Sabarimala Yatra Itinerary from Bangalore

Day 1: Bangalore → Trivandrum → Pampa (Base Camp)

Morning: Depart from Bangalore on the KSR Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Express (overnight train arriving early morning). Enjoy a light breakfast on board and stretch your legs during the scenic route through Karnataka and Kerala.

Afternoon: Upon arrival at Trivandrum Central, take a pre‑booked taxi to Pampa (≈4 hrs). Stop for a quick lunch at a local restaurant and soak in the lush green backwaters en route.

Evening: Check into a modest lodge at Pampa, freshen up and attend the traditional Makara Jyothi prayer ceremony at the Shri Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple to commence the pilgrimage.

Day 2: Pampa → Sabarimala Summit → Kalaketty

Morning: Begin the sacred trek early (≈5 km) from Pampa to the Sabarimala Summit. The ascent passes through the Karimala Forest Reserve, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

Afternoon: Perform the main darshan at the Lord Ayyappa Temple and partake in the prasadam. Afterward, descend to Kalaketty for a light snack and rest at the pilgrim’s rest house.

Evening: Attend the evening Bhajan session at Kalaketty, then return to your lodge at Pampa for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Day 3: Pampa → Trivandrum → Bangalore (Return)

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take a short walk to the Periyar River for a sunrise view and optional boat ride.

Afternoon: Travel back to Trivandrum by taxi, stopping at the historic Padmanabhaswamy Temple for a quick visit. Have lunch at a reputed Kerala eatery.

Evening: Board the KSR Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Express (or a faster train if available) for your return journey to Bangalore, arriving late night.

Time and Cost Estimates

• KSR Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Express (Round Trip) – 20 hrs total travel – ₹3,200
• Taxi Bangalore → Trivandrum (one‑way) – 8 hrs – ₹3,500
• Taxi Trivandrum → Pampa (round trip) – 8 hrs – ₹4,800
• Accommodation (2 nights, budget lodge) – 2 nights – ₹2,400
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – 3 days – ₹2,100
• Darshan & Offerings at Sabarimala – 2 hrs – ₹500
• Periyar River Boat Ride (optional) – 1 hr – ₹300
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple entry – 1 hr – ₹150
• Miscellaneous (water, snacks, tips) – – ₹500
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹17,950

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay to explore the nearby Varkala Cliff and Kollam Backwaters, or visit the historic town of Kottayam. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Periyar boat ride and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple visit, focusing solely on the core Sabarimala pilgrimage and returning directly from Pampa to Trivandrum.