Kumily to Set Up Three Dedicated Parking Grounds Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season

Kumily, Idukki | November 2026

Kumily Grama Panchayat has identified three locations for setting up dedicated vehicle parking grounds in preparation for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The initiative aims to ease traffic congestion in Kumily, a major transit point for Ayyappa devotees travelling from Tamil Nadu and other southern states to the hill shrine.

The town experiences heavy traffic during the annual pilgrimage season, particularly due to the large number of private vehicles arriving from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Puducherry. Shortage of organised parking facilities has frequently resulted in vehicles being parked along roadsides, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to local residents, businesses and other travellers.

Kumily Panchayat President M.M. Varghese said that three locations have already been identified for the proposed parking facilities. Roadside parking will be strictly prohibited during the pilgrimage season. However, vehicles will be permitted to drop off pilgrims in front of commercial establishments before proceeding to the designated parking grounds. Shop owners will also be prevented from obstructing parking spaces and traffic movement.

Three Rest Centres and Drinking Water Facilities

Apart from parking arrangements, the panchayat has planned three pilgrim rest and shelter centres, locally known as 'viri'. These facilities will be established at the Kumily public ground, the bus stand premises and the temple grounds near Kumily Holiday Home.

Drinking water distribution points will also be arranged at five important locations across the town. Selected bus stops will be temporarily relocated to facilitate smoother traffic movement during peak pilgrimage days.

The panchayat has further announced measures to prevent unauthorised vendors from occupying roadsides and obstructing traffic. Police patrols will be strengthened to enforce traffic regulations, while no temporary licences will be issued for new commercial stalls during the pilgrimage season. Repair work on public toilets maintained by the panchayat is also scheduled for completion ahead of the season.

Bypass Route Under Consideration

In another important development, the panchayat is exploring the possibility of establishing a bypass route through Ambadi Junction, connecting Thekkady Junction directly to the Kumily KSRTC Bus Stand.

The proposed route is expected to provide an alternative passage for vehicles and help reduce congestion in the town centre. A final decision will be taken following a joint on-site inspection by the Motor Vehicles Department and the police.

The proposed parking facilities, pilgrim shelters and traffic management measures are expected to improve arrangements for devotees passing through Kumily during the Sabarimala season.

As an important gateway to Thekkady and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kumily also receives a substantial number of regular tourists. Improved traffic management during the pilgrimage season could therefore benefit both Sabarimala devotees and visitors travelling to the popular hill and wildlife destinations of Idukki.