Nearest Towns:

Location info: India-->Kerala-->Trivendrum district-->Agasthyakoodam.

Route Info:

NH7 to Tirumangalam via Salem, Dindigul and Madurai. NH208 to Thenmala via Tenkasi and Shencottai; state road to Ponmudi.

Best Time To Visit:

Worst Time To Visit:

Difficulty Level:

Summary:

Agasthyakoodam Mountain is loacted in Agasthyakoodam, about 60km from the city, Trivandrum district, kerala. Agasthyakoodam is a forested peak in the Sahyadri Range of Mountains, and is considered the second highest peak in Kerala. Standing tall, at a height of 1890 meters above sea level, Agasthyakoodam ranks high among favored tourist destinations in Kerala.It is one of the beautiful mountain area and this place has been decalred as a reserved forest area by the government recently. As per the history, Agasthiyar is a saint and in Ayurvedam he had been considered as on of the master. The hill consists of rare ayurvedic species and hence this area is declared as the reserve area. The biodiversity of the region is enhanced by the altitudinal variations and in 1992, an area covering around 23 sq kms was established as Agasthya Vanam hill consists of rare ayurvedic species. The intention was to restore the degraded forests and to use it for educational purpose. This hill ranges is a bird watcher's paradise and is accessible by foot from Kotoor near Neyyar Dam. The peak is famous for the ‘Neelakurinji’, a beautiful blue flower that blooms here only once in every twelve years. It’s a sight one has to see. One cannot forget the breathtaking sight of the peak looking blue in color with the flowers in full bloom.The aborigines who reside here believe that Rishi Agasthya, who lived here was a confirmed bachelor and disliked women. Hence women are not allowed up the peak here.Ponmudy is another travel spot and the place is known for the greenery and it attracts the travellers for the nature's beauty.

The forests of Agasthyakoodam are rich in rare medicinal herbs and plant, and hued orchids and a sizable proportion of around 2000 medicinal plants used in the traditional systems of medicine are found here. The fauna here includes wild elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilagiri tahr etc. With its rich flora and fauna Agasthyakoodam is now becoming popular among the eco tourists and nature lovers. Virtually untouched by human intervention, this highrange station still houses the rare flora and fauna for posterity. Far from the picnic spot, for a casual traveller, Agasthyakoodam provides the ideal setting for those who love to experience nature in its sublime serenity. It is an ideal place for hard treks and jungle camping.The trekking track is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Meadows and streams, reed groves, `bonsai'-type trees clinging to the hillsides, the lonely walkway in the woods. The only sounds you hear during the trek are the swish of the trees, gurgle of water in the rivulets, the `sudden' chirping of a thousand crickets in unison and the sweet warbling of birds. Before reaching the sole shelter in the jungle built for trekkers at Athirumala, one has to cross three rivers - Karamana, Vaazhapindhiyaar and then Attayar. But only a few know that down stream the Attayar, there is a big waterfall known as Bona Falls.The best season for tourists to visit Agasthyakoodam for trekking is December to April. Forest Pass has be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram for trekking.

Things To Look for:

Ponmundi Hill Station:

The beautiful and peaceful hill station at around a distance of 60 kms from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and at an altitude of 1000m above thesea level on the Western Ghats, Ponmudi is a small peaceful hill station in Kerala, South India. True to its name meaning Golden Crown in Malayalam, Ponmudi promises a treat of a lifetime to all those looking for a break from the monotony of hectic life.Ponmudi, lying very close to the sea, offers a plethora of tourist destinations and activities that the people visiting this place can indulge themselves.

Meenmutty Falls:

This breathtakingly beautiful waterfall is sited on the trek path to Agasthyarkoodam. Trekkers can avail the golden opportunity of an exciting trek through dense forests to reach the falls. Situated near the Meenmutty waterfalls is another splendid waterfall- The Kombaikani Waterfalls.

Orchids and Deer Park:

The Orchids and Deer Park, situated at a few kilometers distance from Ponmudi, is another main attraction of the place.The extensive tea plantations in Ponmudi that border the winding way uphill, is another sight that is worth seeing.

Golden Valley:

A place that is not to be missed, golden valley, gifts its visitor a sight that sparkles with copious rivulets and rapids, and polished with well-rounded pebbles, ice cool water and green trees. Just the absolute wilds of the place are enough to mesmerize its beholder.

Padmanabhaswamy temple :

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is seen reclining on the Anantha serpent. The temple consists of a tower built of seven stories with rising pillars and intricate carvings decorated with mural paintings. Only peoples from the Hindu religion are allowed inside the temple premises places to the eastern side of the old fort ruins.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is established in 1958.It is located 30 kilometers away from Thiruvanathapuram, the capital city. The Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar. The Neyyar river and its tributaries flow along the entire stretch of the preserve. The irrigation dam at Neyyar receives water from the Neyyar river which originates from Agasthyakoodam hill.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram:

It is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats near Neyyar Dam. It offers different courses and programs on Yoga and Vedanta. The Ashram has facilities for worship, rejuvenation therapies, panchakarma treatments, canteen, money exchange facilities, dormitories, library, and a boutique.

Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre:

A crocodile farm was set up in 1977. It also includes a habitat for otters near the administrative complex. The Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was named by the Kerala government after late Steve Irwin as Steve Irwin National Park.

Neyyar Dam:

Neyyar Dam is situated at 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of western ghats.Neyyar is the heaven for tourists who search for some serenity and isolation. A Tour to Neyyar Dam will refresh your spirits in such a beautiful surrounding. The dam is a part of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is the home of unique species of flora and fauna. From wild boars and elephants to the vast range of medicinal herbs Neyyar is truly a nature lover’s paradise.

Things To Be Aware Of:

The path is quiet dangerous and tiresome, BP patients and heart patients should avoid the trip,It is not advisable ladies to trek due to their security reasons, Middle river.

References

Important Phone Numbers :

Permission:

Need permissiom.

Wildlife Warden Forest Department
PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.