Sabarimala Darshan Tickets: Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, the temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. With the increasing number of visitors, the Virtual Queue Darshan Ticket system was introduced to streamline pilgrim entry and reduce overcrowding.
| Temple Name | Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (Lord Ayyappa) |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (Lord Ayyappa) |
| Location | Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India |
| Darshan Type | Virtual Queue (Online) & Spot Booking (Offline) |
| Official Booking Site | sabarimalaonline.org |
| Daily Ticket Limit | Around 70,000 pilgrims |
| Ticket Cost | Free (prasadam/offering charges extra) |
| Booking Requirements | Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID) |
| Peak Season | Mandala Pooja (Nov–Dec) & Makaravilakku (Jan) |
| Accommodation Booking | Available on the official portal |
| Nearest Railway Stations | Chengannur, Kottayam, Thiruvalla |
| Nearest Airports | Cochin International Airport (COK), Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) |
| Trek Distance | ~5 km from Pamba to Sabarimala Temple |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire (Dhoti/Mundu for men, Saree/Salwar for women) |
Sabarimala Darshan Tickets 2026 – Key Highlights
- Booking Platform: sabarimalaonline.org (official portal by Travancore Devaswom Board).
- Booking Mode: Virtual Queue (online) & limited spot bookings at Pamba/Nilakkal.
- Daily Ticket Limit: Approx. 70,000 tickets per day.
- Ticket Cost: Free for darshan (nominal charges may apply for prasadam & offerings).
- Peak Season: November 2025 – January 2026 (Mandala Pooja & Makaravilakku).
How to Book Sabarimala Darshan Tickets 2026 Online
Booking Sabarimala tickets online is the easiest and most reliable way to secure your darshan slot. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official portal – Go to sabarimalaonline.org.
- Register/Login – Create an account with your personal details and ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID).
- Select Date & Time – Choose your preferred darshan date and available time slot.
- Add Devotee Details – Enter pilgrim details (name, age, ID proof).
- Confirm Booking – Download your e-ticket/QR code. Carry a printout or digital copy for entry.
Tip: Book tickets at least 15–30 days in advance during the peak season.
Booking via Mobile App
The Travancore Devaswom Board also provides a mobile app for pilgrims, offering:
- Virtual Queue ticket booking.
- Accommodation booking.
- Prasadam (Aravana, Appam) booking.
- Temple notifications & updates.
Offline / Spot Booking Facility
For those who arrive without online booking:
- Limited spot tickets are available at Nilakkal and Pamba counters.
- Offline booking is subject to availability and is not guaranteed during the peak season.
- Online booking is highly recommended for a smooth experience.
Ticket Types & Costs
- Virtual Queue Darshan: Free of cost.
- Offerings & Prasadam: Paid (can be booked online).
- Proposed Nominal Fee: A ₹5 maintenance fund has been suggested, but the final decision for 2026 is pending.
Accommodation Booking with Darshan Ticket
Pilgrims can also book temple accommodation via the same online portal. Options include:
- Guesthouses near Nilakkal and Pamba.
- Basic dormitories and rest houses.
- Private lodges nearby (booked separately).
Pilgrim Guidelines for 2026
- Dress Code: Traditional attire (mundu/dhoti for men, saree/salwar for women).
- Vratham: Devotees are expected to observe a 41-day austerity period.
- Irumudi Kettu: Pilgrims must carry the sacred bundle (Irumudi) during the trek.
- Restrictions: Women aged 10–50 years are restricted as per temple tradition.
- Do’s and Don’ts: Avoid carrying plastics, follow queue discipline, and respect temple customs.
Sabarimala Temple Opening Dates 2026
| Occasion/Festival | Temple Opening Dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Sree Chithira Atta Vishesham | October 2026 (Exact date TBA) |
| Mandala Pooja | November 2026 – December 2026 |
| Makaravilakku | January 14, 2026 |
| Vishu | April 2026 |
| Monthly Openings | First 5 days of every Malayalam month |
(Check the official portal for updated schedules closer to the season.)
