{"id":7037,"date":"2024-10-19T14:08:21","date_gmt":"2024-10-19T14:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/?p=7037"},"modified":"2024-11-07T02:33:05","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T02:33:05","slug":"agasthyakoodam-trek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/agasthyakoodam-trek\/","title":{"rendered":"Agasthyakoodam Trek Guide-Booking, Distance and Difficulty"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>Agasthyakoodam trek<\/strong> is among the most challenging yet thrilling treks in Kerala. Set within the <strong>Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>, a trek to Agasthyakoodam takes you to one of the <strong>highest mountain peaks<\/strong> in Kerala through lush forests and rocky terrain!<\/p>\n<p>But where exactly is Agasthyakoodam? How does one get there? How long is the trek? And what\u2019s the Agasthyakoodam trekking booking amount?<\/p>\n<p>In this blog, we have attempted to answer all the questions you have about one of the most exciting avenues for trekking in Kerala so you can plan your trip with ease.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"Top 10 Best Trekking Places in Kerala\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/trekking-places-in-kerala\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Top 10 Best Trekking Places in Kerala<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Where is Agasthyakoodam located?<\/h2>\n<p>Standing at a height of 1,868 meters above sea level, Agasthyakoodam, or Agasthyarkoodam, is among the highest mountain peaks in Kerala.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7130 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-5.jpg\" alt=\"agasthyakoodam-trek\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-5.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It is located inside the <strong>Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary<\/strong> in the <strong>Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve<\/strong>, a <strong>UNESCO-recognised<\/strong> protected forest reserve in the Western Ghats sandwiched between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/neyyar-wildlife-sanctuary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary- Photos, Timings &amp; Booking<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Why trek to Agasthyakoodam?- History &amp; significance<\/h2>\n<p>Agasthyakoodam is a famous locale for <strong>trekking<\/strong> and <strong>birdwatching<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This picturesque biodiversity hotspot is home to lush forests, grasslands, small waterfalls, and over <strong>2,000 species of medicinal herbs<\/strong> and plants like lichens, orchids, mosses, and ferns. Even its air is said to have medicinal value!<\/p>\n<p>Most importantly, Agasthyakoodam is a <strong>popular pilgrimage site<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This mountain peak is named after the famous Hindu sage Agasthya who is not only mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharata but also figures prominently in the ancient scriptures of several Hindu temples across Asia!<\/p>\n<p>Believed to have been sage Agasthya\u2019s sanctuary for meditation, Agasthyakoodam is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees.<\/p>\n<p>Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims climb this mountain to visit his holy shrine and pay their respects to the ancient sage!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"Highest Peaks in Kerala\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/highest-peaks-in-kerala\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Highest Peaks in Kerala worth visiting<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Best time to trek to Agasthyakoodam<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7124\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7124\" style=\"width: 1920px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7124 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-1.jpg\" alt=\"agasthyakoodam-trek\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/agasthyakoodam-trek-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7124\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Agasthyakoodam Trekking<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Before we tell you the best time to visit Agasthyakoodam for trekking, you must know that the <strong>Agasthyarkoodam trek is only open for two months each year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The trail is only open from the second week of <strong>January till March<\/strong> (about 45 days), making this the only time you can indulge in this exclusive trek.<\/p>\n<p>The trekking season of <strong>January-March<\/strong> (winter) is the <a class=\"intext-link\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/best-time-to-visit-kerala\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best time to visit Kerala<\/a> for the Agasthyakoodam trek when the weather is cool and pleasant and the temperature is between 12\u00b0C to 20\u00b0C with clear skies.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the most comfortable season for trekking when it\u2019s not too hot, the flora is in full bloom, and tons of migratory birds can be spotted!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> The region may be open for trekking in other seasons too, but the cost would be substantially high and the weather uncomfortable.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Also, Check Out Our <a title=\"Kerala Tour Packages\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/kerala-tour-packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kerala Tour Packages<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Agasthyakoodam trekking booking<\/h2>\n<p>How do I get my Agasthyakoodam trekking pass? How much does the permit cost? Can I buy the pass online?