Padmanabha Dwar Circuit Kerala Tour – Padmanabhaswamy, Aranmula & Sabarimala

Estd. 1990

Gujarat Toursim
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Padmanabha Dwar Circuit Kerala

Duration

04 Nights / 05 Days

Places Covered

Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple - Sabarimala Temple

Padmanabha Dwar Circuit Kerala

The Padmanabha Dwar Circuit is a major spiritual tourism initiative in Kerala connecting three iconic temples: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram), Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple (Pathanamthitta), and Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan Temple (Pathanamthitta).

This divine circuit was introduced under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Its aim is to enhance infrastructure, facilities, and pilgrimage experience across these ancient temples.

The circuit beautifully blends Kerala’s strong Vaishnavite and Shakteya heritage with an important Sabarimala pilgrimage tradition, making it one of the most spiritually powerful routes in South India.

Key Locations in the Padmanabha Dwar Circuit

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
A sacred temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha, the serpent king. Famous for its towering Dravidian-style gopuram, ancient murals, and immense treasure locked in its vaults. It is considered one of the richest temples in the world.

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Pathanamthitta
One of the 108 Divya Desams, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy. It is renowned for its ancient heritage, Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirror craft), and the famous Uthrittathi boat race (Aranmula Vallamkali) held during Onam.

Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan Temple, Pathanamthitta
One of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages, located in the Western Ghats. Devotees trek through forests to reach the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappan. The Mandala-Makaravilakku season between November and mid-January draws millions of pilgrims.

FAQ About Padmanabha Dwar Circuit

Q. What is the Padmanabha Dwar Circuit in Kerala?

The Padmanabha Dwar Circuit is a spiritual tourism route connecting three major temples in Kerala—Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, and Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan Temple. It is part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for developing pilgrimage tourism.

Q. What is included in the Padmanabha Dwar Circuit tour package?

Most tour packages include temple visits, accommodation, transportation, breakfast, sightseeing, and darshan assistance. You can also add optional visits to local temples and heritage sites in Trivandrum and Pathanamthitta.

Q. How many days are required to cover Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Aranmula Temple, and Sabarimala?

A 4 Nights / 5 Days itinerary is ideal to comfortably cover all three temples, including the Sabarimala trek and Trivandrum sightseeing.

Q. Is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple part of the Swadesh Darshan Circuit?

Yes. Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the primary temples under the Padmanabha Dwar Circuit developed by the Ministry of Tourism under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Q. What is the best time for a Padmanabha Dwar Circuit pilgrimage?

The best time is November to January during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. However, Padmanabhaswamy and Aranmula temples can be visited throughout the year.

Q. How difficult is the Sabarimala trek from Pamba?

The trek from Pamba to Sabarimala is around 5 km and moderately challenging. Pilgrims usually take 2–4 hours depending on fitness levels.

Q. Can women visit the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple?

Women between the ages of 10–50 are currently restricted as per traditional temple rules. Others can visit during the official Mandala-Makaravilakku and monthly pooja periods.

Q. Is Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple a Divya Desam?

Yes, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, making it an important part of Vaishnavite pilgrimage routes in South India.

Q. Is there a dress code for Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum?

Yes.
Men must wear mundu/dhoti (no shirts or pants allowed).
Women must wear saree, set-mundu, or long skirt.
Western wear is strictly prohibited.

Q. Can senior citizens do the Padmanabha Dwar Circuit tour?

Yes. The route is senior-friendly except for the Sabarimala trek. Elderly devotees can either use assistance or skip the trek and choose a Trivandrum–Aranmula only package.

Q. Are photography and mobile phones allowed inside Padmanabhaswamy Temple?

No photography, videography, or mobile usage is allowed inside the temple premises.

Q. How far is Aranmula from Trivandrum?

Aranmula is around 105 km from Trivandrum, taking approximately 3 to 3.5 hours by road.

Q. Is prior registration required for Sabarimala darshan?

Yes. Pilgrims must register online on the Sabarimala Virtual Q portal during the season for darshan slots.

Q. Do tour packages include the Aranmula boat race (Aranmula Vallamkali)?

Yes, seasonal packages can be arranged during Onam (August–September) to witness the famous Aranmula Uthrittathi Boat Race.

Q. Can non-Hindus visit the temples included in this circuit?

Non-Hindus are not permitted inside Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Sabarimala. Aranmula generally follows traditional entry rules as well.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Trivandrum – Padmanabhaswamy Temple Darshan

Arrive at Trivandrum Airport / Railway Station and meet our representative.

Start your pilgrimage with a visit to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of India’s richest and most celebrated Vishnu temples.

Have darshan of Lord Vishnu in the eternal Anantha-Shayana posture.

Later visit:

Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Evening free for a second darshan or local market visit.

Overnight: Trivandrum

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Day 2 Trivandrum Local Padmanabha Circuit

After breakfast, continue your religious circuit:
Temples Covered

Irumkulangara Maha Vishnu Temple
Maranalloor Mahadeva Temple
Vellayani Devi Temple (optional)

Later visit the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace (65 km), once the seat of the Travancore Kings and part of the cultural heritage of the Padmanabha Dwar Circuit.

Return to Trivandrum.

Overnight: Trivandrum

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Day 3 Trivandrum → Aranmula – Parthasarathy Temple Visit

(Approx. 100–110 km / 3 hrs)
Check out after breakfast and drive to Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district.

Visit the sacred Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, one of the 108 Divya Desams. Offer prayers to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy and enjoy the riverside ambience of the Pampa River.

Experience the local heritage:

Aranmula Mirror Workshops (Aranmula Kannadi)
Aranmula Palace (optional)

Evening at leisure by the riverside.

Overnight: Aranmula / Pathanamthitta

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Day 4 Aranmula → Sabarimala Base Camp – Sabarimala Darshan

(Drive to Pamba; Himalayan-style trekking)
Today early morning, leave for Pamba, the base point of Sabarimala.

Upon reaching Pamba, begin the 5 km holy trek to Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan Temple. Have darshan of the powerful Lord Ayyappa at the hill shrine.

Important: