Some Facts about Agasthyakoodam:
Agasthyarkoodam , the tallest peak in the south at 1868 meters, is famous for its abundant ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants. It is about 50 km south-east from Nedumangad.
About 32 km from Nedumangad en route to Ponmudi , the rightly famous hill station, lays the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary which is a big attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and
Ornithologists. It is a spectacular peak in the Western Ghats that rises to a majestic height of about 1890 m )in the form of a sharp cone. It is is part of the Sahyadri mountains and is the second highest peak in Kerala, after Anamudi. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kottoor, near Neyyar Dam and also from Bonacaud tea estate, on the road to Ponmudi. Teeming with wild life Agathyarkoodam is a haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants and the slopes offer a breathtaking view. Agasthyarkoodam (‘the abode of Agasthya’) is famous for its legendary connection to Sage Agasthya, who had a good knowledge in medicines. Women are normally not allowed on the Peak. Many rivers have their origins in the peak, some like Neyyar flowing west and others like Tamraparni flowing east to Tamil Nadu.
Trekking:
Trekking is permitted only in the months of December, January, February and March.Trekking in small small groups is allowed only for one month starting from January to February for a nominal entry free. In the other months it is on special request and more costly.A distance of 28km need to be covered to reach the top from the office.Reached Bonacaud
office around 9am in the morning.In the forest office, it is required to show the documents and the photo. There will be a checking on the contents of our bag too.People were sent as batches of 20.There is small canteen near this office.The trekking started. On the way there were trees and shrubs in various colours.The Colour change can be noticed in each area. After two and a half kilometer of trekking we reach a place called Lathimotta.There is guides there.They will accompany you. Around 12:30 reached a place called Attayar. There was a stream over there.Had lunch from there.Downstream of Attayar there is a falls called the Bona falls.The next trekking consists of passing through large number of big grasses.Saw a green snake on the way. After some time thick forests started and it was a steep climb upwards.Reached the Base Camp, Athirumala by around 4 in the evening. There were dormitories arranged there. From the dormitory there is a wonderful view of the Agasthyakoodam peak.There is a small canteen which serves rice gruel and puttu.Slept in the dormitory and got up early morning. Had breakfast around 6:30 am in the morning.Left the baggage at the dormitory and the trekking resumed. There is a steep climb until we reach a rock, through the thick forest .Cold wind was brushing our face as we climbed to the top.A small fog was also there. Arrows were drawn on the rocks indicating the path. After the climb we again entered the frorest area.Saw may plants on the way. Climbed the rock using the rope which was hanging down.After the climb there was some normal paths, after that also rocks were there to climb. Nearly 3 steep rocks have to be climbed in order to reach the top. Finally reached top of the Agasthya Mala. A statue of Agasthya Muni is there.And cold wind was blowing very roughly. Here snowflakes come and gets cleared fast.It was a breathtaking view from the top. After spending some time on the top started climbing downwards. Rested near a waterfall for some time. Reached the dormitory around 2. People are not allowed to go from that point to go down if we reach the dormitory after 2.The people who reach after 2 can resume their journey only next day. We got lunch as parcel and started climbing downwards with our baggage. On our way down we sat near a river and had our lunch. Reached Attayar and then finally Lathimotta. We reached the office by around 6:30 pm. By that time it was pitch dark. Had a tea and headed back home. The Agasthyakoodam trekking is a must go trekking for all trekking lovers. Hope you have a wonderful time out there.
It will be good if certain Points are taken into consideration
1.Do not wear colourful cloths. It is always better to wear clothes suiting the jungle.
2. Carry bottles to store water as the water can be refilled on the way from rivers. Also carry some snacks and fruits along.
3 Do not disturb animals.
4 Use a good pair of shoes .
5 Carry medicines for common ailments.
6 Do not travel alone.
7 Do not take away anything from the Biosphere Reserve.
8 Do not use liquor.
Agasthyarkoodam , the tallest peak in the south at 1868 meters, is famous for its abundant ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants. It is about 50 km south-east from Nedumangad.
