Agasthyarkoodam | Agasthyamala- heaven for trekkers-hill station-Bird watchers paradise

Agasthyarkoodam, located 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), capital of KERALA, is the second highest peak in the state after Anamudi. With a great altitude of 1,868 m (6,129 ft) from the sea level, it rests in the Sahyadris, western Ghats with pride in the form of a sharp cone.

Agasthyarkoodam is one of the best trekking places in Kerala, or South India is accessible only by foot and is not only a scenic place but also a pilgrim center. ie trekkers have to take 24 km trekking from Bonacaud, which is the base camp of Agasthyarkoodam/Agastya Mala.

This hills is also known as Ashambu Hills and is the source/starting of many rivers like Kallada River, Achankoil River, Vamanapuram River, Karamana River, and Neyyar River in the Kerala side and the Thamirabarani River, Ramanadhi River, and Manimuthar River in Tamil Nadu side.

The name Agasthaymala, came from the great Hindu Sage Agasthya muni, whose statue is situated at the top of the peak and the sage,among Hindu Religion,is considered to be an perfect bachelor (brahmachari), and thus women are not allowed to the peak.

The hill is heaven for bird watchersand is blessed with rare species of herbs and medicinal plants.A very rare and special herb/plant named 'Arogyapacha', famously known as 'Plant of Eternal Health', is a speciality of Agasthyamala, and it attracts many researchers to this area. The sides and slopes of Agasthyakoodam is natuarally gardened with a special type green herbs, 'Neelakkurinjui' which usually blooms once in a 12 year. when it blooms, the whole area will be carpetted with the violet Neelakkuirinjis...! and it is an eyecatching sight for the nature lovers.

Also, this place is home to many endangered species of wild animals too, like Lion-Tailed Macaques, Bengal Tiger, Nilgiri Marten, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Spiny Dormouse, Great Pied Hornbills, Gaur, and Sloth Bear. 

Places of attraction nearby:

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Neyyar Dam, Neyyar Lion Safari Park, and Peppara Dam, Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary (6 km from Ambasamudram) and Papanasam Waterfalls (also known as Agastya Falls) in Tirunelveli district are the main attractions nearby.

Also, as already said, the 28 km trek to reach the top of Agasthyakoodam is the main attrction here, and the trekkers must take prior permission for trekking from The Wildlife Warden, Agasthyavanam Biological Park.

Trekking is mainly allowed in the months of January and February.