Agasthyakoodam, Trivandrum

Visitor Information

• Famous For: Nature, Photography, Adventure.
• Entry Fee: A permit that costs 500 INR excluding food has to be taken from the Forest Department in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Visiting Time: Preferably from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Visiting Duration: Almost an entire day.

The Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve in Trivandrum, Kerala, has got an enchanting beauty to offer to the visitors. This zone is known for the backwaters because of which tourists are attracted to the state of Kerala. However, not many people are aware of this unique forest on the foothills of the peak of Agasthya Koodam which is the second highest peak in Kerala lying on the Western Ghats. Thus, because of a wide variety of flora and fauna, that includes a huge number of medicinal herbs alone, this forest area is offers an amazing trekking experience that turns out to be one of the most adventurous and daring things to undertake in the state of Kerala. Thus, this place is often visited by trekkers who have heard of this paradise on the humble earthly surroundings in Kerala.

Traveller Tips

• Carry extra clothes, sufficient dry food and water, first aid and all other necessary items required for the trekking trip.
• Make sure that you apply for and collect your permit well in advance.
• Make sure that you remember to fully charge the battery of your camera so that you can click photographs of the wide variety of flora and fauna that you have never come across before.
• Carry ointments and carbolic acid to assure your own safety and also the safety of the people with whom you would be trekking.

Things to Do

• Enjoy a strenuous trek amidst the breathtaking view of the Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve.
• Study the plants and take down notes if they are of your interest.
• Race to the destination in a group so that you have an experience of a lifetime.

Availability of Guides

You will not be allowed to enter the forest area without a guide from the Forest Department who will accompany you when you show your permit at the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Agasthya Koodam in Trivandrum, Kerala, is from December to March every year as it is the time when the Forest Department allows a trek in that zone.

How to Reach

The Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve is located at a distance of 35.5 km from Trivandrum. This forest reserve has to be reached by boarding a bus or by hiring a cab to the village of Bonacaud. From there, a 15-minute walk down the rugged road will take you to the Forest Office which is the entrance point to the Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve.

Interesting Facts About the Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve

• This is the second highest peak in Kerala.
• This is a proposed World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
• This biosphere reserve houses more than 2000 medicinal plant species.
• The breathtaking Bona Falls is situated in this region.
• The forest is named after Sage Agasthya, the famous mythological character, who had meditated in this forest region itself.
• Only 100 people having full physical fitness are permitted to enter the forest daily after thorough verification. Women and children are not permitted to enter the forest and take part in trekking.

Nearby Attractions

• Lighthouse Beach
• Kovalam Beach
• Samudra Beach
• Neyyar Dam
• Sellayani Lake
• Soji Yoga – Day Classes
• Karamana River
• Kovalam Surf Club
• Ayurveda Panchakarma Centre

Nearby Restaurants

• 3^rd Rock
• Bait
• Sanjeevani restaurant
• Curry Leaf
• A Beach Café
• Oyster Restaurant
• Malabar Café
• Lonely Planet
• The Terrace
• Molly’s Retreat Restaurant

The Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve is an enchanting place to visit. The deep silence with a sudden chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves and the gurgling of the nearby streams and rivers leave the trekkers in a state of bliss. Moreover, the air in the zone is so pure that it is believed to have healing powers that help the trekkers to continue towards conquering the peak with full vigour. A visit to this gorgeous place is indeed a life-changing experience and, thus, it is recommended that the men who enjoy trekking on adventurous terrains must visit the Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve at least once in their lifetime.