Relaxing 3-day Itinerary for Sabarimalai in June 2023

1. Day 1: Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple
   Starting Point

   Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is one of the most famous temples in India. It is located on a hilltop, surrounded by dense forests. The temple opens at 5:00 AM, and it is advisable to reach there early to avoid the crowd. The atmosphere around the temple is serene, and you can enjoy the calmness of the place. After the Darshan, you can have breakfast at the temple canteen. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby areas, which include trekking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. You can also visit the nearby Pampa river for a dip. In the evening, you can attend the Pooja at the temple.

2. Day 2: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   2 hours 30 minutes (74.6 miles) from Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple

   Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place to unwind and connect with nature. You can enjoy a boat ride in the Periyar Lake, which offers stunning views of the forest and the animals. The sanctuary opens at 6:00 AM, and you can opt for a three-hour trek or a bamboo rafting tour. After the tour, you can have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the spice plantations or visit the Elephant Junction. In the evening, you can attend the Kalari show, a traditional martial art form.

3. Day 3: Varkala Beach
   5 hours 30 minutes (123.7 miles) from Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

   Varkala beach is a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sun. You can start your day with a yoga class at the beach. Afterward, you can have breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Spend the morning sunbathing or playing beach games. You can have lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby areas, which include a visit to the Janardhana Swamy Temple or the Sivagiri Mutt. In the evening, you can attend the sunset ceremony at the beach.

Recommendations

Other local attractions you can visit include the Sabarimala Viewpoint, the Sabarimala Hilltop, and the Sabarimala Forest. Side trips you can take include visiting the nearby cities of Kollam and Trivandrum. To maximize your fun, you can plan your trip during the Sabarimala Festival, which is usually held between November and January. If you wish to visit other temples, you can also add the Guruvayur Temple and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple to your itinerary.

Lastly, make sure to carry comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat for your trip to Sabarimalai. Also, do not forget to try the local cuisine, which includes appam, sambar, and seafood.