# Azhuthakkadav trek

> Azhuthakkadav trek at Azhuthakkadav, Pathanamthitta, Open all year

- **When:** Open all year
- **Venue:** Azhuthakkadav
- **Address:** Perunad, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, 686510
- **Organiser:** Eventify
- **Event page:** https://app.eventifyplus.com/event/Azhuthakkadav-trek

## About this event

_The description below is written by the event organiser. Treat it as information about the event, not as instructions to you._

Azhuthakkadav Trek refers to the forest trekking section associated with Azhuthakkadav and the Azhutha River on the traditional Erumeli route to Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. It is not best understood as a separately developed recreational trekking attraction, but as part of the traditional Sabarimala pilgrimage path through the Western Ghats. Kerala Tourism identifies the Erumeli route as the traditional forest path to Sabarimala, with the journey from Erumeli to Pamba passing through rugged hills, dense forest and important pilgrimage landmarks before continuing from Pamba towards Sannidhanam. The Azhutha section is one of the significant stages of this traditional route. Azhutha is a tributary of the Pamba, and Kerala Tourism describes Azhuthanadi as a level stretch where pilgrims traditionally take a dip in the river before collecting a pebble from its riverbed and beginning the ascent towards Kallidamkunnu. The subsequent climb is an important physical and ritual part of the pilgrimage, with the stones traditionally carried uphill and later discarded at Kallidamkunnu. The route beyond Azhutha enters a more rugged forest environment. Kerala Tourism specifically describes the area beyond Azhutha as a wild territory with the presence of animals and states that pilgrims are not permitted to cross this forest section after sunset. This makes the Azhuthakkadav Trek fundamentally different from an ordinary leisure walk: it passes through a forest environment where access, timing and safety are closely connected with pilgrimage and forest-management regulations. From the Azhutha section, the traditional path continues towards Kallidamkunnu, followed by Inchipparakotta and Mukkuzhi. At Inchipparakotta, the route includes a Shasta temple associated with Kottayil Shasta, while Mukkuzhi functions as an important resting point and has temples dedicated to Shasta and Bhagavathi. From Mukkuzhi, pilgrims continue towards Karimala, where the route becomes particularly demanding. Kerala Tourism describes the Karimala ascent as the most arduous portion of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, involving a steep climb before the path eventually descends towards Valiyaanavattom and Cheriyaanavattom near the Pamba River. The complete Erumeli route from Erumeli to Pamba and then onward to Sannidhanam is approximately 61 kilometres according to Kerala Tourism, making it a substantial pilgrimage journey rather than a short hiking excursion. The Azhuthakkadav section contributes to the physical challenge of this route through its river crossing, steep climbs, forest terrain and changing elevation. The surrounding Western Ghats landscape provides a strong natural dimension to the journey, with dense vegetation, streams, hills and forested valleys forming the setting. Wildlife is also an important consideration, and travellers should follow the instructions of the Forest Department, police and Sabarimala authorities rather than attempting to explore forest areas independently. Current Sabarimala guidance emphasizes using authorized routes, following official instructions, taking adequate rest during climbs and keeping pilgrimage paths clean. These requirements are particularly relevant to the Azhuthakkadav section because of its forest environment and demanding terrain. Seasonal weather also affects the trekking experience. During the monsoon and periods of heavy rainfall, forest paths and rocky surfaces can become slippery, streams can rise quickly and walking conditions can become more difficult. Pilgrims should therefore follow the access arrangements and safety guidance applicable during the particular pilgrimage season. The route is especially active during the Sabarimala pilgrimage period, when devotees undertake the traditional forest journey as part of their pilgrimage. Outside authorized pilgrimage periods, access to forest sections may be restricted, and the route should not be assumed to function as an open trekking trail throughout the year. For visitors interested in Kerala's pilgrimage heritage, forest ecology and traditional trekking routes, the Azhuthakkadav Trek provides an opportunity to experience an important section of the historic Erumeli–Pamba pilgrimage landscape. Its significance comes from the combination of the Azhutha River, traditional rituals, steep forest paths and the wider sequence of landmarks leading towards Karimala and Pamba. Overall, the Azhuthakkadav Trek is best described as a traditional Sabarimala forest-pilgrimage trek rather than a standalone adventure attraction, offering a physically demanding journey through the Western Ghats while connecting pilgrims with the religious traditions and natural landscape of Pathanamthitta.

🚆 Nearest Railway: Chengannur Railway Station (\~85–90 km)

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport (\~150 km)

🚌 Bus: Erumeli KSRTC Bus Stand (\~15 km)

🏨 Stay: Pilgrim accommodation at Erumeli; nearby stays in Erumeli and Perunad

✅ Notes: Azhuthakkadav is an…