Towering over the southernmost stretches of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Agasthyakoodam, also known as Agastya Mala or Agasthyamalai, is a trekker’s paradise. This famed peak, standing tall at 1868 meters, is not just a challenging climb but also a pilgrimage site steeped in mythology and breathtaking natural beauty. The entire trek spans across 48 km, covering challenging terrains and weather conditions. Most of trekkers consider this as one of the toughest treks to endure but an equally rewarding one when you reach the peak. Before seeking an adventure into this ecological treasure trove, let’s learn some details of the Agasthyakoodam trekking.
Agasthyakoodam Trekking Amidst Nature
Image Credit: Athulvis for Wikimedia Commons
The Agasthyakoodam trek is a moderately difficult to challenging expedition, encompassing a total distance of approximately 48 kilometres (one way). The path takes the trekkers through grasslands, majestic hills and evergreen forests along the way. However, undertaking this trek requires careful planning and physical fitness due to the strenuous climbs, varying terrain, and limited facilities. Additionally, Agasthyakoodam is one of the many mountains that’s located in the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Trivandrum, Kerala. It is one of the highest peaks in the state and the trek to reach the top is one of the most challenging. According to reports, the dense forests during the trek are home to many medicinal herbs and plants that promote healing.
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Location Of Agasthyakoodam Trekking
Agasthyakoodam lies within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated World Network Biosphere Reserve. This protected area spans the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts in Kerala, India. The trek begins at the Bonacaud (Bonaccord) Estate, a scenic plantation in the foothills. If you are considering embarking on this trek, having a trekking pass is mandatory. You can’t enter the trekking trail without it and start the journey.
How And Where To Get Agasthyakoodam Trekking Pass?
The importance of the Agasthyakoodam trekking pass is vital if you wish to embark on the trek. Due to the difficulty level, the trekking trail is open from the second week of January until late March. Usually, it covers a 45-day span.
However, due to the risks involved in the trekking trail, KFDC only issues 100 passes each season. You can find the tickets on the official website of the Kerala Forest Department. Also, if you are worried about how to plan for the trek, keep an eye out for the newspapers. Major publications release the news of the trek’s opening across Kerala. If you plan to embark on the trek the rest of the year, you’d need to hire a local guide.
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How To Reach Agasthyakoodam Peak?
Reaching the starting point of the Agasthyakoodam trek involves a journey through Kerala’s captivating countryside. Here’s a breakdown of how to get there:
Nearest Airport
The Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) in Thiruvananthapuram is the closest air connectivity option. You can hire a taxi or pre-book transportation to reach Bonacaud, which takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Nearest Railway Station
The Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station offers train connections to major cities in India. Upon arrival, taxis or pre-booked transportation can take you to Bonacaud.
Nearest Road Transportation
If opting for a road trip, Kerala has a well-connected network of highways and state roads. You can reach Bonacaud via National Highway 66 (NH66) from major cities like Kochi or Kozhikode.
Depending on your convenience and affordability, you can choose the transportation mode that works best for you.
Itinerary: A Day-By-Day Breakdown
When you finalise the details of the Agasthyarkoodam trekking booking, you have to keep in consideration that it is typically a 3-day trek (return included).
Here’s a detailed guide involving your day-by-day guide for the trek:
Day 1: Bonacaud – Azhinamallay
You have to start your trek from the Bonacaud check post. This is where the verification and permits are issued, so you will have to spend a few hours getting all the logistics sorted out. Once you receive the Agasthyakoodam trekking pass, it is finally time to embark on the trek. The initial leg of the trek covers around 8 km distance and covers a well-defined path through rubber estates and lush green plantations. Following the initial walk, the trek becomes a little easier, offering a glimpse of the surrounding hills and diverse flora, along the way. As you progress, the trail enters the dense rainforest, teeming with birds, insects, and many plant life. The first day’s trek ends during the first night at Azhinamallay, a rudimentary shelter with basic amenities.
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Day 2: Azhinamallay – Agasthyarkoodam Peak
The second day is where all the magic happens. However, the second day of the trek is the most challenging. As you progress, the path gets steeper and narrower, with sections requiring careful navigation and good physical fitness.
