Planning the Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage this summer? Here is how to time your flights, get from Kochi towards Pamba, and look after the family on the way.
At a glance: when should I book Sabarimala flights to Kochi from Australia?
The 2026–27 Mandala season is expected to open around 16 November 2026, with Mandala Pooja in late December and Makaravilakku in mid-January 2027. Kochi is the most convenient airport. Late December and early January overlap with Australian summer holidays, so seats fill early. Book now for the best choice. Flights from Australia to Kochi have one stop. Mann Travel's PayLite lets you lock in your fare and pay weekly.
The 2026–27 Sabarimala season at a glance
The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district opens for the main pilgrimage season once a year. It runs in two phases, Mandala and Makaravilakku, with a short closure in between. Dates are set by the Travancore Devaswom Board and can shift by a day, so treat the ones below as a guide.
Phase | Expected timing | What it means for flights |
Mandala season opens | Around 16 November 2026 | Quieter time to fly from Australia. Good value if you can travel before school holidays. |
Mandala Pooja | Late December 2026 | Overlaps with Christmas holidays. Very busy. Book early. |
Temple reopens for Makaravilakku | Around 30 December 2026 | New Year travel peak from Australia. |
Makaravilakku | Mid-January 2027 (around 14–15 January) | The busiest days of the season. Allow extra time for everything. |
Many devotees observe a 41-day period of preparation, or vratham, before making the pilgrimage. If you are planning your observance around a travel date, lock in the flight first. That way your plans stay steady while you prepare.
Flying from Australia to Kochi: routes and fares
Kochi (Cochin International Airport, COK) is the usual gateway for pilgrims flying in from overseas. There are no non-stop flights from Australia to Kochi, so you fly with one stop. Common hubs include Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo and the Gulf.
Here are the “from” fares on our homepage today:
Route | From (per person) |
Sydney to Kochi | from AUD $559 |
Perth to Kochi | from AUD $610 |
Brisbane to Kochi | from AUD $669 |
Adelaide to Kochi | from AUD $753 |
Melbourne to Kochi | Search live fares at manntravel.com.au/flights |
From AUD per person, checked 27 September 2026, prices change daily. Peak season fares for late December and January are usually higher.
From Kochi to Sabarimala: the journey on the ground
Sabarimala is in the hills, several hours by road from Kochi. Most pilgrims travel by road through Nilakkal, which is the base camp and parking area for the season.
By road to Nilakkal. Hire a car with a driver from Kochi, or use state transport buses. Private vehicles park at Nilakkal.
Nilakkal to Pamba. From Nilakkal, pilgrims take the KSRTC shuttle buses to Pamba. These run around the clock during the season.
Pamba to the Sannidhanam. From Pamba, the climb to the temple is made on foot, along the traditional hill path.
By rail. Some pilgrims come by train to stations such as Chengannur or Kottayam, then continue by bus.
Transport arrangements are set each year by the Kerala government and KSRTC. Check the latest details closer to your date.
Booking the virtual queue
Sabarimala Virtual-Q system at sabarimalaonline.org. It is run by Kerala Police with the Travancore Devaswom Board. A few things to know:
It is free. The Board has said it has not authorised any agents to take money for bookings. If someone asks you to pay for a slot, don’t.
Book once your flights are set. Pick a slot that gives you a buffer day after landing in Kochi. Long flights and road travel take it out of you.
Carry your documents. Keep your booking confirmation and ID with you on the day.
6 tips for Sabarimala travel from Australia
1. Book flights before the school holidays rush
Late December and early January are when families across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all want to fly. The earlier you book, the more choice you have.
2. Consider travelling in November
If your family can travel early in the Mandala season, you often avoid the busiest flight dates and the biggest crowds at the temple.
3. Give yourself a rest day in Kochi
Arrive, rest, then travel to Nilakkal. The pilgrimage involves a climb, and you will want your energy for it.
4. Pack for the pilgrimage, and check baggage
Many pilgrims carry the traditional irumudi and simple clothing. Check your airline’s baggage rules and what can go in hand luggage before you pack.
5. Spread the cost with PayLite
PayLite lets you secure your seats with a low deposit, then pay the rest in up to 26 weekly instalments before you fly. It is available on selected refundable fares. We also accept Afterpay.
6. Students and teachers, use MannPass
Verified students and education staff in Australia can join MannPass for free and get an extra AUD $25 off eligible return flights to India. It can’t be combined with other promotions.
Travelling with family members
For many families, the Sabarimala trip is shared across generations. A father takes his son for the first time. Relatives in Kerala join the group. Others in the family travel to Kochi but stay behind with relatives while the pilgrims go on.
Keep the group on one booking. It keeps seats together and makes date changes simpler.
Respect temple customs. The temple has long-standing customs, including on who makes the pilgrimage. Talk it through as a family and follow the Travancore Devaswom Board’s guidance.
Plan for older travellers. The climb from Pamba is steep. Ask your doctor before you go. We can request wheelchair assistance at airports.
Check your documents early. Australian passport holders need an Indian visa or OCI card. Apply through the official Indian visa website well ahead.
Visiting family in Tamil Nadu on the same trip? See our guide to flights Melbourne to Chennai.
Why book your Sabarimala flights with Mann Travel?
Since 2007, Mann Travel has helped travellers in Australia get home to India for the moments that matter. We are group and family specialists, so we are used to booking pilgrim groups, relatives and first-timers together. Our Melbourne team is available 24/7 and speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English. Questions before you book? Contact us.
Let’s take you to Kochi this Sabarimala season.
Search live fares at manntravel.com.au/flights or call our team on 1300 754 002. Ask about PayLite to lock in your fare today.
frequently asked questions
When does the Sabarimala season start in 2026?
The Mandala season is expected to open around 16 November 2026. Confirm the exact date with the Travancore Devaswom Board closer to the time.
When is Makaravilakku in 2027?
Makaravilakku falls in mid-January 2027, around 14–15 January. It is the busiest time of the whole season.
Which airport is closest to Sabarimala?
Kochi (Cochin International Airport) is the most convenient international airport for most travellers from Australia.
Do I need to book the Sabarimala virtual queue?
Yes. During the season, darshan needs a free booking through the official Virtual-Q system at sabarimalaonline.org.
Can I pay for my Sabarimala flights in instalments?
Yes. Mann Travel’s PayLite lets you pay a low deposit and spread the rest over up to 26 weekly instalments on selected refundable fares.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Temple dates, transport and booking rules are set by the relevant authorities and may change. Always check live prices and official updates before you travel.
