business100news.com; Due to the increasing number of pilgrims choosing the Pulumedu forest route, authorities have decided to allow only 1,000 pilgrims per day through spot booking at the Vandiperiyar Satra. However, this restriction does not apply to pilgrims who have selected the Vandiperiyar–Pulumedu route through virtual queue booking. The decision follows directions from the High Court.
In recent times, many pilgrims have opted for the Pulumedu route after seeing its natural beauty on social media. The Pulumedu forest path is 16 kilometres long and includes steep ascents and sharp descents, making it physically demanding. Considering this, the Travancore Devaswom Board has advised children and elderly pilgrims to avoid this route.
Over the past few days, several pilgrims got stranded in the forest while travelling through the Pulumedu path and were rescued by Fire and Rescue Services teams, who carried them on stretchers to the Sannidhanam. Hence, only pilgrims with full physical fitness are advised to choose this route.
Meanwhile, reports circulating that special passes are being issued for pilgrims arriving via the traditional Erumeli forest route are baseless. Currently, no special pass is issued for pilgrims using the Erumeli traditional path. Although there are demands to introduce a pass system for this route, any final decision will be taken in accordance with High Court directions.