<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Kerala Forest Dept (KFDC) only issues 100 Agasthyakoodam trekking passes daily during the trekking season.<\/li>\n<li>Only a limited number of people are allowed to trek to Agasthyakoodam in a day, which further makes it difficult to acquire a pass.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can <strong>book the passes online<\/strong> on the Kerala Forest Dept <a class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forest.kerala.gov.in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">official website<\/a>. Booking opens about a week before the trekking season begins.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Agasthyakoodam trekking booking cost:<\/strong> INR 1,800\/-<br \/>\n<strong>Inclusions:<\/strong> Forest permit; stay<br \/>\n<strong>Exclusions:<\/strong> Meals<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> One pass admits 10 people.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h5>Agasthyarkoodam trek booking tips<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Agasthyakoodam passes sell like hotcakes the minute they go live. If you wait to book them, you may not get them.<\/li>\n<li>Keep details and documents like name, age, contact number, address, and ID proof number handy.<\/li>\n<li>Keep your payment mode (credit card, debit card, UPI) handy.<\/li>\n<li>Keep a couple of backup dates in mind in case your preferred date isn\u2019t available.<\/li>\n<li>Log onto the website from different devices at the same time to increase your chances of getting the passes.<\/li>\n<li>Print your pass and affidavit once the booking process is complete. A hard copy could prove useful at the forest entrance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><center><a href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/contact\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/contact-iris-holidays.png\" alt=\"Send a Kerala Tour Package enquiry\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 275px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 275\/40;\" \/><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<h2>How to reach Agasthyakoodam trek starting point?<\/h2>\n<p>The trek begins from a small town called Bonacaud located 51 km away from Trivandrum. It is the last motorable spot before the Agasthyakoodam peak.<\/p>\n<p>Let us tell you how you can reach Trivandrum and then Bonacaud.<\/p>\n<h3>How to reach Trivandrum<\/h3>\n<p><strong>By air:<\/strong> Trivandrum International Airport is well-connected to all major cities in India and abroad.<\/p>\n<p><strong>By train:<\/strong> Trivandrum Central Railway Station is well-connected to all major cities across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, and more.<\/p>\n<p><strong>By road:<\/strong> Owing to a well-maintained road network that connects Trivandrum to many cities and towns in South India, the city can be driven to from almost anywhere in the country.<\/p>\n<p>There are several car rental services, private bus operators, and state transport buses that can get you to Trivandrum from Bangalore, Kochi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysore, and a lot more places.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"Tourist Places in Trivandrum\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/tourist-places-in-trivandrum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tourist Places in Trivandrum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>How to reach Bonacaud<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Distance from Trivandrum to Bonacaud:<\/strong> 51 km<br \/>\n<strong>Travel time:<\/strong> 2 hours<\/p>\n<p>You can book a cab to Bonacaud from Trivandrum. You can easily book a taxi from the airport or train station itself.<\/p>\n<p>You can also travel by a KSRTC bus from Trivandrum to Bonacaud at nominal rates.<\/p>\n<p>Since your trek starts at 7 AM, you\u2019ll need to book the bus that departs from KSRTC Bus Stand in Thampanoor at 5 AM and drops you at the Bonacaud Post Office.<\/p>\n<h2>Agasthyakoodam trek route map<\/h2>\n<p>After you reach Bonacaud, you are expected to assemble near the abandoned <strong>Bonacaud Tea Factory<\/strong>. Your journey begins here!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Agasthyakoodam trek route map:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-7038 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bonacaud-\u2192-Forest-Checkpoint-\u2192-Athirumala-Base-Camp-\u2192-Agasthyakoodam-peak-1024x256.jpg\" alt=\"Agasthyakoodam trek route map\" width=\"1024\" height=\"256\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bonacaud-\u2192-Forest-Checkpoint-\u2192-Athirumala-Base-Camp-\u2192-Agasthyakoodam-peak-1024x256.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bonacaud-\u2192-Forest-Checkpoint-\u2192-Athirumala-Base-Camp-\u2192-Agasthyakoodam-peak-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bonacaud-\u2192-Forest-Checkpoint-\u2192-Athirumala-Base-Camp-\u2192-Agasthyakoodam-peak-768x192.jpg 768w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bonacaud-\u2192-Forest-Checkpoint-\u2192-Athirumala-Base-Camp-\u2192-Agasthyakoodam-peak-1536x384.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bonacaud-\u2192-Forest-Checkpoint-\u2192-Athirumala-Base-Camp-\u2192-Agasthyakoodam-peak.jpg 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/256;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Agasthyakoodam trek itinerary<\/h2>\n<p>From the Bonacaud Tea Factory, you\u2019ll need to get to the Bonacaud Forest Checkpoint, also called the Bonacaud Picket Station, located 2 km away.<\/p>\n<p>This is the starting point of your Agasthyakoodam trek.<\/p>\n<h3>Day 1: Athirumala Base Camp<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Report at the Bonacaud Forest Checkpoint at 7 AM.