While the first day of the trek crosses through lush greenery, the second day crosses through streams, waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints along the way. The final ascent to the peak is particularly demanding, with steep climbs and loose gravel underfoot. Reaching the summit is a rewarding experience, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats, rolling hills, and the distant plains. Depending on your pace, you might have to reach the peak late morning or afternoon. Once you finish the trek, explore the surroundings and gradually make the descent towards Azhinamallay or another designated campsite. Here, you will finish the second night’s stay.
Day 3: Descend to Bonacaud
The final day involves retracing your steps back to Bonacaud. Though primarily downhill, the trek can still be physically demanding due to the uneven terrain. You will get to experience the rainforest as you descend. Upon reaching Bonacaud finally, you will need to complete the check-out formalities and celebrate the success of the trek.
Note: You can go ahead and celebrate your trek at one of the local food joints near Bonacaud. The local Kerala cuisine in these restaurants is quite delectable.
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Things To Do During Agasthyakoodam Trekking
Beyond the exhilarating climb, the Agasthyakoodam trek offers many experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Following are a few experiences worth experiencing:
Immerse in the nature around
The beauty of the trek lies in the experience and the beauty that you get to witness along the way. The rich biodiversity of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. You get to explore a variety of wildlife, birds, unique insects and reptiles along the way. Some of the wildlife are endemic to the region as well.
Challenge yourself
Booking your Agasthyakoodam trekking package requires a lot of planning and mental resilience. This is one of the most challenging treks, so the plan is to ensure that you have all the logistics planned out. The trek pushes you through physical and mental limits.
Connect with history and mythology
The Agasthyakoodam has a lot of cultural significance wherein the legends associate the journey with Sage Agastya. He holds a lot of prominence in the Hindu mythology. Many trekkers embarking on or experiencing the trek often suggest feeling spiritual empowerment during the trek.
Stargazing while camping
After reaching the summit, many trekkers spend their night camping at the peak. Also, the minimal pollution and remote location make it perfect for stargazing under the night sky. Not just that, most trekkers also carry camping essentials to enjoy the thrill of spending their night amid nature. You have to carry all the gear since not much is available.
List Of Things To Carry During Agasthyakoodam Trekking
As you finalise all the Agasthyakoodam trekking details, ensure that you have a proper list of the essentials to carry with you to successfully complete the trek.
Following are a few items that are worth adding:
- 2-3 pairs of quick dry tees and pants
- Multiple pairs of underwear
- Waterproof jacket
- Camping gear (if you plan on camping)
- Snacks
- Bathing towel
- Trekking shoes and socks
- Lightweight blanket
- Bottles of water
- Headlamp
- Powerbank
- Entry pass, ID proof, affidavit
- Spare cash
- Camera with batteries
- Salt
These are some of the most basic items worth carrying. You can add or deduct items from the list at your convenience.
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The Agasthyakoodam trekking is more than just a challenging climb; it’s a journey of discovery. It unveils the captivating beauty of the Western Ghats, tests your physical and mental fortitude, and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. If you plan a trip to Kerala sometime soon, familiarise yourself with all the Agasthyakoodam trekking details.
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Cover Image Credit: Athulvis for Wikimedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Agasthyakoodam Trekking
What is the best time to undertake the Agasthyakoodam trek?
The ideal time to visit is between January and March when the Kerala forest department opens up the trails for the trek.
What are the physical fitness requirements for the trek?
When making the Agasthyarkoodam trekking booking, you will be made aware of the trek’s difficulty level. It is fairly challenging and one needs to be in optimal physical health with strong stamina to be able to complete the trek.
What permits are required for the trek?
You need a pass and permit from the Kerala Forest Department to start the trek. Around 100 are issued after the trek path is opened.
Are there any guides or porters available for the trek?
If this is your first time on this trek, hiring a local guide and porter is ideal. It ensures easy navigation and optimal safety along the way.
Where to stay in Bonacaud?
Bonacaud is a tiny village with no hotels. So, you’d have to book your stay at Vithura or Nedumangad, which are near to this village.
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