Forest department prepares Erumely-Sabarimala trek route for upcoming pilgrimage season
Authorities are clearing paths and installing facilities along the traditional trekking route ahead of the two-month Sabarimala season.
The Forest department has increased preparations along the traditional trekking route from Erumely to Sabarimala ahead of the pilgrimage season, according to The Hindu.
Work is currently underway to clear the path and install prefabricated toilet structures and service centres. Kottayam Divisional Forest Officer Praful Agarwal said work is also being done to provide space at Kalaketti for a police camp, though the route will only open on the first day of the season.
Official sources stated that approximately 90 service centres will be established up to Kalaketti to provide lighting and drinking water. An additional 194 service centres and six medical aid centres, including those at Azhuthakadavu, Puthussery and Karimala, will be set up along the remaining stretch.
Trekking timings will be regulated at different forest checkposts. Pilgrims can enter the forest stretch from Koikkakavu to Kalaketti via Azhuthakadavu between 6 am and 5 pm, while trekking from Azhuthakadavu to Mukkuzhy is permitted from 7 am to 2.30 pm. From Mukkuzhy to Pampa, the window is 7 am to 3 pm.
Forest personnel and elephant squads will be deployed to ensure safety. An official noted that if daily inflow reaches 2,500 pilgrims, authorities may revise the timings and security arrangements.
While devotees have requested the route open a day early to avoid queues, the current plan maintains the official start date. The trek, which usually takes two days, passes through Perur Thodu, Koikkakavu, Kalaketti and Azhuthakadavu.