Agasthyakoodam Trek

About this place

Agasthyakoodam, also known as Agasthyarkoodam, is one of Kerala’s highest peaks, rising to about 1,890 metres above sea level in the Western Ghats of Thiruvananthapuram district. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, medicinal plants, orchids, forests and wildlife, the peak forms part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, which was included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2016. The Western Ghats themselves are a UNESCO World Heritage property, but Agasthyakoodam should not be described as an individually designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek is a regulated forest experience rather than an unrestricted adventure trail and is generally accessed from Bonacaud, with the traditional trekking route covering diverse terrain including evergreen forests, grasslands, rocky sections, streams and waterfalls. The Forest Department regulates entry, and trekkers must obtain the required permit through the designated booking system. The established trekking programme from Bonacaud traditionally takes three days, with the first day leading to Athirumala base camp, the second day covering the ascent to Agasthyakoodam and return to the base camp, and the third day returning to Bonacaud. The route provides opportunities to experience the rich ecology of the Agasthya Hills, with numerous plant species and wildlife inhabiting the surrounding forests. The mountain also has strong cultural and religious significance associated with Sage Agastya, and the area is connected with the traditions of the Kani indigenous community. Because the trek passes through protected forest, visitors are expected to follow Forest Department instructions and remain on authorized routes; wildlife encounters are possible but should never be treated as guaranteed. The principal access point for the Bonacaud route is Bonacaud Forest Picket Station. Thiruvananthapuram Central is the nearest major railway station, while Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport. Kerala Tourism states that Agasthyakoodam can be reached on foot from Bonacaud or Neyyar Dam, while KSRTC buses operate between Thiruvananthapuram and Bonacaud. For the regulated trekking programme, the Forest Department provides food and accommodation arrangements associated with the trek, so visitors should not assume that general forest camps, trekking camps or forest lodges are freely available. Bonacaud itself is a former tea plantation area at the foothills of the Agasthya Hills, known for its forest surroundings, waterfalls, tea-estate remnants and scenic mountain landscape. The Agasthyakoodam trek is therefore best suited to visitors seeking a physically demanding, ecologically significant and carefully regulated trekking experience rather than a conventional high-altitude expedition.

🚆 Railway: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest major railway station to Bonacaud, the principal road access point for the regulated Agasthyakoodam trek.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport, located in Thiruvananthapuram city.

🚌 Bus: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates bus services from Thiruvananthapuram towards Bonacaud. Bonacaud is the principal starting point for the regulated trekking route to Agasthyakoodam.

🏨 Stay: During the official trekking programme, the Forest Department provides accommodation at Athirumala base camp as part of the regulated trek. Visitors staying before or after the trek can find accommodation in and around Vithura, Nedumangad and Thiruvananthapuram. Accommodation availability and trek arrangements should be confirmed before travelling.

✅ Notes: Entry to Agasthyakoodam is regulated by the Kerala Forest Department and is subject to permits, seasonal restrictions and applicable rules. The main trekking season is generally during the annual pilgrimage and trekking period announced by the Forest Department, so travellers should check the latest official notification before planning their visit