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Agasthyamalai, also known as Agasthyakoodam is a nature’s home for bird watchers. This peak is one of the highest peaks in Kerala, well-known for its bird species and other exotic avian species. Its flora and fauna are diverse and contain some medicinal herbs as well. More than 200 species of ferns, orchids, mosses, and lichens are found here. The peak also has a shrine dedicated to a sage named Agasthya. Trekking in Agasthyamalai, Kerala must be on your list during the trip. This picturesque and adventurous trek is sure to enchant you.
Factors That Affect Agasthyamalai Trekking
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Certain factors affect trekking in Agasthyamalai Kerala:
- Physical Fitness: This is a two to three-day trek, which means your body must be able to take the stress. Your endurance and physical fitness levels must be great to take on this trek.
- Season: Season plays a very big role and Agasthyamalai treks must be avoided during hot and wet seasons. It is not feasible and safe to trek in such conditions.
- Permits: Agathyamali Trek needs prior permission for trekking. If the permission is denied, you cannot indulge in this trek.
How To Reach
Photo: Vivek Trivandrumite / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists can reach Thiruvananthapuram by any of the following ways:
By Air: Tourists can reach the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is around 61 km away from Agasthyamalai.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu. After that, you can hire a cab or board a bus.
By Road: Agasthyamalai is at a distance of around 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. You can hire a cab to reach Agasthyamalai. Also, the bus drops at Bonacaud Post Office which is 2 km away from the base camp.
About Agasthyamalai Trek
Photo: Eric Sanman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The trek in Agathyamalai is one of the most challenging treks to undertake in Kerala. The peak is at a height of 1,868 meters but the trek is worth it. This trek is one of the most diverse treks as it takes you through the Western Ghats’ lush green forests, rocky terrains, and open grasslands. Here is the ideal trekking itinerary for this trek:
Day 1
Old Tea Factory in Bonacaud: The abandoned tea factory is the first landmark of the trek. People coming by bus will be dropped off at the Bonacaud Post Office, near this factory. You must walk 2 km from the factory to the Forest Checkpost in Bonacaud. This is the trek’s starting point, and you must report here by 7 AM.
The forest officials check the pass and photo ID. You can purchase some snacks here and have South Indian vegetarian food from the nearby shop. You can consider taking a packed lunch from here. The trek begins around 9 AM with 20 other trekkers for the Athirumala Base Camp.
Athirumala Base Camp: This camp is around 16 km from the starting point and takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach, depending on your speed. You will be provided with a trekking guide who will offer you insights into their community and life. The first few kilometers are a straightforward walk through a thick forest with many streams on the way. Moreover, there will be a campsite after every few kilometers.
- You will come across three rivers on the way – Karamanayar, Vazapaithiyar, and Attayar, where trekkers can halt for lunch or take a dip. The trekking becomes narrow after the Attayar River and there is an uphill climb for the next 4 km.
- Thereafter you will enter open grasslands with some breathtaking mountain views. The last stretch to the camp is around 6 km and is an uphill trek through evergreen forests.
- You will spend the night at the base camp, in a dorm covered with aluminum sheets. There will be canteens to have dinner and bathrooms/toilets to freshen up.
Day 2
- Trekkers must wake up by 5-6 AM and freshen up. Collect packed breakfast from the canteen and lunch token. The distance from this base camp to Agasthyamalai Peak is around 6 km and is one of the most challenging treks in Agasthyamalai because it is entirely uphill.
- The trail passes through dense forests and water streams. You can also spot elephants and other animals here. You can have breakfast after reaching a deserted area with a small pond. The next part of the trek is through a forest and is downhill.
Final Lap: The final 2 km of the trek is the most adventurous. You will need a rope to ascend further through narrow paths of rock inside a forest. Furthermore, there is a rocky cliff you need to climb and this time your body will tilt to 90 degrees.
- After a climb of around 2 to 3 hours, you reach the top. If you start on time you will be here by 10 AM, and this time the weather is very pleasant. The bird’s view from the top is worth the effort and is unbeatable.
