Agasthyakoodam Trek: An Epic Adventure in Thiruvananthapuram

Are you planning a trekking adventure in Kerala’s pristine wilderness? The Agasthyakoodam trek in Thiruvananthapuram offers a unique experience amidst rich biodiversity, taking you through Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary‘s diverse landscapes of forests, grasslands, and waterfalls. This annual trek is open from mid-January to March for about 45 days, but securing a pass can be quite a challenge due to high demand.

Booking Your Agasthyakoodam Trek: Tips for Securing Your Spot

To secure your spot, you must navigate the booking process carefully. Only 100 passes are issued daily by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), with 75 available online and 25 offline. A trekking pass costs INR 1,800 per person. The pass covers forest permits and accommodation, but meals must be purchased separately.

For successful booking, prepare personal details such as name, age, contact information, and ID proof type/number. Have your debit or credit card ready for online payment and choose your preferred trek dates with backup options in case of availability issues. Due to high demand, using multiple devices simultaneously for booking and refreshing the website if it becomes unresponsive can be helpful.

Remember the challenges of securing a pass; they sell out quickly, and offline booking at the PTP Nagar Forest Office in Trivandrum often involves long queues. Online booking from the comfort of your home is recommended for convenience. The trek to Agasthyarkoodam Peak can be booked online by visiting the official website of the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department.

Safety Guidelines and Trek Preparation

Participant regulations and safety measures are stringent to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Only individuals with significant physical strength are eligible due to the challenging terrain. Children under 14 years of age are not permitted, and those aged 14 to under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants need a medical fitness certificate and must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test.

On the day of the trek, arrive at the Vithura-Bonacaud forest picket station by 7 am with your original photo ID card and printed trek ticket. Each group of ten members will be assigned a guide by the Eco-Development committee for safety and guidance throughout the trek. The trek route is as follows:

– Day 1: Bonacaud Picket Station to Athirumala Base Camp (22 km)
– Day 2: Athirumala Base Camp to Agasthyakoodam Peak and back (10 km)
– Day 3: Athirumala Base Camp to Bonacaud Picket Station (22 km)

The trek to Agasthyakoodam Peak presents a challenging yet enriching adventure, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and a chance to immerse in Kerala’s diverse biodiversity. For many, it’s also a spiritual pilgrimage to the shrine of sage Agasthya. To embark on this journey, start from Thiruvananthapuram, located approximately 35 kilometers from the peak. Travelers can reach Thiruvananthapuram by bus, train, or flight from various parts of India. From there, proceed to Bonacaud, the last accessible point by motor vehicle and the starting point for the trek to Agasthyakoodam Peak.

Embark on this thrilling adventure to Agasthyakoodam Peak, a significant site in Kerala’s tourism, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Prepare for an unforgettable trekking experience amidst Kerala’s stunning wilderness!