<\/li>\n<li>Get your trekking pass, affidavit, and photo ID verified at the Forest Checkpoint.<\/li>\n<li>After lunch, briefing, and luggage checking, proceed to the Base Camp at 9 AM.<\/li>\n<li>Your guide will lead you to the Base Camp 16 km away and the whole journey will take 7-8 hours depending on your pace.<\/li>\n<li>Upon reaching the campsite, show your trekking pass to the forest officer and rest after a filling dinner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The trek takes you through a thick forest, open grasslands, small hillocks, views of rocky mountains, and several freshwater streams where you can refill your bottles with cold mountain water!<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to visit the Agasthya Muni shrine at the top!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"Unique Places To Visit In Kerala\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/unique-places-to-visit-in-kerala\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">11 Most Unique Places To Visit In Kerala: Beyond the Usual<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Day 2: Agasthyakoodam Peak<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>After tea and snacks, start your 6-km long trek uphill by 7 AM.<\/li>\n<li>Trek 4 km uphill and have breakfast before starting the steep climb.<\/li>\n<li>For the next 2 km trek, carefully climb uphill using a rope and reach the peak by 10 AM \/ 11 AM.<\/li>\n<li>After an hour, begin your climb downhill and reach the Base Camp before sundown.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You\u2019ll again be accompanied by dense forests, streams, and sights of animal herds grazing or moving about.<\/p>\n<p>However, this final leg of the trek is quite challenging where you have to climb a 2-km rocky terrain and then a small 90\u00b0 steep climb to the peak\u2019s top.<\/p>\n<h2>Tips &amp; guidelines for trekking to Agasthyakoodam<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure you are in perfect health with good stamina for this challenging trek.<\/li>\n<li>Do not sign up for this trek if you have vertigo as the last leg of the trek is a straight-up vertical climb!<\/li>\n<li>There is no place to stay in Bonacaud. Book a stay in Trivandrum itself and get to Bonacaud early morning on the day of the trek.<\/li>\n<li>Carry a hard copy of your trekking pass and affidavit. Also, carry the original photo ID used at the time of booking the pass.<\/li>\n<li>Take a packed lunch from Bonacaud itself as the trek to the Base Camp is a long one and no meal is provided en route.<\/li>\n<li>Follow the guidelines and rules set down by the forest officer and your trekking guide at all times.<\/li>\n<li>You have to pay INR 100\/- for each plastic item you carry past the Bonacaud Checkpoint. So, do not carry plastic bottles and\/or food in plastic wrappers.<\/li>\n<li>Respect the local culture and norms of the native tribal community of the forest.<\/li>\n<li>Take regular breaks during the trek to rest and admire your beautiful surroundings. But do not fall behind or wander off alone.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t forget to collect your sleeping mats and meal tokens upon reaching the campsite.<\/li>\n<li>Instead of bathing at the camp\u2019s bathroom, take a dip in the natural stream nearby!<\/li>\n<li>Only carry essentials and valuable items to the peak on the trek\u2019s second day as a heavy backpack can inconvenience you during the steep climb.<\/li>\n<li>Head back to the base camp by 11 AM so you can reach it before dark.<\/li>\n<li>Descend the steep vertical rocks slowly. Hastening here can be dangerous.<\/li>\n<li>Do not disturb the wildlife and flora of the park.<\/li>\n<li>Wear light cotton or linen clothes, sturdy trekking shoes with socks, trekking pants or cargo, a hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen during the trek.<\/li>\n<li>Carry a flashlight with extra batteries, a light waterproof jacket, a quick dry towel, a light collapsible backpack, 2 bottles of water, a power bank, plastic-free snacks, spare cash for buying food, and mosquito repellent.<\/li>\n<li>Do not litter. Agasthyakoodam is a tranquil and untampered forest. Leave it that way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ALSO SEE &#8211; <a title=\"Places To Visit In Kerala In December\" href=\"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/kerala-in-december\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 Delightful Places To Visit In Kerala In December<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We hope this helps you plan your Agasthyakoodam trek well and lets you have an exciting experience of one of the most challenging yet adventurous treks in Kerala! Happy tripping!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Agasthyakoodam trek is among the most challenging yet thrilling treks in Kerala. Set within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a trek to Agasthyakoodam takes you to one of the highest mountain peaks in Kerala through lush forests and rocky terrain! But where exactly is Agasthyakoodam? How does one get there? How long is the trek? [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":7130,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,38,30],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7037","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-trivandrum","8":"category-kovalam","9":"category-varkala","10":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7037"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7037\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7149,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7037\/revisions\/7149"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/irisholidays.com\/keralatourism\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}