Outstation route
Bangalore to Sabarimala Distance & Cab
Sabarimala, the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa in the forests of Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, draws devotees from across south India. This page gives the road distance from Bengaluru and explains how to plan Sabarimala from Bangalore by cab with driver.
The route
Road distance from Bangalore to Sabarimala
The drive runs through Tamil Nadu and then enters Kerala before the final hill approach. Route-planner data lists NH 44, NH 844, NH 183 and SH 101 among the main roads. The numbers below are route-planner figures without traffic or stops, from central Bengaluru, and they are measured to the Sabarimala area rather than to the hilltop temple itself.
| Road distance | About 540 km one way |
| Driving time (route planner) | About 9 h without traffic delays or stops |
| Main roads on the route | NH 44, NH 183, SH 101, NH 844 |
| Round trip | About 1,075 km of driving, plus any local sightseeing |
Measured from central Bengaluru (Vidhana Soudha) using OpenStreetMap route data. Your exact distance depends on the pickup point and the route the driver takes, and real journey times are usually longer once city traffic, ghat sections and breaks are added.
During the pilgrim season the roads in the hills fill up quickly, so real travel time is often much longer. Interstate permit charges and tolls are extra.
The pilgrimage
What to know about the Sabarimala visit
The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple stands on a hilltop inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The base for pilgrims is Pamba, and from there the final stretch is a walk uphill. Vehicle access near the temple is controlled by the authorities, and the arrangements at Nilakkal and Pamba can change from season to season, so check the current position with the temple board or local police before you travel.
- The main pilgrim season falls in the winter months, with the heaviest crowds around the Mandalam and Makaravilakku period.
- Many devotees follow a period of fasting and observances before the visit and carry the traditional irumudi bundle.
- Booking and queue arrangements for darshan are set by the authorities and change, so confirm the current system.
Nearby places often combined with the visit include Pandalam and Erumely, both associated with the Ayyappa tradition.
Plan your trip
Planning the cab for a devotee group
Plan at least two days: the drive from Bengaluru is long, and the walk and queue can take a good part of a day. Many groups go as an Ayyappa devotee party, so a Tempo Traveller is a common choice because everyone can travel together with their bags. Families can take an Innova or Innova Crysta, and a larger parish or association group can look at the mini bus.
After the darshan, some devotees continue to other destinations in Kerala. The pages for Kochi, Alleppey and Munnar show the options. If you are going only one way, see our one way taxi page.
Vehicle options
Cabs for your Sabarimala trip
Tell us the number of devotees and we will suggest the right vehicle.
Tariff
Bangalore to Sabarimala Distance & round-trip rates
| Vehicle | Round-trip rate | Driver allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Etios (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Innova | ₹16 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹22 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | ₹25 / km | ₹400 |
| Tempo Traveller | On request | ₹600 |
| Mini bus (21 / 24 seater) | On request | ₹600 |
Round trip, minimum 300 km per day. Fares are inclusive of GST, and the final bill is based on the actual distance travelled. Hill-station charges, interstate permits, state permits, tolls and parking are extra. One-way drop fares are confirmed when you book.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance from Bangalore to Sabarimala?
About 540 km one way from central Bengaluru, which is about 9 h of driving without traffic or stops in route-planner data. Hill roads and pilgrim traffic can add a lot of time.
Can the cab go right up to the temple?
No. The final stretch is on foot from Pamba, and vehicle access near the temple is controlled. Check current arrangements before you travel.
Can I hire a Tempo Traveller for a devotee group?
Yes. Share your group size and dates on 99640 09999 and we will confirm the fare when you book.
Are permit charges and tolls extra?
Yes. Interstate permit charges and tolls are extra for Kerala.
How is a round trip billed?
On actual kilometres with a minimum of 300 km per day, plus the driver allowance. A round trip is about 1,075 km.
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