Your own vehicle from Kollam to Nilakkal base camp for the 2026-27 Mandala–Makaravilakku season, with a Pandalam palace temple stop if you wish — the driver waits to bring you home.
Highlights: Virtual Queue slot, Pandalam palace temple, Nilakkal base camp, Door to door
Itinerary
≈5:00 AM — Pickup From your door — home, hotel, Kollam Junction or the KSRTC stand. (Example: 10 AM slot)
On the road — Via Kottarakkara & Adoor About 120 km on the MC Road and through Pathanamthitta, with a tea break.
≈6:30 AM — Pandalam (optional) Valiyakoyikkal temple by the Pandalam palace, Lord Ayyappa's royal home. (Tell us when booking)
≈8:30 AM — Nilakkal base camp Private vehicles stop here; KSRTC chain buses take you on to Pampa. (Bus fare paid direct)
Day — Pampa, the climb & darshan About 5 km uphill on foot to Sannidhanam, darshan, and the walk back. (Virtual Queue booked by you)
≈Late night — Home Your driver waits at Nilakkal and brings you home the same night.
Good to know
📱 Virtual Queue: Book your darshan slot yourself at sabarimalaonline.org; carry the QR coupon and the same photo ID. Spot-booking counters are limited — don't count on them.
🅿️ Nilakkal & Pampa: Private vehicles are not allowed to Pampa — KSRTC chain buses run from Nilakkal. Save your driver's number and the parking block.
🗓️ Season 2026-27: The temple opens on 16 Nov 2026; Mandala Pooja is on 27 Dec; Makaravilakku in mid-January 2027. Peak days bring police holds and long queues — we re-confirm before you travel.
❤️ The climb: About 5 km of steep forest path — go slow; medical centres with oxygen line the route. Elderly pilgrims and heart patients: check with your doctor first.