How to Reach Sabarimala
- By Road: Pilgrims can reach Pamba via KSRTC buses, private vehicles, or taxis.
- By Rail: Nearest stations – Chengannur, Kottayam, and Thiruvalla.
- By Air: Nearest airports – Cochin International Airport (COK) and Trivandrum International Airport (TRV).
- By Trekking: From Pamba, pilgrims trek 5 km uphill to the temple.
Sabarimala Darshan – Do’s and Don’ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Observe 41 days of Vratham (austerity) before pilgrimage. | Do not consume alcohol, tobacco, or non-vegetarian food during Vratham. |
| Wear traditional attire (Dhoti/Mundu for men, Saree/Salwar for women). | Do not wear modern or inappropriate clothing like jeans, shorts, or T-shirts. |
| Carry Irumudi Kettu (sacred bundle) while trekking to the temple. | Do not carry plastic bags, alcohol, or banned items inside the temple premises. |
| Follow the designated trekking route (Pamba to Sannidhanam). | Do not attempt to enter from restricted/unsafe forest routes. |
| Respect temple customs and maintain discipline in queues. | Do not push, rush, or break queues during darshan. |
| Book darshan tickets in advance via sabarimalaonline.org. | Do not rely on unauthorized agents or third-party sellers for tickets. |
| Keep your ID proof and booking confirmation handy. | Do not enter the temple without valid booking/ID proof. |
| Use eco-friendly offerings and follow temple waste disposal rules. | Do not litter or damage the natural surroundings. |
Nearby Places to Visit Around Sabarimala
| Place | Distance from Sabarimala | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Pamba River | 5 km | Main halting point for pilgrims, scenic riverbank, considered holy for ritual bathing. |
| Malayalapuzha Devi Temple | ~32 km | Famous Bhagavathy temple, known for large deity idol and spiritual significance. |
| Pandalam Palace | ~60 km | Associated with Lord Ayyappa’s childhood, royal palace with historical value. |
| Perunthenaruvi Waterfalls | ~70 km | Scenic waterfalls on the Pamba River, a peaceful natural spot. |
| Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple | ~65 km | Ancient Krishna temple, famous for Aranmula boat race and metal mirror craft. |
| Gavi Eco-Tourism | ~60 km | Wildlife sanctuary and trekking spot, ideal for nature lovers. |
| Konni Elephant Training Center | ~75 km | Elephant reserve where visitors can see elephant training and conservation. |
FAQs
Q1. How can I book Sabarimala Darshan tickets for 2026?
You can book tickets through the official portal sabarimalaonline.org or the mobile app by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Spot booking is available at Pamba and Nilakkal counters in limited numbers.
Q2. Is there any cost for Sabarimala Virtual Queue Darshan tickets?
Darshan tickets are free of cost. However, offerings like prasadam (Aravana, Appam) and accommodation come with nominal charges.
Q3. When will the temple open in 2026?
The temple opens during key periods:
- Mandala Pooja: November – December 2026
- Makaravilakku: January 14, 2026
- Vishu: April 2026
- Monthly poojas: First 5 days of each Malayalam month
Q4. How many pilgrims are allowed daily in 2026?
The daily limit for Virtual Queue bookings is around 70,000 pilgrims.
Q5. Can I visit Sabarimala without booking online?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Offline tickets are very limited and subject to availability. Online booking ensures a confirmed darshan slot.
Q6. What documents are required for ticket booking?
A valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID) is mandatory while booking and at the time of darshan.
Q7. Are women allowed to book tickets?
Yes, but as per temple tradition, women aged 10–50 years are restricted. Women below 10 years and above 50 years can book tickets.
Q8. How far is Sabarimala temple from Pamba?
The temple is about 5 km uphill trek from Pamba base camp.
Q9. Can I book accommodation along with darshan tickets?
Yes, accommodation facilities near Nilakkal and Pamba can be booked via the same portal. Private lodges are also available nearby.
Q10. What should I do if I miss my darshan slot?
If you miss your slot, the ticket becomes invalid. You need to book a new slot based on availability.
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