Sabarimala Ticket Booking Full Details :
1. Introduction & Background
Sabarimala, nestled in the Western Ghats in Kerala, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, and millions of devotees make the journey during the Mandala–Makaravilakku season (as well as on special days throughout the year).Over the years, managing the large inflow of pilgrims has become challenging. To streamline the process, reduce overcrowding, and ensure safety, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and the Kerala Police jointly instituted a virtual queue system. Through this system, devotees can book darshan slots online, making the pilgrimage more orderly and reducing wait times.
Why Online Booking Is Mandatory / Useful
Crowd Management: The virtual queue helps regulate the number of pilgrims per day, preventing dangerous overcrowding.
Fairness & Transparency: By allowing online booking, the TDB ensures that darshan slots are distributed fairly rather than on a first-come physical basis.
Planning and Logistics: Devotees can plan their travel (train, bus, stay) in advance once they have a confirmed slot.
Safety Measures: With a booked slot, the authorities can better track pilgrims.
Insurance Cover: As per recent updates, pilgrims who book via the Virtual Q may receive accidental death insurance coverage.
However, it's worth noting that not all darshans require online booking: in some cases, there is provision for spot booking too.
Key Concepts to Know
Virtual Queue (Virtual Q)
This is the primary online booking mechanism for Sabarimala darshan.
Through the Virtual Q, slots are allocated for specific dates and time windows.
The official website for Virtual Q bookings is sabarimalaonline.org.
The system opens at specific times; for example, for the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, bookings opened on 1 November 2025 at 5:00 PM.
The Virtual Q slots are limited (e.g., ~70,000 per day in recent seasons).
Spot Booking
For devotees who could not secure a Virtual Q slot, spot booking may be available on site at certain centers.
According to some sources, up to 20,000 pilgrims per day may be allowed through spot booking, depending on the system and the route.
Spot booking centers include places like Vandiperiyar-Sathram, Nilakkal, Pampa, Chengannur, Erumeli, etc.
Irumudikettu
Irumudikettu is the traditional “travel bundle” that pilgrims carry to Sabarimala. It contains offerings such as coconuts, rice, ghee, bananas, etc.
Whether or not a pilgrim has an Irumudikettu may affect how they enter (for instance, climbing the 18 holy steps, Pathinettam Padi)
Pre-Booking Preparation
Before you even begin the online booking process, it’s important to prepare:
Documents Required
Valid photo identity proof: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, etc.
Scanned photograph of the pilgrim: typically a passport-size photo in JPG/JPEG format, size requirement may apply (e.g., less than 30 KB in some systems).
Mobile number (to receive OTP) and email ID for registration.
Who Needs to Book / Who Can Skip
Pilgrims aged 18 years and above generally need to register to book.
Children below 5 years: In many cases, they do not require a ticket.
There may be age-based restrictions for certain pilgrims: for instance, the temple’s traditions restrict females aged between 10 and 50 in certain contexts.
Restrictions & Eligibility
Only registered users can book through Virtual Q.
Make sure your browser settings: enable JavaScript, allow cookies, and disable pop-up blockers.
Use recommended browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) for stability.
Be ready with your scanned photo and ID before starting the booking (if the page stays idle for more than ~3 minutes, it may disconnect).
Booking Through the Official Website
Here is a step-by-step guide to booking your darshan online via Virtual Q.
Step 1: Accessing the Portal
Open your web browser and go to sabarimalaonline.org.
Make sure your Internet connection is stable; high traffic is common when booking opens.
Step 2: Account Registration / Login
If you are a new user: Register by providing your mobile number, email ID, and setting a password.
You’ll likely receive an OTP (one-time password) on your mobile to verify.
After verifying, log in to your account.
Step 3: Navigate to Virtual Queue Booking
On the dashboard, find the link or tab labeled “Virtual Queue” or “Queue Booking.”
Click on it to begin the booking process.
Step 4: Select Your Date and Time Slot
A calendar view should appear showing the available dates.
Dates may be color-coded (e.g., green = slots available, red = fully booked, grey = not yet open) as per some guides.
Select your desired date for darshan.
Choose a time window slot (if applicable). The portal may give you options like morning, afternoon, or evening, depending on availability and system design.
Step 5: Enter Pilgrim Details
After selecting the date/time, add details of each pilgrim:
Full name
Age
ID proof type & number (e.g., Aadhaar)
Upload the scanned passport-size photograph.
For group bookings, you can add multiple pilgrims (family or group) in one go.
Confirm that all details are correct — mistakes can lead to issues during verification.
Step 6: Finalize and Confirm Booking
Once the pilgrim details are entered, review all the entered data.
The system may charge a nominal fee (if applicable): note that Virtual Q booking is typically free, but there may be small transaction charges.
Confirm the booking:
Click the “Book” / “Confirm” button.
Wait for confirmation.
After confirmation, download the digital queue pass / ticket. It will likely have a QR code or some verification information.
Save a printout or screenshot of the booking for your records and for presenting later during the pilgrimage.
What to Do After Booking
Carrying the Right Documents
Alongside your queue pass, carry the same ID proof you used during booking. Verification will be done.
Bring a printed copy or digital copy of your Virtual Q ticket / confirmation.
If you are traveling with young children (especially under 5), check the rules again beforehand; they might not need a ticket, but a photograph may still be needed.
