AGASTHYAKOODAM BIOLOGICAL PARK

Agasthyarkoodam is a 1,868-metre tall peak in the Western Ghats. This peak is a part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve which lies on the border between the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Which spreads in Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu. The perennial Thamirabarani River originates from the eastern side of the range. Agasthyarkoodam is a pilgrimage centre for devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the 'Saptarishi' of Hindu Puranas. It is open to pilgrims during January to mid-March. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is one of the sites added by UNESCO to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Agasthyarkoodam is 32 km from Neyyar Dam and 23 km from Bonacaud, Ponmudi is also a nearby tourist destination. The major city and airport nearest to Agasthyarkoodam is Thiruvananthapuram, which is around 61 km away. The peak of Agasthyarkoodam can be reached only by trekking up to it. Trekking is allowed based on strict guidelines of Forest department. The trekking route starts from Bonacaud. Vehicles reach only till Bonacaud which is around 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The trek to the peak is 20 km long from Bonacaud and requires two days. Neyyar wildlife sanctuary and Peppara wildlife sanctuary are also nearby destinations.