Tirunelveli to Sabarimala by cab
Sabarimala, the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappan in Kerala, is one of the busiest pilgrimages in India. From Tirunelveli the road runs west through Tenkasi and the Aryankavu ghat into Kerala, then on through Punalur and Pathanamthitta. The distance is about 220 to 260 km depending on the route, and the drive takes five to six hours to the base area.
Most Tirunelveli devotees travel in groups, often after a 41-day vow, so a Tempo Traveller or a couple of SUVs is the usual booking. We arrange the pickup time, the halts and the return so that the group stays together.
Route and travel time
The usual route is Tenkasi, Aryankavu and Punalur into Kerala, then Pathanamthitta. The distance is about 220 to 260 km, depending on the route, and the drive takes 5 to 6 hours to the base area. A round trip is about 480 km.The best time to go is the pilgrimage season from mid-November to January, and the first days of each Malayalam month.
On the pilgrimage
Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple
The hill shrine, reached by a trek from the Pampa base, which is the traditional route.
Aryankavu
A temple on the Kerala border road, with a shrine of Ayyappan as a householder.
Pampa
The river base for the climb, where pilgrims bathe and begin the trek.
Planning the journey
- Start early enough to reach the base area in the afternoon, and rest before the climb.
- Confirm queue and darshan booking rules before you go, since they change each season.
- Plan the return so that the group is not driving through the night.
Good to know before you go
- In the pilgrimage season, private vehicles are usually stopped at Nilakkal or another designated point, and pilgrims continue by the bus service. Rules change every year, so check current arrangements.
- Darshan uses an online queue booking system in the season. Book it before you travel.
- Kerala levies its own tax and permit charges on inter-state vehicles. These are extra, and we confirm them with you upfront.
- The season is extremely busy, so book the cab well in advance.
Which car to book
A Tempo Traveller is the usual choice for devotee groups of eight to fifteen, since it carries the irumudi bags comfortably. Smaller families take an SUV. Tell us the number of pilgrims and the amount of luggage.
Fare guide
Taxi fare for Tirunelveli to Sabarimala
Outstation trips of 300 km and more are charged per kilometre by vehicle, plus driver bata of ₹400 to ₹700. A round trip to Sabarimala is about 480 km. Prices are as of 19 September 2026.
| Vehicle | Suits | Per km | Driver bata | Distance charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire / Etios | Up to 4 guests | ₹13 A/C | ₹400 | ₹6,240 |
| Toyota Innova | Family of 6 to 7 | ₹18 A/C | ₹500 | ₹8,640 |
| Toyota Crysta | Family of 6 to 7, extra comfort | ₹21 A/C | ₹500 | ₹10,080 |
| Tempo Traveller | Groups of 12 and more | ₹24 A/C | ₹600 | ₹11,520 |
The distance charge is the per-km rate multiplied by about 480 km. It leaves out driver bata, toll, parking, permits and night charges, and trips of more than one day add local sightseeing kilometres. We confirm the exact fare before you travel.
See the full cab price list for every vehicle and package.