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There are two parts to this traditional trek trail.

The first part is longer and tedious : Erumeli - Pampa trail ( about 40km), popularly called the Periya Pathai (long trail) or Karimala route (meaning Black Mountain).

And the second stretch, Pamba to Sabarimala  Temple ( about 5km) called the Neelimala route.

Erumeli to Pampa trail

According to legends, this is the path Lord Ayyappan followed in his forest expedition to kill ‘Mahishi’, the Buffalo demon.

And also the same route the King of Pandalam took to visit Ayyappa’s shrine. Many devotes follow this path.

The path starts at Erumeli and ends on the Banks of Pamba River.

Erumeli - 3km (regular road) - Perur Thodu - 3½km (hilly trail) - Kottapadi - 7km (plane trail) - Kalaketty -5½km (steep)-  Kallidumkunnu (Azhutha River) -3½km (downhill)- Mukkuzhi - 8km (hilly trail)-  Karivalanthodu - 5km (steep)-  Karimala Peak -4½km (downhill) -  Periyanna Vattam (shelter point) - 2½km (plains)- Cheriyanavattam (shelter point)-½km (plains) - Pamba River

One needs to cover this on foot solely. If you prefer to cover this distance by road (vehicle) there's a regular road, that will take you directly to the banks of Pamba, where the second part of the trail starts.

Pamba to Sabarimala Temple

This short trail is used my a majority of pilgrims , who arrives at Pamba by road. This route is via Neelimala ( the blue mountain)

Pamba River - Sabari Peedam - Appachimedu - Saramkuthi -  Sannidhanam ( Ayyappan Temple).

One needs to trek this path. Those unable to walk, there's a Dolly service ( four people carry a person on a chair )

If you prefer to do Sabarimala pilgrimage in a very traditional way, take both the trails ( Karimala and Neelimala route).

If you prefer a less demanding route, arrive at Pamba by road and trek the Neelimala route.