to Sabarimala bus tickets cost around INR 1800 – INR 2200, and it takes about 12-14 hours to reach Sabarimala. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services. For a more convenient experience, consider hiring a Savaari cab for a direct ride to Sabarimala.
Price Comparison for Choosing Different Travel Means
Let’s summarize the different travel options from Chennai to Sabarimala based on prices:
| Travel Means | Estimated Cost |
| Chennai to Sabarimala Cabs | INR 13, 823 |
| Chennai to Sabarimala Train | INR 500 – 2500 |
| Chennai to Sabarimala Bus | INR 1800 – 2200 |
| Chennai to Sabarimala Flight | No direct flights are available |
Attractions in Sabarimala for Sightseeing
Located in the Western Ghats, Sabarimala is visited by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Its serene environment and rich cultural heritage make it a must-explore pilgrimage destination. Here are some popular attractions in Sabarimala:
Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is one of the most renowned Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Before embarking on the pilgrimage, devotees take part in the 41-day Mandala-Makaravilakku festival. Devotees observe fasting and penance for these 41 days, known as vratham while preparing for their journey ahead.
A highlight of the festival is the Makara Jyothi, a divine light believed to appear on the horizon at Ponnambalamedu Hill on the last day of the festival, during the Makaravilakku ritual. Witnessing the Makara Jyothi is considered a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
For specific pooja dates and timings, you can visit the official website. Here are the upcoming dates for you to plan your journey in advance:
| Month | Pooja | Opening Date | Closing Date |
| November 2024 | Mandala Pooja Maholsavam | 15.11.2024 – 5 pm | 26.12.2024 – 10 pm |
| December 2024 | Madala Pooja | 26.12.2024 | |
| Thirunadai Thirappu – Makaravilakku Mahotsavam | 30.12.2024 | 19.01.2025 | |
| January 2024 | Makaravilakku Day | 14.01.2025 |
Pilgrims can also book their virtual queue online and register in advance to secure their spot and avoid last-minute stress.
Malikappuram Devi Temple
The Malikappuram Devi Temple is situated near the main Sabarimala Temple and is dedicated to Goddess Malikappurathamma. Pilgrims visit this temple to seek the goddess’s blessings. The temple features beautiful architecture and a serene ambiance, making it a peaceful retreat for devotees.
Vavar Shrine
Located in Erumeli, the Vavar Shrine is dedicated to Vavarswami, a Muslim warrior and close friend of Lord Ayyappa. This shrine stands as a symbol of religious harmony and unity. Pilgrims of all faiths visit the Vavar Shrine, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The shrine’s existence next to a Hindu temple underscores the message of coexistence and mutual respect among different religions.
Saramkuthy
Saramkuthy is a significant stop on the pilgrimage path to Sabarimala. Here, devotees leave a part of their pilgrimage gear, symbolizing the completion of a crucial phase in their journey. This act signifies humility and surrender to the divine. Saramkuthy offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests, enhancing the spiritual experience for pilgrims.
Savaari Recommends: Popular Places to Eat in Sabarimala
Sabarimala offers delicious traditional vegetarian meals at various local eateries around the temple. Here are some popular places to eat in Sabarimala:
- Sri Hari Bhavan Muthu Hotel: Sri Hari Bhavan Muthu Hotel in Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, offers South Indian cuisine with both dine-in and takeaway options. It is known for its traditional dishes and convenient location for pilgrims visiting the temple.
- Hotel Arya Bhavan: Hotel Arya Bhavan, located on Swamy Ayyappan Road in Sabarimala, provides a range of South Indian meals. Catering to both dine-in and takeaway customers, it is a practical choice for pilgrims looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Hotel Ayyappas: Hotel Ayyappas is a popular restaurant in Sabarimala, renowned for serving delicious and authentic South Indian cuisine. Catering primarily to pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala Temple, it offers a variety of vegetarian dishes that adhere to the dietary preferences of devotees.
- Pugmarks Eco Shop: Pugmarks Eco Shop, located on Swami Ayyappan Road in Sannidhanam, Pathanamthitta, is a restaurant that caters to the needs of eco-conscious diners. It offers a variety of vegetarian meals and emphasizes sustainability in its operations.
Hotels and Resorts: Accommodation in Sabarimala
Sabarimala offers various accommodation options ranging from budget lodges to more comfortable hotels. Here are some recommended places to stay in Sabarimala:
| Hotel Name | Address | Contact Information |
| Blanket Days Resort and Spa | Odamedu – Walardi Road, Thekkady 685535, India | 82815 08800 |
| Amaana Plantation Resort | Kottayam – Kumily Road, Thekkady 685533, India | 90482 40077 |
| Misty Mountain Plantation Resort | 16/340 Peermede, Kuttikkanam 685531, India | 81569 20874 |
Nearby Road Trips from Sabarimala
After exploring the whole village, consider taking these nearby road trips from Sabarimala for more adventure and sightseeing:
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Time Taken (approx.) |
| Sabarimala to Kochi (Cochin) | 147 km | 3-4 hours |
| Sabarimala to Alleppey (Alappuzha) | 117 km | 2.5-3 hours |
| Sabarimala to Thekkady | 106 km | 2-3 hours |
| Sabarimala to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) | 163 km | 4-5 hours |
Planning your Sabarimala Yatra from Chennai requires some preparation to ensure a smooth experience. A key step is booking your darshan slot in advance through the Sabarimala Virtual Queue System. This online system allows you to secure your darshan slot, avoiding long waits at the temple. You can easily visit the official Sabarimala online booking website to book your slot and check the available dates for the virtual queue.
If you’re looking for accommodation near the temple, the same website offers online room booking options. To make your trip more comfortable, make sure to plan ahead and check the available dates for both the darshan slot and room bookings.
Download the Savaari cab booking app today. Enjoy easy booking and real-time trip updates to make your travel experience truly unforgettable. Safe travels!
Highway Updates
- Sabarimala pilgrimage: roads to be fully motorable
- Dindigul-Kumily highway to be widened to four lanes
- Special queue for children and elderly women opened at Sabarimala
