Kumily continues to lack essential amenities to host Sabarimala pilgrims
Kumily town in Idukki is one of the major stopovers on the interstate route to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. | Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY
With the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season just over a week away, Kumily, an important stopover for pilgrims en route to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, continues to lack basic amenities. According to officials, thousands of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh use the Kumily-Mundakkayam-Erumeli-Pampa route to reach the hill shrine.
Vimal Philip, a hotel manager in Kumily, said that when the pilgrimage season begins, there are traffic jams in the town that last for hours. “Massive traffic blockages will result in police banning vehicles from stopping in the town, which will negatively impact local business. Proper traffic management must be arranged here before the season starts,” Mr Philip said.
When the pilgrimage season begins, a large number of seasonal shops open in Kumily town, causing many pilgrims to stop on the Kottarakara-Dindigul National Highway. “Roadside parking disrupts vehicle movement and causes traffic congestion. Police and authorities are unable to control such illegal parking,” said a source.
Sanoop Puthupparampil, president of the Kumily Youth Wing unit of the Traders Association, said that no facilities have been built for pilgrims in the town as in previous years. He said toilet and accommodation facilities were not arranged.
“In previous years, the panchayat had made arrangements for pilgrims to stay near the bus stand. However, this year it could not be arranged as the place was demolished for reconstruction,” said Mr. Puthupparampil. He added that traffic congestion can be avoided if the Panchayat opens two or three parking spaces in the town.
Kumily panchayat president Daisy Sebastian said the panchayat had sent a letter to District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt for permission to use the Forest department.Parking area at Anavachal, Thekkady for pilgrims during the season. “A parking area at Anavachal can solve the traffic problem,” he said.
District Superintendent of Police KM Sabu Mathew said that the police will organize a special traffic package to avoid traffic gridlock in Kumily town. “Police will not allow roadside parking during the season. The parking issue has already been discussed with the Collector and we are waiting to get permission for parking at Anavachal. A high-level inter-state meeting will be held soon,” he said.
It was published – 09 November 2025 22:55 IST
