No Special Pass for Devotees Using Erumeli Forest Route: TDB
TDB Officials have clarified that reports claiming special darshan passes are being issued to pilgrims using the traditional Erumeli forest route are false. At present, no special darshan passes are being provided to devotees arriving via the Erumeli forest path.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Friday announced that only 1,000 pilgrims per day will be allowed to use the Pullumedu forest route to reach the Sabarimala temple. The restriction applies to pilgrims entering through the Vandiperiyar entry point and follows a directive issued by the Kerala High Court.
However, the limit will not apply to pilgrims who have already selected and booked the Vandiperiyar–Pullumedu route through the virtual queue system.
Officials said the number of pilgrims opting for the Pullumedu route has increased in recent days, mainly due to its popularity on social media. The route, which stretches about 16 km, includes steep climbs and descents along with open grassland areas.
The TDB has advised children, elderly pilgrims, and those with health issues to avoid the Pullumedu route. In recent days, Fire and Rescue Services personnel have rescued several pilgrims who became stranded while trekking through the forest path.
Meanwhile, officials clarified that reports claiming special darshan passes are being issued to pilgrims using the traditional Erumeli forest route are incorrect. No such special passes are currently in place.
Although there is a demand to introduce a special pass for pilgrims traveling via the Erumeli route, officials said a final decision will be made after receiving further directions from the Kerala High Court.