Sabarimala
The Pampa river — the most sacred river in Kerala — flows at the base of the Sabarimala hill, and all pilgrims traditionally bathe here before beginning the final trek to the shrine. The sight of thousands of black-clad devotees immersed in the river, chanting Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa in unison, is one of the most powerful expressions of collective faith you will encounter anywhere in India.
Pampa is extremely crowded during peak season — hold onto your belongings tightly and do not bring valuables to the riverbank. The designated bathing ghats are safer than the unmanaged banks.