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Agasthyakoodam trekking is one of the toughest trails in India. Agastyarkoodam is the 2nd highest peak located in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thiruvananthapurm.
Agastyarkoodam is believed to be the abode of the great Hindu Sage Agasthya. Sage Agastya is one among the 7 rishis (Sapta rishis) according to Hindu Purana. It is said that Tamil language is a boon from Sage Agastya.
Photo Courtesy: Bobinson K B
Agastyarkoodam Peak from the base camp
Best Time For Agasthyakoodam Trek
Agasthyakoodam Trekking season is from the peak season is from Mid-January to March. It is closed to public in all other seasons.
Tourism here is restricted because it is a biosphere reserve and a home to many wild animals.
How To Reach Agastyarkoodam
Start your journey from Thiruvananthapuram and reach Bonacaud (50km). Many buses go from Trivandrum to Bonacaud and from there it is 24km to reach the peak.
A Waterfalls inside Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo Courtesy: cea +
The mountain peak is only accessible by foot and vehicles can only go till Bonacaud.
Trekking Routes
Trek starts from Bonacaud and it takes around 2 days to reach the summit. The hike can be divided into two parts and usually people camp after 20km from the base camp. The remaining final distance to the tip is considered very difficult.
Neyyar - Agasthyakoodam trekking route is closed to public.
Rules and Restrictions For Agastyarkoodam Trek
One has to buy Agasthyakoodam trekking pass from the Forest Department in Thirvanathapuram. Online booking can also be done. Usually, the passes will be issued from December and only 100 passes are given per day. People are not allowed to crowd the place as it is a protected area.
A View of Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve
Photo Courtesy: Seshadri.K.S
Women are not allowed for this trek because the route is extremely difficult and men with good physical strength can only manage this hike.
The peak is part of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, it is possible that trekkers might bump into wild animals. So it is better to take enough precautions before the trek.
Specialities of Agastyarkoodam Peak
The place is a biosphere reserve and is full of medicinal plants. Around 2000 rare varieties of medicinal herbs are found here. The environment is very pure and worth exploring.
Beautiful view of the trek route
Photo Courtesy: Varkey Parakkal
Sage Agastya's idol is situated on top of the peak. Hence, it also considered as a pilgrimage centre.
A Unique Travel
The trail allows people to experience the nature at its best. The aura of place is worth exploring for the adventure freaks. Unfortunately, women are not allowed only because of some health and safety reasons.
Sage Agastya's Idol
Photo Courtesy: Sdsenthilkumar
Just make sure you carry enough food, water and take all the necessary precautions. However, it is not wrong to say that Agasthyakoodam trek is one ultimate adventure.