- There is an Agasthya shrine here, so trekkers can pay their respects and prayers to the Agasthya Muni statue.
Day 3
Return Trek: Trekkers who wish to return the same day to Bonacaud, must spend only 1-1.5 hours at the top and start the descent journey. It is advised to descend slowly and try to reach Athirumala Camp by 1 PM. Mark your attendance with the forest officer after returning to ensure that no one is left behind.
Places To Visit Near Agasthyamalai
Tourists can also plan to visit some other tourist spots near Agasthyamalai. Some of the best places to visit nearby are:
1. Courtallam Main Falls
Photo: Mariappan Ramachandran / Wikimedia Commons
Courtallam is situated in the Western Ghats and this famous waterfall falls on rocks and tiny droplets sprinkle in the air. These waterfalls have medicinal value as the water passes through forests and herbs before descending. These waterfalls are also called as ‘Spa of South India’ and ‘Poor Man’s Paradise.’ Due to these reasons, it is one of the major tourist attractions here. The way to these falls is very scenic with forested mountains and green blossoming rice fields.
Location: 35 km from Agasthya Mala
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
2. Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple
Photo: Navneet Shanu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also considered to be the prominent Temple with five Gopurams. The majestic beauty of this temple can be seen from the Golden Lotus Tank. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are disguised as water and lotus, respectively. The temple is spread over 14 acres of land. This ancient and massive temple has wonderful architecture and is considered very sacred.
Location: 50 km from Agasthya Mala
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
3. Poovar Island Beach
Photo: Midhun Subhash / Wikimedia Commons
Poovar Island Beach is a serene and quaint beach with coconut palms and golden sand. It is located where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea. This tranquil place is an ideal picnic destination. The visitors can swim from the lake to the ocean, take boat rides, and stroll along the beach, and enjoy the sunset/sunrise here. You will also find abundant flora, hundreds of spices, trees, and rare flowers. Being a tranquil place people love to visit this beach.
Location: 12 km from Kovalam Beach
Timings: 24*7
4. Kovalam Beach
Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons
Kovalam is a renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has crystal clear waters with coconut trees adorning the shoreline. The beach has leisure options for sunbathing, swimming, herbal body massages, special cultural programs, cruising, etc. The natural beauty of this place is mesmerising. The Ayurveda health resorts and conventional facilities attract a lot of people from India and around. So, tourists must stop here for sightseeing, swimming, and lip-smacking delicacies.
Location: 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 24*7
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Planemad / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time for trekking in Agasthyamalai is from January to April. The weather is pleasant and comfortable for trekking. This trek involves staying in camps at night, so these months are ideal for enduring that.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Monito – Money Transfer Comparison / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tourists planning to embark on the Agasthyamalai trekking must keep the following points in mind. It will help them plan the trip with ease:
Agasthyamalai Trekking Price
The trekking price in Agasthyamalai includes the transportation cost to reach the base of the trek, the trekking pass, and the cost of the food tokens you will purchase from the forest department canteens. Usually, ₹1500 to ₹2000 worth of tokens are enough to use for food during the whole trek. Moreover, the trekking pass costs ₹1000 and up to 10 people can be booked in one pass.
Tips For Travellers:
- You must have good physical endurance for taking this trek
- Carry fruits and healthy snacks to munch on the way and also water to stay hydrated
- Be in a group while trekking to ensure the safety of each other
- Purchase the canteen coupons in advance to avoid delays in waiting
- Wear a hat and a sunscreen to keep the sun’s rays away
- Carry a first-aid box with all the required medicines and ointments
- Carry mosquito repellents to keep the insects away
- Carry extra pair of clothing, umbrella, and raincoat
- Do not carry extra plastic item. If carrying, they will charge ₹100 per item
Agasthyalamali Trekking is famous for a reason, and this is why it is considered one of the best treks of Kerala. This trek takes you through forests, grasslands, waterfalls, tiny springs, gigantic trees, rocky outcrops, etc. It will not only impress you but will also test your endurance levels. So, plan a trip to Kerala with TripXL and embark on this adventurous trek.
Cover Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
