Find the soul of Western Ghats, trek up to the serene Agasthyakoodam | Here's how to book

The mesmerizing mountain ranges of Agasthyarkoodam in Thiruvananthapuram is one of most difficult trekking routes in Kerala.

This region of the majestic Western Ghats is remarkable for its fabulous flora and fauna.

Moreover, the incredible legend that Agastya, the revered sage of Indian mythology had meditated on these serene hills add to its mystical aura. Visitors aren’t allowed in this area which is home to some of the rare species of flora. However, Agasthyarkoodam is open to the public and trekking enthusiasts, only once in a year. During this one-month long season, visitors are allowed with strict restrictions.

Agasthyarkoodam is usually open to the public from mid-January to mid-February. Not more than one hundred visitors are allowed in a day. The visitors have to trek for 27 kilometres through the difficult forest paths which is frequented by wild animals and leeches, to reach the summit. Agasthyarkoodam is located around 6,200 feet above the sea level. Bookings can be done from January 6 for those who wish to visit Agasthyrakoodam during the upcoming season.

This year, the season begins on 14 January and ends on 26 February. A maximum of one hundred visitors would be allowed in a day. The ticket rate is Rs 1,331 per head. The bookings will be opened at 11am on January 6.

You could book the tickets through the forest department’s website www.forest.kerala.gov.in (or the state run serviceonline.gov.in/trekking). Children below 14 years aren’t allowed.

The government had earlier lifted a long-standing ban preventing women from scaling Agasthyarkoodam. So, women can book tickets for trekking.

The visitors should carry the certificate to prove that they are fully vaccinated and a negative RT -PCR report done within last 72 hours.

The trekking begins at 7am. The visitors should reach the forest picket station at Bonacaud in Vithura with a copy of their tickets and an original photo identification card. A guide from the eco development committee would accompany each group of ten members. Contact 0471 – 2360762 for details.