Agastya Mala

Agastya Mala (revered as Agasthyakoodam or Agastya Peak), soaring to an elevation of 1,868 meters (6,129 feet) above sea level in the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary just 60 km east of Trivandrum in Kerala, stands as the second highest peak in South Kerala and one of India's most ecologically rich UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves.

Named after the legendary Vedic sage Agastya Muni (the pioneer of Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine), this conical granite mountain is the source of major perennial rivers including the holy Thamirabarani, Karamana, and Neyyar, surrounded by over 2,000 species of rare medicinal plants, orchids, and tropical shola rainforests.

It's the home of the sacred stone idol of Sage Agastya perched at the mountain pinnacle, an exhilarating two day regulated wilderness trekking expedition originating from Bonacaud, a rich biodiversity hotspot sheltering endangered Nilgiri tahrs, Asian elephants, and Bengal tigers, ancient tribal settlements of the Kani tribe, and panoramic cloud kissed vistas overlooking both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

It represents a rich highland sanctuary where ancient Vedic spiritual legends, traditional herbal healing wisdom, challenging wilderness trekking, and pristine Western Ghats conservation unite in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Located within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, the base camp at Bonacaud sits 50 km from Nedumangad, 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC), and 65 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), accessible by private taxi or KSRTC bus to Bonacaud estate.

The Sage Agastya Hermitage & 2,000 Medicinal Herbs

According to Hindu puranic lore, Sage Agastya selected this peaceful mountain peak for centuries of intense meditation, discovering the healing powers of rare Western Ghats herbs and formulating classical Siddha medicine.

The biosphere reserve is home to over 2,000 species of flowering plants, including hundreds of rare endemic herbs like Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus), utilized for centuries by the indigenous Kani tribespeople for instant stamina and vitality.

Truth is, the mountain air here is so deeply infused with aromatic herbal compounds that traditional healers claim even breathing the breeze along the trail provides therapeutic wellness.

The 2 Day Bonacaud Trekking Expedition

The 28 km Wilderness Trail: Managed strictly by the Kerala Forest Department, the trek covers 28 km from Bonacaud through dense semi evergreen forests, rocky stream crossings, and steep grassland ridges.

Athirumala Base Camp: Trekkers stay overnight at the rustic Athirumala forest station before tackling the final steep ascent up the rocky pinnacle using safety ropes on day two.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve & Dual Coast Panoramas

UNESCO World Biosphere: Declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2016, Agasthyamala protects one of the most pristine and genetically diverse forest ecosystems in the world.

striking Summit View: On crystal clear mornings, standing at the 1,868 meter summit reveals an impressive horizon where the Kerala coast meets the Tamil Nadu plains across the Western Ghats.

After trekking Agastya Mala, relax by the scenic waters of Neyyar Dam, visit the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in Neyyar, or explore the historic Napier Museum in Trivandrum city.