Agasthyakoodam Peak, the second highest peak in Kerala is a great tourist attraction in the state which is part of the Sahyadri Ranges of Western Ghats. This scenic mountain destination is adorned with several rare medicinal herbs and rich wildlife. Dotted with multi-colored orchids, it is a perfect place for photography. Agasthyakoodam Peak is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Many people find it an excellent place to enjoy trekking in order to explore its scenic nature. Contact Kochi Taxi to design your tour plan in Kerala. Log on our website www.KSU.in to get more information about Agasthyakoodam Peak and other tourist attractions in the state.
Agasthyakoodam Hill Station
Agasthyakoodam Hill Station is a great tourist attraction in Kerala. Agasthyakoodam is a tall peak in the Western Ghats with a height of 1,868 meters. It spread across both the Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. This mountain range is a part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. It is not only a popular tourist destination but also a pilgrim centre for Hindus. For Hindu community, Sage Agastya is a representation of religion austerity. One of the highlight of this region is that more than 80% of the herbal flora found at Agasthyakoodam is endemic to the place. Visiting this hill station is certainly a refreshing experience for each traveler.
A Historically Important Destination
Agasthyakoodam also known as Agasthyarkoodam is a historically important destination in the state. It is believed that Sage Agastya lived in this place. This peak is considered to be the home of the famous Siddha medicine. This great sage was developed the medicine system of Siddha at the Agasthyakoodam peak. This region was popular as a hub of medicine development even during the days of Sage Agastya. Many Buddhist scholars from across the globe visited Agasthyakoodam in order to learn the fundamentals of Ayurveda.
An Ideal Place For Trekking
A lot of people visit the Agasthyakoodam hill station for enjoying the adventurous activity of trekking. This spectacular peak in the Western Ghats provides excellent opportunities to enjoy this activity. However, women are not allowed up this peak due to safety reasons. This peak can be trekked either from Bonakkad or a base point named Kotoor near the Neyyar Dam only. You need to obtain a permit from the wildlife office in Thiruvananthapuram to enter this peak for trekking.
Best Time Visit
From January till March is the t time to visit the Agasthyakoodam Peak which is also the pilgrim season. The Kerala Forest Department issues annual passes for the pilgrims for visiting this region. In fact, this peak can be visited only during the months from January to March. Entry is not allowed to the Agasthyakoodam Peak at other times of the year.
Consider planning a trip to the Agasthyakoodam Peak if you have the desire to watch wildlife in its natural form. The trekking in this destination takes about 8-9 hours and you need to carry all the basic supplies to enjoy the activity. Even pilgrims needs to procure special permission from the Forest Depart of Kerala to undertake this trek.
How To Reach
The nearest air link to Agasthyakoodam is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is at a distance of 61 kilometers. Travelers can hire taxis from the airport to the base point, Bonakkad for trekking to this peak. Ambasamudram railway station in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu is the closest railway station to this hill station. Many state transport buses are available from Thiruvananthapuram to reach Agasthyakoodam peak.