Sabarimala: The ‘Ayyan’ app launched by the Kerala Forest Department recently has many features which are useful for pilgrims trekking to the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala along the traditional forest route.

Among the highlights of the app are details of the services offered to devotees at Pamba and Sannidhanam and on the Swami Ayyappan Road, Pamba-Neelimala-Sannidhanam, Erumeli-Azhuthakadavu-Pamba and Sathram-Uppupara-Sannidhanam paths.

In fact, the ‘Ayyan’ app contains information such as the location of help centres, medical emergency units, accommodation facilities, elephant squad teams and washrooms along the traditional forest path. It also has details such as the distance to Sannidhanam from each location, information regarding police aid posts, eco shops, centres where free drinking water is distributed and the distance between any two locations on the route.

General instructions to be followed by Ayyappa devotees, data on the rich biodiversity of the Periyar Wildlife Reserve - where the Sabarimala temple is located - and information regarding the temple are also available on the app.

The display of emergency helpline numbers is yet another important feature. ‘Ayyan’ app will function offline as well as online. Once a pilgrim selects a route for the trek on the app, it will provide various alerts and warnings on the way.

App in five languages
‘Ayyan’ app could be downloaded in five languages – Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi – from Google Play Store. It could also be downloaded by scanning the QR code displayed at the entrance of the forest trekking path.

The app was created following an initiative taken by the West Division of the Periyar Tiger Reserve under the Kerala Forest Department.

Tourism dept launches multilingual Sabarimala microsite, e-brochure
Kerala Tourism has launched a multilingual microsite and an e-brochure offering detailed information about the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Tourism and Public Works Minister P A Mohammed Riyas inaugurated these initiatives on Wednesday, emphasising their role in promoting pilgrim tourism, a growing sector worldwide.

The microsite, accessible at https://www.keralatourism.org/sabarimala/, provides pilgrims with insights into Sabarimala's traditions, customs, and culture, along with the latest updates and geographical details. Available in five languages—English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada—it caters to a diverse audience across India.

Key features include short video footage on Sabarimala, a comprehensive route map, and information on nearby temples and accommodation options. A dedicated gallery showcases hundreds of images related to the revered hill shrine.

The e-brochure serves as a virtual travel guide, offering tips on planning the pilgrimage, details of stay options, and essential contact numbers for a seamless experience, reported PTI.

Highlighting the importance of these tools, Minister Riyas said, "The microsite and e-brochure are crucial steps in integrating our heritage and historical temples into the tourism landscape. They ensure a smooth and enriching pilgrimage experience for visitors."

Tourism Director Sikha Surendran added, "These platforms provide reliable and valuable resources for pilgrims nationwide to plan their journey safely and efficiently."