Around 1,500 people have taken the 'forest routes' to the temple in the first three days of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season this year. The Forest Department said more pilgrims are expected on the routes in the coming days. The basic facilities in the routes and opening of shops in the stretch are managed by the Eco-Development team of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The forest department had cleared up the stretch a few days before the pilgrimage season started, considering the arrival of devotees, and watchers are also on duty in the area. 

The forest routes to the temple
There are two traditional 'kaananapaatha' or trekking routes to the temple:
1) The Erumeli - Perurthodu - Koikakkalkavu - Azhutakadav- Karimala - Cherianavattam - Valianavattam route to reach Pamba. After 4 pm, devotees are not allowed this route.
2) Vandiperiyar - Sathram - Pullumedu route. There will be checks by the Forest Department and Police. There is also a virtual queue booking facility here. The Sathram to temple distance is about 12 km. Please note the 'Pullumedu' shown on Google Maps can be another place with the same name near Ayyappankovil panchayat in the region. The right path is in the Kumily-Kuttikkanam direction. Do not take the Aanavilasam route. 

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Temple timings today
Opening of sanctum sanctorum (Nada thurakkal): 3 am
Abhishekam: 3.30 am to 11 am
Kalabhabhishekam: 12 noon
Ucha pooja: 12.30 pm
Closing of sanctum sanctorum (Nada Adakkal): 1 pm
Opening time in the afternoon: 3 pm
Pushpabhishekam: 7 pm
Harivarasanam: 10.50 pm

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