Agasthyarkoodam, Kerala’s toughest trek, beckons adventurers: Key dates, route, prohibited items

Vithura: As dawn breaks over the dense forests of the southern Western Ghats on Thursday, one of Kerala’s most gruelling and coveted trekking challenges will come alive once again. The trek to Agasthyarkoodam, widely regarded as the toughest trekking route in the State, begins tomorrow. The trekking season will run for 29 days and conclude on February 11. Given the challenging terrain and the region's ecological sensitivity, trekkers are required to strictly adhere to the Forest Department’s guidelines.

What makes it special
Rising to a height of 1,868 metres and sharing part of its boundary with Tamil Nadu, Agasthyarkoodam is as formidable as it is breathtaking. Cloaked in evergreen forests and dotted with rolling grasslands, rocky escarpments and forest streams, the peak is a treasure trove of biodiversity. The journey, however, is not without its risks, and trekkers are advised to remain constantly alert to the presence of wild animals along the route. Any violation of the prescribed guidelines while entering the forest can lead to serious consequences.

The trek, day-by-day
The trek on the first day begins from the Bonacaud picket station and passes through grasslands before reaching Muttidichan Theri. Though the climb is notoriously referred to as the `knee-breaking ascent,' the forest canopy and the cool mountain air offer some respite. By evening, trekkers arrive at Athirumala, having already covered 17 km of the 27 km-long route. The Forest Department camp shed at Athirumala provides a place to rest and recover.

On the following day, the remaining 10 km must be covered, with the trek starting early in the morning. The first landmark along the route is Pongalappara. Devotees once used to perform the pongala ritual here, a practice that is now prohibited. After some light refreshments, trekkers must negotiate five more rocky stretches before pressing on.

The final stretch is extremely demanding. To ease the ascent, the Forest Department has installed safety ropes along the route, which trekkers can use to pull themselves up to the peak of Agasthya Mount. From here, clouds appear almost within arm’s reach. The site also houses a full-length statue of the legendary Vedic sage Agastya. After spending some time at the summit, trekkers begin the descent.

If the trekkers manage to return to Athirumala by around 2 pm, they can head back the same day. Otherwise, they will have to stay overnight at the camp shed and resume the return journey early the next morning.

Route to the base point
From Thiruvananthapuram Central, the Bonacaud picket station can be reached via Nedumangad, Chullimanoor, and Vithura. The base point is located about 61 km from the city. Bus services run regularly from the Central bus depot.

Items banned on the trek
As the Agasthyarkoodam peak lies within a highly sensitive biodiversity zone, the use of plastic is strictly prohibited. Puja materials are also barred, and there is a zero-tolerance ban on alcohol and narcotic substances. To prevent unauthorised entry, check posts and forest trails across the Neyyar, Kottoor, and Peppara wildlife sanctuaries are being kept under tight surveillance by the Forest Department. To strengthen communication and coordination, wireless stations will operate at Peppara, Bonacaud, Athirumala, Neyyar, and Kottoor.

How to register
Those wishing to undertake the trek to Agasthyarkoodam must register online by visiting the Forest Department’s website, and access this link. Entry is limited to 70 trekkers per day, with an entry fee of Rs 3,000. Registration for those planning to trek from tomorrow till January 31 has already been completed. Registration for treks scheduled between February 1 and 11 will open at 11 am on January 23. Trekkers must present all prescribed documents, including a fitness certificate, upon entry.