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Introduction
The forested peak of Agasthyakoodam lies at an altitude of 1890 meters above sea level in the Sahyadri Range of Mountains on India's West Coast. Considered the second highest peak in Kerala, it is a popular tourist destination located 61 kms north-east of Trivandrum, the state capital. The Agasthyakoodam forests are located at a walking distance from Kottoor near Neyyar Dam and are widely known for the medicinal herbs they abound in. The biodiversity of the region, complemented by the altitudinal variations, ensures that a tour to Agasthyakoodam becomes extremely exciting as well as exhilarating.
Hindus believe that Agasthyakoodam was the abode of the sage Agastya - a disciple of Lord Shiva, and the most important among the Siddhars who developed the Siddha medicine. Buddhists are of the opinion that their deity - Bodhisattva Avolikideswara resided in Agasthyakoodam. Hence, thousands of devotees embark on tour to Agasthyakoodam for visiting the pilgrimage destination.
Besides, these forests are a nature-lover's paradise and are widely known for the abundant wildlife and rare medicinal herbs that grow there. Your tour to Agasthyakoodam will be replete with close encounters with nature at her pristine best, wherein you can explore dense forests, snow capped mountains, sprawling grasslands and the scenic beauty of the mighty Sahyadri Range. Agasthyakoodam is also ideal for trekking during the months of December to April. The trek route to the top features some breathtaking sights of the waterfalls, the statue of Agasthya and the nearby Neyyar and Peppara Dams.
About 2000 rare medicinal plants are found in the protected forests at Agasthyakoodam. Spanning over an expanse of about 1300 square kilometers, these forests are of various types, including wet evergreen forests moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, tropical thorn forests and subtropical forests. The forest vegetation also includes a wide variety of orchids, mosses, lichens, ferns and other plants.
A forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Trivandrum before embarking on a visit to Agasthyakoodam forests.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is well connected to major cities.
Tourist Attractions
Aruvikkara - The Aruvikkara reservoir is situated sixteen km north of Trivandrum city and it supplies water to the city. The place is remarkable for its exquisite scenic beauty and hence, ranks as a popular tourist spot.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary - The Wildlife Sanctuary at Peppara, about 50 km north-east of Trivandrum, is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala. Abounding in untamed wildlife and lush greenery, Peppara attracts wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world, and you must visit Peppara while on tour to Agasthyakoodam.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Located 30 km from Trivandrum, Neyyar is a famous Wildlife Sanctuary, teeming with wild animals like elephants, sambhar deer, gaur, barking deer, mouse deer and wild boar.
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