Agastyarkoodam, also known as Agasthyakoodam or Agastya Mala, is a forested peak located 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram, in the Western Ghats of South India. Agastyarkoodam is both a pilgrimage site and a scenic spot and is a favorite destination for trekking enthusiasts. Situated about 1,868 m (6,129 ft) from the sea level, Agasthyakoodam Mountain is the second highest peak in Kerala after Anamudi Peak.
Shaped in the form of a cone, Agasthyakoodam is the source of the river Thamiarabarni which flows in Tirunelveli District. Agastyarkoodam peak is accessible only on foot – visitors and tourists have to take 24 km trekking from Bonacaud, which is the base camp of Agastya Mala. Agasthyamalai Hills also called the Ashambu Hills.
Significance of Agastyarkoodam Peak – Sight Seeing
Agastya Mala Hill is said to be the abode of the Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas. There is a statue of sage Agasthya at the top of the peak. He is said to have taught the Aditya Hrudayam mantra to Lord Rama. Tamil language is supposed to be the boon from Agasthya.
Agasthyamala is a haven for medicinal plants and rare herbs. The peak is home to more than 2000 varieties of medicinal plants of which at least 50 are rare and endangered species. The peak is also home to endangered mammals including the Lion-Tailed Macaques, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Great Pied Hornbills, Gaur, and Sloth Bear.
‘Arogyapacha’ (plant of eternal health) is one such rare herb which has been spotted here. Another attraction is the Neelakurinji flower - which blooms only once in twelve years. Apart from Munnar hill station, Agastyarkoodam peak is the only place where Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) flower blooms in Kerala.
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of about 23 sq km, is an important tourist attraction here. Established in 1992, the park preserves rare herbs and medicinal plants. A 28 km trek to reach the top of Agasthyakoodam is popular here. Trekking is mainly permitted only in the months of January and February and permission is to be obtained from the Forest Department of Kerala (contact address below).
Some of the main Kerala Rivers such as Kallada River, Achankoil River, Vamanapuram River, Karamana River, and Neyyar River flows from the Agastya Mala hills. The Thamirabarani River, Ramanadhi River, and Manimuthar River in Tamil Nadu also flows from Agasthyamalai hills.
Tourist Attractions near Agastyarkoodam
Neyyar Dam, Neyyar Lion Safari Park, and Peppara Dam are the major tourist attraction situated near Agastyarkoodam - about 32 km away. Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (6 km from Ambasamudram) and Papanasam Waterfalls (also known as Agastya Falls) in Tirunelveli district are other tourist places worth visiting.
Agastyarkoodam Location
Agastya Mala, the best trekking destination in Kerala, lies on the border between the Indian states of Kerala (in Kollam and Trivandrum District) and Tamil Nadu (in Tirunelveli). The western slope of Agasthyamala is in Kerala, the eastern side is in Tirunelveli and south in Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu.
By Flight / Airport
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, around 69 km away.
By Train / Railway Station
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Agastyarkoodam. Trivandrum Railway Station is around 61 km from Agastya Mala. Ambasamudram Railway Station in Tirunelveli District is the nearest railway station for tourists visiting from Tamilnadu.
By Road
Agastya Mala is situated 32 km from Neyyar Dam and around 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram City. Trivandrum > Nedumangad > Vithura > Bonacaud is the driving route to reach Agastyarkoodam.
Address For obtaining Pass for Trekking / Tour
Tourists planning to visit Agastyarkoodam need to obtain entry passes for Trekking and Tour.
Contact Address
The Wildlife Warden
Agasthyavanam Biological Park,
Rajeev Gandhi Nagar
Vattiyourkavu PO
Trivandrum 695013
Telephone Numbers – 0471-236860; 0471-2272182
Visitors can also contact
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Forest Headquarters
Trivandrum 695014
Phone Number – 0471-2322217
The Chief Conservator (Agasthyavanam) Phone - 0471-2325385
Significance of Agastyarkoodam Peak – Sight Seeing
Agastya Mala Hill is said to be the abode of the Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas. There is a statue of sage Agasthya at the top of the peak. He is said to have taught the Aditya Hrudayam mantra to Lord Rama. Tamil language is supposed to be the boon from Agasthya. Agasthyamala is a haven for medicinal plants and rare herbs. The peak is home to more than 2000 varieties of medicinal plants of which at least 50 are rare and endangered species. The peak is also home to endangered mammals including the Lion-Tailed Macaques, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Great Pied Hornbills, Gaur, and Sloth Bear.
‘Arogyapacha’ (plant of eternal health) is one such rare herb which has been spotted here. Another attraction is the Neelakurinji flower - which blooms only once in twelve years. Apart from Munnar hill station, Agastyarkoodam peak is the only place where Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) flower blooms in Kerala.
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, covering an area of about 23 sq km, is an important tourist attraction here. Established in 1992, the park preserves rare herbs and medicinal plants. A 28 km trek to reach the top of Agasthyakoodam is popular here. Trekking is mainly permitted only in the months of January and February and permission is to be obtained from the Forest Department of Kerala (contact address below).
Tourist Attractions near Agastyarkoodam
Neyyar Dam, Neyyar Lion Safari Park, and Peppara Dam are the major tourist attraction situated near Agastyarkoodam - about 32 km away. Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (6 km from Ambasamudram) and Papanasam Waterfalls (also known as Agastya Falls) in Tirunelveli district are other tourist places worth visiting.
Agastyarkoodam Location
Agastya Mala, the best trekking destination in Kerala, lies on the border between the Indian states of Kerala (in Kollam and Trivandrum District) and Tamil Nadu (in Tirunelveli). The western slope of Agasthyamala is in Kerala, the eastern side is in Tirunelveli and south in Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu.
How to reach Agastyarkoodam or Agastya Mala?
By Flight / Airport
The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, around 69 km away.
By Train / Railway Station
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Agastyarkoodam. Trivandrum Railway Station is around 61 km from Agastya Mala. Ambasamudram Railway Station in Tirunelveli District is the nearest railway station for tourists visiting from Tamilnadu.
By Road
Agastya Mala is situated 32 km from Neyyar Dam and around 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram City. Trivandrum > Nedumangad > Vithura > Bonacaud is the driving route to reach Agastyarkoodam.
Address For obtaining Pass for Trekking / Tour
Tourists planning to visit Agastyarkoodam need to obtain entry passes for Trekking and Tour.
Contact Address
The Wildlife Warden
Agasthyavanam Biological Park,
Rajeev Gandhi Nagar
Vattiyourkavu PO
Trivandrum 695013
Telephone Numbers – 0471-236860; 0471-2272182
Visitors can also contact
Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Forest Headquarters
Trivandrum 695014
Phone Number – 0471-2322217
The Chief Conservator (Agasthyavanam) Phone - 0471-2325385
I am interesting trakking this place where to get permission and if any guide available please send the details my mail dr.winstar@gmail.com
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