Peak Season
Sabarimala in January
Kerala, India
January at Sabarimala: 10-22°C at the shrine, peak Mandala-Makaravilakku season with millions of pilgrims. The Makaravilakku day draws the heaviest crowds.
Why January scores 5/5
Weather
January at Sabarimala: 10-22°C at the shrine, peak Mandala-Makaravilakku season with millions of pilgrims. The Makaravilakku day draws the heaviest crowds.
Roads & Access
self drive: Vehicle to Pamba only. road condition: Good road to Pamba. Trek from Pamba to temple 6km.. public transport: KSRTC special buses during season from all Kerala cities. from nearest city: Kottayam 100km. Trivandrum 170km.. last km difficulty: hard — 6km steep trek
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. km: 100. has er: true. ambulance 108: true. nearest hospital: Pamba Hospital (base). Kottayam (100km) for advanced.
Network
JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Crowded network during season. Signal drops on trek.
Kids
Not ideal for kids — Spiritual significance for Hindu families, Trek builds endurance
Elevation
914m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Remote workers (network available)
- ✓Anyone looking for the best time to visit
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Families with young children
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 5/5 | January at Sabarimala: 10-22°C at the shrine, peak Mandala-Makaravilakku season with millions of pilgrims. The Makaravilakku day draws the heaviest crowds. |
| February | 1/5 | — |
| March | 1/5 | — |
| April | 1/5 | — |
| May | 1/5 | — |
| June | 1/5 | — |
| July | 1/5 | — |
| August | 1/5 | — |
| September | 1/5 | — |
| October | 1/5 | — |
| November | 5/5 | November at Sabarimala: 15–26°C at 914m, Mandalam pilgrimage season opens mid-month. Forest trek cool but crowded — expect queues. |
| December | 5/5 | December at Sabarimala: 14–24°C at 914m, peak Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrim season. Forest trek cold at night, queues heaviest of the year. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Kottayam 100km. Trivandrum 170km.. Roads: Good road to Pamba. Trek from Pamba to temple 6km.. Self-drive: Vehicle to Pamba only. Public transport: KSRTC special buses during season from all Kerala cities. Last stretch: hard — 6km steep trek
Elevation
914m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
Permits required
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Nearby in Kerala scoring high in January
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