On the Day of Darshan
Arrive at the designated entry point in good time (based on your slot).
Be prepared for security checks.
Follow the route prescribed by the authorities; crowd movement is tightly regulated.
Entry Procedures
At the checkpoint, present your Queue Pass + ID proof.
Officials may scan the QR code, verify your identity, and allow entry.
If you are carrying Irumudikettu, ensure it's properly secured and follows the temple’s permitted items rules.
Spot Booking (On-site)
Even if you miss online booking, there may be a chance to get a darshan slot via spot booking.
When Is It Available
During high pilgrimage periods (like Mandala), spot booking is sometimes offered.
According to sources, there is a daily allocation for spot booking (e.g., ~20,000) for such on-ground registrations.
Locations for Spot Booking
Common spot booking centers include:
Pampa
Nilakkal
Vandiperiyar / Sathram
Erummeli
Chengannur
Process & Verification
Go to any of the designated spot booking centers.
Fill in a registration form on the spot (personal details, ID proof, etc.).
After completing formality, you may be issued a pass with QR code, similar to the Virtual Q pass.
On the day of darshan, present this pass + your ID for verification.
Accommodation Booking
If you plan to stay near Sabarimala (especially if you're coming from far), booking accommodation is highly recommended.
Why Book Accommodation
During peak pilgrimage seasons, guest houses and dormitories fill up quickly.
Staying near Pampa/Sannidhanam or nearby helps you be early for darshan and reduces travel stress.
Official accommodation ensures safe, regulated lodging under TDB supervision.
How to Book Accommodation
Visit the Travancore Devaswom Board’s accommodation portal: onlinetdb.com.
Register (if not already) or log in.
Navigate to the Accommodation section.
Select:
Check-in / Check-out dates
Type of accommodation (guest house, cottage, barrack, etc.)
Number of pilgrims / occupants
Pay via the online options provided (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, etc.).
On confirmation, you will receive a booking slip / voucher. Save or print this.
Types of Accommodation
Guest Houses (various categories)
Cottages
Barracks (for larger group or simpler stay)
Sannidhanam Accommodation (close to the temple)
Do’s and Don’ts / Tips & Best Practices
Book Early: Virtual Q slots are limited. As soon as booking opens (e.g., in November for Mandala season), try to secure your slot.
Use Good Internet: On booking day, use a stable, fast internet connection to avoid timeouts or disconnections.
Keep Documents Ready: Before starting, have your ID proof and photo scanned and ready.
Print / Save QR Pass: Even if you plan to use your phone, have a printout—phones may run out of battery.
Travel Light: For darshan, carry minimal belongings; only permitted items.
Respect Guidelines: Follow all temple rules (dress code, behavioral norms, etc.).
Plan Accommodation Early: Especially during peak season, book lodging well in advance via onlinetdb.com.
Backup Plans: Be prepared with alternative dates if your first choice is not available.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Website Crashes / High Traffic: When booking opens, there may be heavy traffic. Be patient, refresh carefully, but avoid using back/refresh buttons too often.
Booking Disconnection: If the page goes idle (> 3 minutes), the session may disconnect.
Payment Failures: If a transaction fails but money is debited, note down the transaction ID. Some pilgrims have reported delays in refund; in such cases, contact TDB support or accommodation office.
Lost QR Pass / Confirmation: You can usually re-download from your account; if not, contact the booking support.
ID Verification Failure: Ensure you carry the exact ID proof you used while booking (same number, spelling, etc.).
Spot Booking Not Available: During very busy days, spot booking may run out quickly; don’t rely solely on it.
Safety, Insurance, and Other Facilities
Insurance: According to recent information, pilgrims using the Virtual Queue may get ₹5 lakh accidental death insurance cover.
Medical Support: During the pilgrimage, especially on the hill paths, medical aid is often available due to heavy pilgrim footfall.
Sanitation & Food: The board often sets up temporary facilities, but it’s wise to carry essentials (water bottle, dry snacks).
Parking: If you are driving, parking is available at Nilakkal, which is a main hub.
Cash & Payments: While some payments (accommodation) may go online, for local needs carry enough cash or use UPI where accepted.
Recent Changes / Updates
For the 2025 Mandala–Makaravilakku season, Virtual Queue booking began on 1 November 2025 at 5 PM.
The daily cap: 70,000 slots via Virtual Queue, 20,000 via spot booking (subject to change) as per recent reports.
According to news, the Kerala High Court has allowed slight flexibility in the daily spot booking cap, depending on pilgrim inflow.
There have been debates and policy shifts: earlier, spot bookings were halted to ensure smooth online-only darshan; later, spot bookings were reintroduced in specified centers.
Conclusion
Booking a Sabarimala darshan online can feel daunting the first time, but with proper preparation, it becomes manageable. The Virtual Queue system is designed to help pilgrims plan their trip, reduce waiting times, and ensure safety. By understanding the process, preparing your documents in advance, and following the right steps on sabarimalaonline.org, you can secure your darshan slot with confidence.
If you're planning for the pilgrimage, I recommend:
Checking the official site for the latest updates and booking windows.
Registering early when the virtual queue opens.
Booking accommodation if needed through TDB’s official portal.
Preparing all necessary documents and keeping backups (print + digital).
Staying patient and persistent, especially when demand is high.
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