🌄 3-Day Pilgrim & Backwater Retreat Itinerary

🛤️ Arrival by Train | 🚗 Local Transport via Cab/Auto

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Arpookara Backwaters Stay

Afternoon Check in at Kuttickattil Home Stay

• Arrive at Kottayam Railway Station afternoon (connected to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and AP).

• Pickup arranged by Kuttickattil Home Stay (~7 km away, 15–20 min drive).

• Check-in and welcome drink.

Evening

• Visiting Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple just 30 minutes from Kuttickattil homestay.

• Visiting Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple just 20 minutes from Kuttickattil homestay.

• Relax and explore the Arpookara backwaters, riverside walking paths, and traditional Kerala architecture.

Night

• Early vegetarian dinner at homestay.

• Light meditation or prayer session by the riverside.

• Overnight stay.

🗓️ Day 2: Sabarimala Pilgrimage

Early Morning

• Depart around 4:00 AM by cab to Sabarimala base (Pamba) (~100 km / 2.5 hrs). OR

• Reach Kottayam KSRTC Govt. Bus stand at 6 am and took bus to Pamba

• Begin the pilgrimage trek to Sannidhanam (approx. 5 km uphill trek).

• Darshan at Lord Ayyappa Temple.

Afternoon

• Descend from Sannidhanam and reach back to Pamba.

• Light lunch at a temple annadanam hall or local eatery.

Evening

• Return to Arpookara (approx. 2.5 hrs).

• Herbal bath and traditional Kerala meal.

• Rest and overnight stay.

🗓️ Day 3: Spiritual Recovery & Departure

Morning

• Optional early morning boat ride on Meenachilar River or nearby Vembanad Lake.

• Visit to local temples like:

  • Aruvikkal Sree Shiva Subrhamanya swami Temple (a waterfall temple in kottayam)

  • Sree Narasimha Swamy Temple - Aymanam

• Pack and checkout.

• Drop-off at Kottayam Railway Station for return train.

🛌 Stay: Kuttickattil Homestay Highlights

• Authentic Kerala vegetarian food

• Riverside, peaceful setting

• Optional Ayurvedic massage or meditation (on request)

🚗 Local Travel Recommendations

• Book a cab to go and return. The kuttickattil homestay will arrange cabs at budget rate (round trip to Sabarimala)

• Autos or rented bicycles for exploring Arpookara/Kumarakom

🎒 Things to Pack

• Traditional pilgrimage items

• Trek-friendly sandals

• Water bottle, snacks, and basic medications