Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 22 (IANS): The Kerala Police has opened the online queue booking for Sabarimala pilgrims ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season, a police official said here Monday.

Under the unique queue booking system, devotees can make advance booking to ensure their place in a separate queue to the temple devoted to Lord Ayyappa.

The two-month Sabarimala Mandala - Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, when there is a heavy rush of pilgrims to the shrine, will begin Nov 16 and conclude in January next year.

The online queue booking system was first introduced by the Kerala Police last season and over seven lakh pilgrims used this facility. This season about 30 lakh pilgrims are expected to utilise the online facility, according to police.

"There will be eight separate counters at the temple foothills for pilgrims who have booked their 'darshan' online," said Additional Director General of Police P. Chandrasekheran.

The Sabarimala temple is in the mountains of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 metres above sea level. The temple is about four km uphill from Pamba in Pathanamthitta district and can be accessed only on foot from Pamba.

The temple bars the entry of women who have attained puberty.

Pilgrims who want to make an advance online booking for 'darshan' can do so by visiting website: www.sabarimala.keralapolice.gov.in.