Sabarimala International Airport to be constructed in Kottayam soon

Kottayam is all set to get Sabarimala International Airport. With this airport, the government is hoping to boost spiritual tourism in Kerala. The Sabarimala Temple is among the most significant shrines in India and is visited by lakhs of devotees. The authorities have now decided to construct an international airport in Kottayam to make the temple accessible for devotees.

About the temple

Unlike other Hindu temples, Sabarimala doesn’t remain open year round. Set in the Sabarimala Hill in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu Brahmachari deity, Ayyappan. The temple, when open, receives over 10 to 15 lakh devotees every year.
The government's proposal for constructing an INR 3411 crore airport has also received approval from the Union Environment Ministry panel. The approval was needed because the airport falls outside the 10 km radius of the sensitive zone of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

The other best thing when the airport comes up is that it is going to provide employment to 600 people right in the operation phase. In addition to serving the devotees, the airport will also boost tourism in nearby districts in Kerala.
Places like Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta in Kerala will also get a boost with this airport.