Sabarimala is one of the most famous pilgrim centers in India. Sabarimala is located on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The Sabarimala temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season, which falls during the months of October and November. The Sabarimala temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala is one of the few examples of a pilgrimage where pilgrims, without consideration of caste, creed, position or social status, go with one thought and one `mantra' dreaming continuously of the darshan of the presiding deity at the temple. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated soon after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. The Sabarimala temple is unique in many respects it is open to all irrespective of caste, creed or religion.