The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Friday announced that only 1,000 pilgrims per day will be permitted to enter the Pullumedu forest route to reach the Sabarimala temple. The restriction applies to pilgrims entering via the Vandiperiyar entry point and is in line with a directive from the Kerala High Court.

However, the limit will not apply to pilgrims who have already selected and booked the Vandiperiyar–Pullumedu route through the virtual queue system.

Officials said the number of pilgrims choosing the Pullumedu route has increased in recent days, largely due to its popularity on social media. The forest route stretches for about 16 km and includes steep ascents and descents in addition to scenic grasslands.

The TDB has advised children, elderly pilgrims and those with health issues to avoid the Pullumedu route. In recent days, Fire and Rescue Services personnel have rescued several pilgrims who got stranded while trekking through the forest path.

Meanwhile, officials clarified that reports claiming special darshan passes are being issued to pilgrims arriving via the traditional Erumeli forest route are false. No such special passes are currently being issued.

While there is a demand for introducing a special pass for pilgrims using the Erumeli route, a final decision will be taken based on further directions from the High Court, officials said.