Lying in the Sahyadri Mountain Range of Western Ghats, Agasthiyakoodam Peak is quite a scenic and adventurous spot frequently visited by trekking enthusiasts. The Agasthiyakoodam Peak is 1,868 meters high and spreads across both the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Agasthyakoodam peak is a protected forest reserve under the control of Kerala Forest Department and entry is restricted here during the offseason. January to March is the time during which the Forest Department allows trekking to this peak. It starts on the auspicious day of the Makaravilakku festival at the famous Sabarimala temple and ends on the Shivaratri. One can reach the Agasthiyakoodam Peak only through trekking.

The trekking trail to Agasthiyakoodam Peak is a moderately difficult trek which covers a one-way distance of about 28km from the starting point at Bonacaud to the peak and it takes almost 2 days to reach the peak. Bonacaud is the last motorable spot and from there trekking is the only way to reach the Agasthiyakoodam Peak. The first part of the trek begins from the base station at Bonacaud in the early morning.

On the first day, the first 20 kilometres are covered. The rest of the 8 kilometres are covered on the next day which starts from the camp to the top of Agasthiyakoodam Peak. This trekking trail is so interesting that on your way you will pass through deciduous as well as evergreen forests, grasslands and finally the rock formations, as you reach the peak. Some demands trekking alone to the Agasthiyakoodam peak, while some others love exploring the flora and fauna around the peak and for some others it is a pilgrimage trip.

Due to safety reasons, women are not allowed to trek this peak. Every day, only 100 entry passes are issued, and these entry passes are given on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Apart from being an adventurous spot, the Agasthiyakoodam Peak is also a popular pilgrim centre for Hindus. There is a shrine dedicated to the Sage Agasthya at the top of this peak. The Agasthiyakoodam Peak forms a part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. A wide variety of exotic avian species are spotted here, thus making this place a paradise for the bird watchers. A rich collection of rare medicinal herbs and rich wildlife adorns this picturesque peak. Even the air blowing through this place is believed to have medicinal qualities. The Agasthiyakoodam peak is also renowned for housing large variety of flora and fauna. Over 2000 species of plants have been recorded in this area including lichens, orchids, mosses and ferns. The multi-colored orchids grown here are so beautiful that it enhances the beauty of the place. Elephants, Indian Gaurs, Leopards, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel and many more forms the wild inhabitants of the Agasthiyakoodam Peak.

Major attractions of the place

The major attraction of Agasthiyakoodam Peak is the shrine which is dedicated to the Hindu sage Agasthya. And the sage is believed to have lived in this peak and developed the traditional age-old medicinal Siddha treatment at this peak. It is also believed that in order to learn the fundamentals of Ayurveda, many Buddhist scholars from all across the globe visited the Agasthyakoodam Peak.

Specialty of the place

• The major speciality of Agasthiyakoodam Peak is that it is the second highest peak in Kerala.
• The Agasthiyakoodam Peak is proposed as the world heritage site by the UNESCO.
• The Agasthiyakoodam Biosphere Reserve has more than 2000 medicinal plant species.
• The Agasthiyakoodam Peak is named after the famous mythological character named Sage Agasthya who is believed to have lived in this peak and developed the traditional age-old medicinal Siddha treatment.

Activities Suggested :

Monday through Sunday, all day