About 32 km from Nedumangad en route to Ponmudi , the rightly famous hill station, lays the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary which is a big attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and
Ornithologists. It is a spectacular peak in the Western Ghats that rises to a majestic height of about 1890 m )in the form of a sharp cone. It is is part of the Sahyadri mountains and is the second highest peak in Kerala, after Anamudi. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kottoor, near Neyyar Dam and also from Bonacaud tea estate, on the road to Ponmudi. Teeming with wild life Agathyarkoodam is a haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants and the slopes offer a breathtaking view. Agasthyarkoodam (‘the abode of Agasthya’) is famous for its legendary connection to Sage Agasthya, who had a good knowledge in medicines. Women are normally not allowed on the Peak. Many rivers have their origins in the peak, some like Neyyar flowing west and others like Tamraparni flowing east to Tamil Nadu.
Trekking:
Trekking is permitted only in the months of December, January, February and March.Trekking in small small groups is allowed only for one month starting from January to February for a nominal entry free. In the other months it is on special request and more costly.A distance of 28km need to be covered to reach the top from the office.Reached Bonacaud
office around 9am in the morning.In the forest office, it is required to show the documents and the photo. There will be a checking on the contents of our bag too.People were sent as batches of 20.There is small canteen near this office.The trekking started. On the way there were trees and shrubs in various colours.The Colour change can be noticed in each area. After two and a half kilometer of trekking we reach a place called Lathimotta.There is guides there.They will accompany you. Around 12:30 reached a place called Attayar. There was a stream over there.Had lunch from there.Downstream of Attayar there is a falls called the Bona falls.The next trekking consists of passing through large number of big grasses.Saw a green snake on the way. After some time thick forests started and it was a steep climb upwards.Reached the Base Camp, Athirumala by around 4 in the evening. There were dormitories arranged there. From the dormitory there is a wonderful view of the Agasthyakoodam peak.There is a small canteen which serves rice gruel and puttu.Slept in the dormitory and got up early morning. Had breakfast around 6:30 am in the morning.Left the baggage at the dormitory and the trekking resumed. There is a steep climb until we reach a rock, through the thick forest .Cold wind was brushing our face as we climbed to the top.A small fog was also there. Arrows were drawn on the rocks indicating the path. After the climb we again entered the frorest area.Saw may plants on the way. Climbed the rock using the rope which was hanging down.After the climb there was some normal paths, after that also rocks were there to climb. Nearly 3 steep rocks have to be climbed in order to reach the top. Finally reached top of the Agasthya Mala. A statue of Agasthya Muni is there.And cold wind was blowing very roughly. Here snowflakes come and gets cleared fast.It was a breathtaking view from the top. After spending some time on the top started climbing downwards. Rested near a waterfall for some time. Reached the dormitory around 2. People are not allowed to go from that point to go down if we reach the dormitory after 2.The people who reach after 2 can resume their journey only next day. We got lunch as parcel and started climbing downwards with our baggage. On our way down we sat near a river and had our lunch. Reached Attayar and then finally Lathimotta. We reached the office by around 6:30 pm. By that time it was pitch dark. Had a tea and headed back home. The Agasthyakoodam trekking is a must go trekking for all trekking lovers. Hope you have a wonderful time out there.
It will be good if certain Points are taken into consideration
1.Do not wear colourful cloths. It is always better to wear clothes suiting the jungle.
2. Carry bottles to store water as the water can be refilled on the way from rivers. Also carry some snacks and fruits along.
3 Do not disturb animals.
4 Use a good pair of shoes .
5 Carry medicines for common ailments.
6 Do not travel alone.
7 Do not take away anything from the Biosphere Reserve.
8 Do not use liquor.
How to Obtain Permission:
Pass can be obtained from the following Wild Life Office :
Address:
The wild life Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram,
