Sabarimala Season from 17 Nov: Sabari Portal, Buses, Slots

Kerala is getting ready for the busiest time of the year at Sabarimala. In the past few days the state and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which runs the temple, have shared new details on booking, buses, digital help and medical care for the Mandala–Makaravilakku season. Here is what has been announced and how it affects your yatra.

This page is part of our 10 Famous Temples in Kerala guide. Planning the yatra? See our South India yatra packages.

Sabari portal and WhatsApp chatbot

On 5 November 2026, Revenue Minister A P Anilkumar launched the Sabari portal and a WhatsApp chatbot, built by the Pathanamthitta district administration, Deccan Chronicle reported. The report says the 41-day Mandalam season begins on 17 November.

According to the report, the portal and chatbot will share:

• Darshan waiting times, pooja timings and schedules
• KSRTC long-distance and shuttle buses, and train timings at Chengannur, Thiruvalla and Kottayam
• Stay and facilities at Pamba, Nilakkal and Sannidhanam
• Hospital locations and emergency numbers such as 112, 108 and 101
• Help to report missing persons or lost belongings, with updates on WhatsApp
• A “Check My Bill” option to report overcharging at shops
• Water level at the Pamba Triveni bathing ghat, weather and safety alerts

The report did not give the chatbot’s phone number. Use only the number shared by the district administration or the TDB once it is announced.

Special KSRTC buses from Chengannur

Many yatris reach Sabarimala by train to Chengannur. A review meeting chaired by Minister K Muraleedharan decided that KSRTC special services will start from Chengannur on 13 November, Onmanorama reported on 6 November. About 60 buses will run at first, with up to 80 as pilgrim numbers rise.

The same meeting planned a 24-hour clinic at the railway station, rest space for 500 pilgrims with 20 toilets, and a round-the-clock police control room. The road from the Puthenveettilpadi railway underpass to the Mahadeva Temple is to be repaired and reopened by 15 November.

Booking: Virtual Queue and spot booking

Darshan works on a booked slot. The TDB opened Virtual Queue booking on sabarimalaonline.org at 10 am on 29 October, ETV Bharat reported. Booking is free; a small donation to the pilgrim relief fund is optional.

The Kerala High Court has stopped the spot booking counter at Pamba, so do not plan to book there. To register you need a mobile number, an email ID, a photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID or passport) and a clear passport-size photo under 30 KB.

What this means for yatris

• Book first, travel next. Pick your Virtual Queue date before you book trains or buses. A red date on the calendar means it is full.
• Use only the official site. Book on sabarimalaonline.org. The TDB has warned about fake websites, and booking is free.
• Coming by train? From 13 November, KSRTC special buses will run from Chengannur.
• Keep the pass on your phone. Download the Virtual Queue pass with its QR code as a PDF and carry the same photo ID you used to book.
• Check the Sabari portal once it is live for waiting times, weather and Pamba water levels on the day.

For the full season calendar, including Mandala Pooja and expected Makaravilakku dates, see our Sabarimala opening dates 2026-27 guide.

Related guides and yatras

• Sabarimala opening dates 2026-27 – Mandala, Makaravilakku and monthly openings
• 10 famous temples in Kerala – darshan timings and how to plan
• Guruvayur temple guide – timings, dress code and booking
• Padmanabhaswamy temple guide – darshan rules in Thiruvananthapuram

Frequently asked questions

When does the Sabarimala Mandala season begin in 2026?

The 41-day Mandala season begins on 17 November 2026. See our season guide for the full calendar.

Is Sabarimala Virtual Queue booking free?

Yes. Booking on sabarimalaonline.org is free. A donation of Rs 5 or more to the pilgrim relief fund is optional.

Can I get a spot booking at Pamba?

No. The Kerala High Court has stopped the Pamba spot booking counter. Spot booking is available at Nilakkal, Erumeli and Vandiperiyar Sathram, within daily limits.

Are there buses from Chengannur railway station to Sabarimala?

Yes. KSRTC special buses start from Chengannur on 13 November 2026, with about 60 buses at first and up to 80 as crowds grow.

What is the Sabari portal?

It is a new online service with a WhatsApp chatbot, launched on 5 November 2026 by the Pathanamthitta district administration. It shares darshan waiting times, transport, stay, medical help, weather and safety alerts.