Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt and other officials during an inspection at the Sathram traditional forest road on Sunday ahead of the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season that begins a day later. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The forest department will open the traditional forest route through Sathram and Pullumedu to Sannidhanam in Sabarimala on Monday (November 17) – the day the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season begins. According to Azhutha Range Officer D. Benny, pilgrims from Sathram will have access to the traditional forest path from 7 am onwards.
“Drinking water facility is arranged at Seethakkulam, Zero Point, Pullumedu Tavalam, Kazhuthakkakuhi and Pandithavalam. Medical team is deployed at Pullumedu and medical ambulance is on standby at Seetakkulam point,” Mr. Benny said.
“The forest department will ensure that all the pilgrims reach the Sannidhanam from the Sathram route safely, apart from the Ayyan mobile app which also provides assistance to the devotees. The Ayyan app has been developed by the Periyar Tiger Reserve West division to ensure timely assistance to the pilgrims, especially along the Sathram to Sabarimala forest route,” the official said.
Collector, ADM inspects the route
Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Shyju P. Jacob on Sunday (November 16) led an official team that inspected the traditional forest road and reviewed the layout.
Mr. Cheruvatt said that various departments have already completed all arrangements for a safe pilgrimage for all.
“Some interstate devotees tried to step to the Sannidhanam from Pullumedu during the night after Makara Jyothi Darshan. No devotees will be allowed to walk through the traditional forest path at night,” the Collector said.
Published – 16 Nov 2025 20:18 IST
