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Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, this is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is on a hilltop about 4000 feet above sea level named Sabarimala, which is unique in many respects. The uniqueness gathers its voice, as the temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple; east to Sannidhanam, dedicated to the Vavar (a Sufi and friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called 'Vavarunada', an epitome of religious harmony. The temple remains open only for 127 days a year. The journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa.
This is an island with facilities for capturing and training elephants. Boat service is available. The Dubare Elephant Camp is a must-experience for the elephant lover in you. Karnataka’s history with elephants, goes a long way back. The state’s Forest Department has about 150 elephants in various camps. The largest land animal is captured here with the help of tamed elephants and local tribals, the Kurbas, and is held captive for up to 6 months in large teak wood cages. The tamed elephants attend to various jobs during the day and in the mornings they come down to the river to bathe and to be scrubbed clean by their mahouts. In the mornings, all the elephants are offered a special treat of ladoos made of ragi and jaggery, each no smaller than a cannon ball! Elephant rides are no longer permitted, which mist be a relief to the elephants. To get to the camp you will need to cross the small still water lagoon over motor boat or still water rafting or by a small trek over a rocky pathway (no trekking in rainy seasons). Ideally you can raft across the river to reach the camp and trek back over the river over the rock pathway. If you are young and don't mind wetting your feet, the rocky path is fun and is not dangerous. You could also do white water rafting at this place. The rafting distance is about 7 km and path is a great combination of rocks and water. A must do if you are looking for some adventure