No Entry to Karimala Forest Route from Tomorrow to January 14
Relaxation of Travel Restrictions on Sabarimala’s Traditional Forest Route
Authorities have announced a relaxation of travel restrictions on the traditional forest route via Sabarimala Karimala for pilgrims during the main days of Makaravilakku, from January 11th to 14th.
This relaxation applies exclusively to devotees who have pre-booked their journey through the virtual queue system. Pilgrims with confirmed virtual queue bookings will be permitted to Erumeli-Mukkuzhi forest route. However, devotees without Virtual Q bookings will not be allowed access to this route.
For those who have not secured virtual queue slots, spot booking facilities will remain available only at Nilakkal in the coming days. Authorities emphasize that pilgrims plan their journey accordingly to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
This move aims to manage the heavy influx of devotees while ensuring a safe and organized pilgrimage during the Makaravilakku festivities.
Pilgrims will be prohibited from entering the traditional forest route via Karimala starting tomorrow and continuing until January 14, the auspicious day of Makaravilakku. Only the Ambalapuzha and Alangad groups arriving after participating in the Erumeli Pettathulal ritual will be permitted to travel to Pampa through the forest route during this period.
General pilgrims attempting to access this route will be turned back from Mukkuzhi. Instead, they are required to use the Nilakkal route to reach Pampa.
Further changes include the relocation of all spot booking counters previously operating in Pampa to Nilakkal. Additionally, the number of spot bookings has been significantly reduced to 5,000 starting yesterday. On Makaravilakku Day, January 14, only 1,000 pilgrims will be granted darshan through spot bookings.
 |
| Nilakkal |
These measures are being implemented to manage the high influx of pilgrims and ensure their safety during the Makaravilakku.
