About Traditional Forest Route of Sathram-Pulmedu Leading to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

One of the traditional forest routes leading to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple starts at Sathram. The route is Sathram – Pulmedu – Sannidanam. The traditional route is popularly known as Pulmedu route and is through thick forest. Thousands of Ayyappa pilgrims are undertaking the journey through this arduous path. It is around 7 km trek from Pulmedu to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

The New Indian Express reports 

Though pilgrims are denied a proper path and potable water, the Pulmedu route is witnessing a heavy inflow of pilgrims since last week. 

It is an arduous journey uphill for pilgrims from Sathram to Pulmedu due to the negative attitude of the Forest Department authorities in clearing the undergrowth on the trekking path. Though the Department assured of clearing the path between Sathram and Pulmedu at the review meeting on Sabarimala arrangements, hardly any follow-up action was taken for clearing the forest path for pilgrims who take the traditional route. 

The Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham (ABASS), which has a free pilgrim centre at Pulmedu is yet to be given the approval for setting up a free service facility. Though ABASS approached  the Forest Department to set up a free facility at Pulmedu, the Department has not yet given the clearance.