The Lord Ayyappa Temple of Sabarimala, located in a forest in Pathanamthitta, is a hill shrine. There are strict traditional practices, rituals, preparations and dress codes meant for those intending to visit Sabarimala.

The shrine at Sabarimala is an ancient temple of Ayyappan also known as sastha and Dharmasasta. In the 12th century, Manikandan, a prince of Pandalam dynasty, meditated at Sabarimala temple and became one with the divine. Manikandan was an avatar of Ayyappan.

Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala usually visit other temples on the route.

The main trunk road of about 70 kilometers (43 mi) to Sabarimala is Pathanamthitta-Pamba, which passes through, Mannarakulanji, Vadasserikara, Perunad, Lahai & Nilakkal. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operates regular daily bus services from Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kumili. Direct Bus services to Pathanamthitta, Erumeli, and Pamba are operated from Chengannur railway station.