Agastyarkoodam, also called as Agastya Mala, is a peak of 1868 meters in the Western Ghats of South India. (second highest peak in Kerala state). The lower elevations of this peak are also known for their abundance of rare herbs and medicinal plants. Around 2000 medical plants used for Siddha and Ayurveda treatments are found here. Agastyarkoodam is accessible only on foot, with 24 km of trekking from Bonacaud, and 32 km from Neyyar Dam.
According to a local belief, the peak was the abode of sage Agasthya, who was a deep-rooted bachelor. Hence this place is known as Agastyarkoodam. The aborigines dislike the presence of women on the hill. Hence, women are not allowed up the peak.
Its slopes offer a breathtaking sight when they transform into colorful glades of the ‘Neelakurinji’ a flower, which blooms only once in twelve years. Apart from Munnar, Agastyarkoodam is the only place where Neelakurinji flower blooms.
The Journey to Agastya Mala commences at Thiruvananthapuram's Thampanoor bus stand. The state transport bus covers 60-odd km to Bonacaud Tea Estate, the last outpost of civilisation.We Reached thambanoor station by 4.45 a.m. itself. By 5 all seats were filled. by 8 a.m. we reached Bonacaud. We had our breakfast on the way from a small shop. We had Appam and Kadala Curry and it was awsum !!.
we had our lunch by 1.15. It was a meal parcel from the forest canteen at base camp.
We were trying to reach the Athirumala Camp before 2 p.m so that we can climb agastyamala on same day itself. But we were advised that it is better not to go on the same day, otherwise we may not be able to make the return journey. We were bit disappointed and this slow down our journey. Finally we reached Athirumala Camp by 3.40 p.m.
its a big hall where all the people will be staying. We can get a sleeping Mat from the office for Rs.5/-. It is worth to have a blanket with you.
We had a bath from the near by stream and spent time all around there. It was wonderfull to see the sky at night from there. It looked like we are seeing the sky from space station...
we had our food (kanji and payar) by 7.30 p.m. It was very tasty in that cold atmosphere.
We started our journey to Agastyarkoodam next day by 6.20 a.m. We had taken a torch with us and it was really helpfull. After a long walk, we reached the steep rocks. There are some markings on the rocks, which was helpfull at sometimes..
HOOOOOO......rest on the way...Its advisable to take some biscuits or snacks and water..
about 80 % of the people coming there is related with rituals. They offer ponkala to Agastyamuni on top of the Agstyamala.
Up....Up... on the way....
Hureeyyyyyy.....finally we reached top...
views from all sides....its very heavy wind all the times...
Devotees offering Ponkala..
Neelakurinji...
Anyone planning for a trip to Agastya Mala should prepare well in advance. May be a walk for few days will do. What is not recommended is waking up one morning, packing your bags and setting out to scale the 1,868-m tall mountain. For unbridled enthusiasm alone can hardly equip you to take on the second highest mountain peak in Kerala.
For one, the reserve is open for trekking only between January and March every year, and even then, passes need to be obtained from the wildlife warden at the forest department in Thiruvananthapuram.
You'll need to carry some provisions along, for once you've entered the reserve, there's little to be bought for the love of money. Yes, the forest camps along the way supply some food and firewood, but gnawing hunger makes a poor travelling companion. Trekkers are also advised to carry basic medication and dress for the occasion. I was carrying my nikon D60 and an 18-200 lens which was very usefull. (Thanks to Durai)
Finally, if you are not going in own vehicle, stick on to the time schedule. the last bus from bonacaud is at 6.45 p.m. We couldnt catch the bus, and some how we reached Vithura (from there the last bus to trivandrum is at 9.30 p.m) with the help of some good people. Thanks to Arun & Team..
The Journey to Agastya Mala commences at Thiruvananthapuram's Thampanoor bus stand. The state transport bus covers 60-odd km to Bonacaud Tea Estate, the last outpost of civilisation.We Reached thambanoor station by 4.45 a.m. itself. By 5 all seats were filled. by 8 a.m. we reached Bonacaud. We had our breakfast on the way from a small shop. We had Appam and Kadala Curry and it was awsum !!.
After completing the formalities we started our journy. We have been informed it is 18 km walk to the Athirumala Camp where we will be staying at night.
We can see lot of streams all the way and we had a small bath on the way which was really energising.
We were trying to reach the Athirumala Camp before 2 p.m so that we can climb agastyamala on same day itself. But we were advised that it is better not to go on the same day, otherwise we may not be able to make the return journey. We were bit disappointed and this slow down our journey. Finally we reached Athirumala Camp by 3.40 p.m.
its a big hall where all the people will be staying. We can get a sleeping Mat from the office for Rs.5/-. It is worth to have a blanket with you.
We had a bath from the near by stream and spent time all around there. It was wonderfull to see the sky at night from there. It looked like we are seeing the sky from space station...
we had our food (kanji and payar) by 7.30 p.m. It was very tasty in that cold atmosphere.
We started our journey to Agastyarkoodam next day by 6.20 a.m. We had taken a torch with us and it was really helpfull. After a long walk, we reached the steep rocks. There are some markings on the rocks, which was helpfull at sometimes..
HOOOOOO......rest on the way...Its advisable to take some biscuits or snacks and water..
about 80 % of the people coming there is related with rituals. They offer ponkala to Agastyamuni on top of the Agstyamala.
Up....Up... on the way....
Hureeyyyyyy.....finally we reached top...
views from all sides....its very heavy wind all the times...
Devotees offering Ponkala..
Neelakurinji...
Anyone planning for a trip to Agastya Mala should prepare well in advance. May be a walk for few days will do. What is not recommended is waking up one morning, packing your bags and setting out to scale the 1,868-m tall mountain. For unbridled enthusiasm alone can hardly equip you to take on the second highest mountain peak in Kerala.
For one, the reserve is open for trekking only between January and March every year, and even then, passes need to be obtained from the wildlife warden at the forest department in Thiruvananthapuram.
You'll need to carry some provisions along, for once you've entered the reserve, there's little to be bought for the love of money. Yes, the forest camps along the way supply some food and firewood, but gnawing hunger makes a poor travelling companion. Trekkers are also advised to carry basic medication and dress for the occasion. I was carrying my nikon D60 and an 18-200 lens which was very usefull. (Thanks to Durai)
Finally, if you are not going in own vehicle, stick on to the time schedule. the last bus from bonacaud is at 6.45 p.m. We couldnt catch the bus, and some how we reached Vithura (from there the last bus to trivandrum is at 9.30 p.m) with the help of some good people. Thanks to Arun & Team..
