Varkey Parakkal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Western Ghats is one of the most ecologically rich regions in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to thousands of plant, animal, bird, and insect species,many found nowhere else,this ancient mountain range predates the Himalayas and stretches from Gujarat in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. Agasthyarkoodam is a peak that is part of this range that lies in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

It is one of the most famous and picturesque trekking destinations in Kerala. The peak is at about 1868 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in Kerala. Agasthyarkoodam is known for its biodiversity and spiritual significance as it is believed to be the abode of sage Agasthya. The possibility of encountering wild animals makes it a more interesting trek especially for wildlife enthusiasts. The local tribal community of Kani consider the sage Agasthya as a supreme god and as such women were not allowed to trek to the peak until 2019. However, after a court ruled in favour of lifting the unofficial ban for women, the local community decided to respect the court order and adapt to the changing times. Now women are also allowed to trek the peak.

The Trek

The total Agasthyarkoodam trek distance is about 56 km two way and is usually completed within 2 or 3 days. The trek starts early in the morning from Boncaud Forest Station, which is about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, so make travel arrangements beforehand to avoid rushing. All trekkers have to report at the forest station between 5 am and 6 am.

Aniprasanth, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The first trek is from Boncaud to Athirumala base camp, which is about 20 km long and will take you about 7-8 hours to reach the base camp. This trek goes through dense forest, small streams and over small hills. The level of difficulty of this trek is considered to be moderate. Once you reach the base camp, have a meal and recharge your batteries for the climb to the peak the next morning. 

The next day is the trek to scale the Agasthyarkoodam peak. It is an 8 km steep climb to the top. The trek starts early in the morning through rocky and narrow pathways on a steep trail for about 5-6 km. Then trekkers will have their breakfast before taking on the most difficult climb of the trek. Trekkers will use a rope to climb a steep incline for the next two kilometres to reach the peak. This is the most difficult and also the most adventurous part of the trek. It will take about 2-3 hours to reach the peak from the base camp.

CNRNair, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Once you reach the peak, you will be able to witness stunning views of mountains with lush greenery. You will spend about 2-3 hours at the peak where you will also see an idol of sage Agasthya and witness puja ceremonies performed by the locals. Once the puja is done, the place is to be cleaned of plastics and papers so as to keep the area pure and not interfere with nature and wildlife.

Once everything is finished, you will start the descent back to Athirumala base camp. It usually takes another 3-4 hours to reach back to the base camp. Once you have reached the camp, you will spend the night there and rest up for the trek back to Boncaud the next day. The next morning is the third and final day of the trek where you will start on your journey back to Boncaud forest station. It will take about 6-7 hours to reach the station and complete your 3 day trek of the Agasthyarkoodam peak.

Important Information

• This trail is only open from January to March and a pass which is issued by the Kerala  Forest Department is required to undertake this trek. The Forest Department issues only 100 passes per day on a first come first serve basis, which sell out almost immediately thereby making it very difficult to obtain one and go on the trek.
• The cost per person for the trekking pass is INR 2,700/-, which includes the forest permit and accommodation. Meals are not included and need to be purchased separately.
• A fee of INR 100/- will have to be paid for every plastic item taken beyond the Boncaud Forest Station.
• There is no accommodation in Boncaud and the trek starts early in the morning on the first day. So make travel arrangements to reach Boncaud from Trivandrum at the right time.
• Follow all the rules and regulations and do not litter.
• Be respectful of the local traditions and customs.
• Carry only essential items so as to not physically overburden yourself during the trek.
• The base camp has only bare minimum facilities so make sure you prepare and pack accordingly.
• Get a health check up and make sure you are in good health to undertake this trek as it can be physically challenging.
• Children below 14 years of age will not be allowed to trek.
• Foreign nationals are not allowed to take part in the Agasthyarkoodam trek

Travel and Accomodation

Boncaud is 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram and can only be accessed by road. There are no accommodation facilities in Boncaud so arrange for accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram and make travel arrangements beforehand to reach Boncaud in the morning.

Being the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is easily accessible by road, train or flights. Trains from major cities around the country reach Thiruvananthapuram. There are also several flights connecting major cities to Thiruvananthapuram.

The city also has accommodation facilities for various types of travelers from luxury hotels, which provide comfort and premium service, to budget hotels and homestays for solo travelers.

There are also hostels and dormitories for travelers looking to meet new people on their adventures.

Reference

• narentrek.wordpress.com
• keralatourism.org
• irisholidays.com
• thesouthfirst.com
• agasthyamala.com
• en.wikipedia.org