One of the first practical decisions for your Sabarimala trip is how you travel: join a shared batch on fixed dates, or charter a private bus for your own group. Both have their place – here’s how to decide.
What Is Seat / Batch Booking?
With seat booking, you book individual seats on one of SBLT’s scheduled departures – for example, the 20–21 November or 04–05 December Speed Yatra batches, or the 17–20 December 4-Day Yatra. You travel alongside other pilgrims on a fixed itinerary, with the date, route, and schedule already planned.
- Ideal for individuals, couples, or small family groups.
- No need to coordinate a group — just pick a date that works.
- Priced per person:
- ₹8,500 (Sleeper A/C, 2-Day Speed Yatra from chennai to sabarimala)
- ₹8,700 (Volvo A/C, 4-Day Yatra to sabarimala to chennai).
What Is Private Bus / Volvo Charter Booking?
With a private charter, your group book a volvo A/C bus for yourselves – your own schedule, your own passenger list, and a route planned around your group’s needs. This is how SBLT’s Premium Volvo Rental service for Sabarimala groups works.
- Ideal for temple committees, Ayyappa Seva Sanghams, family groups, or corporate/associate groups travelling together.
- Flexible departure dates, not limited to the published batch calendar.
- Custom pricing based on group size, duration, and route — contact SBLT directly for a quote.
- Comes with experienced drivers, comfortable seating, A/C comfort, and 24-hour booking assistance.
Cost Comparison at a Glance
Seat booking is priced per person and predictable — ₹8,500 or ₹8,700 depending on the package you choose. A private Volvo charter is priced as a whole-vehicle quote, which can work out more economical per head for larger groups, while also giving you full control over timing.
Which Option Is Right for You?
- Travelling solo, as a couple, or with 2–4 family members → Seat booking on a fixed batch date is simpler and cost-predictable.
- Travelling as a group of 20+ (temple group, workplace group, extended family) → A private Volvo charter gives you control over the date and keeps everyone together.
- Not sure which fits your group? SBLT’s team can walk you through both options based on your headcount and preferred dates.
A note from our team: “Sathish, who runs a Sabarimala Seva Sangham in Ambattur, had been organising his group’s yatra on his own for three years — juggling forty people’s individual bus tickets, uneven seat comfort, all of it. When his group switched to a private Volvo charter with us, he told me the biggest relief wasn’t even the vehicle. It was not having to explain a departure schedule to forty anxious people at 5am. Everyone left together, everyone came back together. Small thing on paper, but it changed how his whole group experienced the trip.” — Kalidass, SBLT Group Bookings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from seat booking to a private charter later?
Yes — if your group grows beyond what individual seat bookings make sense for, get in touch and SBLT can quote a private Volvo charter instead.
Is the Volvo A/C bus available for dates outside the published batch calendar?
Private charters are more flexible on dates than the fixed batch departures — reach out with your preferred dates to check availability.
What’s included in both options?
Both seat booking and private charter include temple visits, accommodation, hygienic meals, an experienced guide, and first-aid assistance as standard.
Book Your Sabarimala Yatra 2026–27 with SBLT
For seat booking, choose a batch date from our 2026–27 calendar. contact our team at 7550234666 or visit our website
- ₹8,500 (Sleeper A/C, 2-Day Speed Yatra from chennai to sabarimala)
- ₹8,700 (Volvo A/C, 4-Day Yatra to sabarimala to chennai).
For a private Volvo charter for your group, call our fleet team directly at 9841699956 / 9841699966.
📞 7550234666 ✉️ packages.tours@sblt.co.in 🌐 www.sblt.co.in
Irumudi Kattuthal & departure from Anna Nagar Ayyappan Temple. Plot No.1310, 13th Main Road (Opp Anna Nagar West Depot), Anna Nagar West, Chennai – 600040.
