Sabarimala Online Booking 2026: How to Book Virtual Queue Darshan Step by Step
For lakhs of Ayyappa devotees, the Mandala season is the most important journey of the year. Long waits on the hill can be exhausting, which is why the virtual queue has become an essential part of planning a trip to Sabarimala. Booking early gives you a fixed date and time slot, and a far easier start to your pilgrimage.
For the 2026-27 Mandala-Makaravilakku season, online booking opened at 10 am on 29 October 2026. Reports say the daily limit is 80,000 pilgrims, including spot bookings.
Key details for the 2026-27 season
- Booking website: sabarimalaonline.org
- Booking opened: 29 October 2026, 10 am
- Daily limit: 80,000 pilgrims, including spot booking
- Mandala season: temple opens 16 November 2026 and the Mandala Pooja is on 27 December 2026
- Makaravilakku: temple reopens 30 December 2026, with Makaravilakku on 14 January 2027
- Season closes: 20 January 2027
Temple dates can be adjusted, so confirm them on the official portal or with the Travancore Devaswom Board before you make your travel plans.
How to book Sabarimala virtual queue online
- Open the official website, sabarimalaonline.org.
- Create an account with your name, mobile number and email, and upload a photo if asked.
- Log in and choose virtual queue booking.
- Add every pilgrim in your group, using the same ID details each person will carry.
- Select an available date and time slot.
- Review the details and confirm your booking.
- Download your virtual queue ticket and keep a copy on your phone and on paper.
Booking should be done only on the official website. Slots on popular dates fill quickly, so do not wait until the last minute, especially around weekends, Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku.
Documents to carry
- Printed or digital virtual queue ticket
- The same photo ID used while booking, such as an Aadhaar card
- For children, an ID or age proof where required
The details on your ticket should match your ID. Check the ticket for spelling mistakes before you travel, as a mismatch can cause delays at the checking counter.
What if you could not book online?
Spot booking counters are usually provided along the pilgrim routes. In past seasons, these counters operated at places such as Pampa, Nilackal, Erumely, Vandiperiyar and Chengannur. Spot booking numbers can be changed according to the crowd, so a walk-in slot is never guaranteed. Reports have shown limits being reduced on busy days, so an online booking is the safer choice.
Planning your trip
Choose your date wisely. Dates close to Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku see tighter limits and heavy crowds. If you can travel on another day, your journey may be easier.
Reach on time. Plan for traffic and time at Nilackal and Pampa, and try to arrive within your slot. If your plans change, check the portal for what you can do with your booking.
Pack light. Carry drinking water, basic medicines and a torch, and wear comfortable footwear where permitted. The climb from Pampa is steep, so go at your own pace.
Take care of your health. Older pilgrims, and those with heart or breathing problems, should talk to a doctor before the climb. Medical aid centres are usually available along the route. Rest whenever you need to.
Respect forest rules. The temple is in a protected forest area, so avoid plastic and follow the instructions of the police and forest staff.
Tips for groups
If several people are travelling together, make one person responsible for the booking and keep everyone's ID details ready before you start. Try to book all members in one session so that you get the same slot. Keep a shared copy of all tickets on at least two phones, and agree on a meeting point at Pampa in case someone gets separated in the crowd.
Common questions
Is virtual queue booking free? Reports and earlier guides describe it as free, while some services on the portal may have charges. Check the amount shown on the official site before you pay anything.
Do I need to book for a child? Include every member of your group, and follow the portal's rules on age and ID.
Can someone else book for me? Yes, but the booking must use your correct details and photo ID.
Is another website offering "fast darshan" tickets real? Be careful. Use only the official portal and avoid agents who promise a special slot.
Official links
Last checked: 3 November 2026.
