Embark on a Sacred Journey: Special Trains Connect Karnataka to Sabarimala Pilgrimage

The revered Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival season at Sabarimala is upon us, drawing millions of devotees seeking spiritual solace and blessings from Lord Ayyappa. Recognizing the immense faith and the need for convenient travel, Indian Railways has announced a series of special train services, connecting major cities in Karnataka directly to Kollam, the gateway to Sabarimala.

These meticulously planned services from SMVT Bengaluru and Hubballi are set to operate from November 17, 2023, until January 18, 2024, ensuring a smooth and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for devotees from across the region.

The Bengaluru-Kollam Connection: A Tri-Weekly Lifeline

For pilgrims originating from Bengaluru, the 06506/06505 SMVT Bengaluru-Kollam-SMVT Bengaluru Express will be a tri-weekly blessing, completing a total of 36 trips throughout the festival season.

This special service is designed to accommodate the steady flow of devotees, offering a comfortable and direct route to their sacred destination.

The 06506 SMVT Bengaluru-Kollam Express will depart from SMVT Bengaluru every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 17:00 (5:00 PM), arriving in Kollam at 08:30 (8:30 AM) the following day.

For the return journey, the 06505 Kollam-SMVT Bengaluru Express will depart from Kollam every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:45 (10:45 AM), reaching SMVT Bengaluru at 03:00 (3:00 AM) on the subsequent day.

This train will make crucial stops at Banaswadi, Krishnarajapuram, Whitefield, Bangarapet, Kuppam, Jolarpettai, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sivakasi, Srivilliputtur, Rajapalayam, Sengottai, Punalur, and Kayamkulam, before reaching Kollam.

These stops ensure accessibility for pilgrims from various towns en route.

Hubballi's Gateway to Devotion: A Weekly Express

Pilgrims from Hubballi and surrounding areas will benefit from the 07305/07306 Hubballi-Kollam-Hubballi Express, a weekly service scheduled for 18 trips. This train provides a vital link for devotees embarking on the long journey from North Karnataka to the sacred hills of Sabarimala.

The 07305 Hubballi-Kollam Express will depart from Hubballi every Sunday at 09:30 (9:30 AM), reaching Kollam at 03:00 (3:00 AM) the next day.

The return journey, 07306 Kollam-Hubballi Express, will leave Kollam every Monday at 04:30 (4:30 AM), arriving in Hubballi at 00:30 (12:30 AM) the following day.

Key halts for this express include Haveri, Davangere, Birur, Arsikere, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Subrahmanya Road, Kabakaputtur, Bantawala, Mangaluru Junction, Kasaragod, Kanhangad, Payyanur, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Tirur, Shoranur, Thrissur, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, and Kayamkulam, before culminating its journey at Kollam.

These stops cover a vast geographical area, bringing the pilgrimage closer to many more devotees.

Plan Your Sacred Pilgrimage

With these special trains, Indian Railways reaffirms its commitment to facilitating the spiritual journeys of millions. The long and often arduous trip to Sabarimala is made significantly more comfortable and accessible, allowing pilgrims to focus on their devotion.

Reservations for these special services are now open, and devotees are encouraged to book their tickets in advance to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage during this auspicious season. Embark on your sacred quest with peace of mind, knowing that your journey to Lord Ayyappa is well-catered for.