The Southern Railway has launched special trains for Sabarimala 2025-26 to manage the large number of devotees expected during the pilgrimage season. These dedicated trains to Sabarimala will connect key hubs across India, including Hazur Sahib Nanded, Kakinada Town, and Machilipatnam, directly to major access points like Kollam and Kottayam.

The services, running from November 2025 to mid-January 2026, are designed to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims and will complement Sabarimala online booking 2025 options on IRCTC.

Machilipatnam – Kollam special trains

Two weekly express Sabarimala trains from Machilipatnam will operate five trips each:

Service 1: Train Nos. 07101/07102

Machilipatnam to Kollam (07101): Departs at 16:30 hrs on Fridays – 14, 21, 28 November; 26 December; 2 January. Arrives Kollam 22:00 hrs next day.

Kollam to Machilipatnam (07102): Leaves Kollam at 02:30 hrs on Sundays – 16, 23, 30 November; 28 December; 4 January. Travels via Jolarpettai and Katpadi.

Service 2: Train Nos. 07103/07104

Machilipatnam to Kollam (07103): Departure at 11:00 hrs on Fridays – 5, 12, 19 December; 9, 16 January. Arrival 22:00 hrs next day.

Kollam to Machilipatnam (07104): Leaves Kollam 02:30 hrs on Sundays – 7, 14, 21 December; 11, 18 January. Travels via Jolarpettai and Katpadi.

Kakinada Town – Kottayam special trains

Nine weekly Sabarimala express specials will run between Kakinada Town and Kottayam from November 2025 to January 2026.

Kakinada Town to Kottayam (07109): Departs 13:00 hrs on Mondays – 17 November; 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December; 5, 12, 19 January. Arrival 17:30 hrs next day.

Kottayam to Kakinada Town (07110): Departs 20:30 hrs on Tuesdays – 18 November; 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 December; 6, 13, 20 January. Arrival 23:00 hrs next day.

These services will benefit devotees booking Sabarimala online 2025 tickets via IRCTC, ensuring hassle-free travel.

Hazur Sahib Nanded – Kollam special trains

Nine long-distance weekly Sabarimala train services from Hyderabad and Hazur Sahib Nanded will connect to Kollam from late November 2025.

Hazur Sahib Nanded to Kollam (07111): Departs Thursdays at 10:00 hrs – 20 November to 15 January. Route includes Katpadi, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sengottai, and Punalur. Arrival 03:00 hrs on third day.

Kollam to Hazur Sahib Nanded (07112): Leaves Saturdays at 05:40 hrs – 22 November to 17 January. Stops include Punalur, Sengottai, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Tiruchchirappalli, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Katpadi. Arrival 21:30 hrs next day.

These trains complement popular routes such as Hyderabad to Sabarimala, Vijayawada to Sabarimala trains, Srikakulam to Sabarimala trains, Chengannur to Sabarimala, Chennai to Sabarimala trains, and Tirupati to Sabarimala trains. Pilgrims can plan their Sabarimala darshan effectively using IRCTC booking services.

 

It is learnt that additional Sabarimala special trains may be announced soon.