Agastyarkoodam Peak

Agastyarkoodam Peak (അഗസ്ത്യകൂടം) is a magnificent peak in the Western Ghats that rises to a majestic height of about 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. Agasthyarkoodam is a part of the Sahyadri mountains and forms the second highest peak in Kerala. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam and also from Bonacaud.

Agastya Mala is a pilgrimage centre for devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas. The Tamil language is considered to be a boon from Agasthya. There is a full-sized statue of Agastya at the top of the peak and the devotees can offer pujas themselves. Agasthyar was a sage of Dravidians and is considered to be one of the seven Rishis (Saptarshis) of Hindu mythology. Tamil language is considered to be a boon from Agasthyar.

Teeming with wild life Agathyarkoodam is a haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants and the slopes offer a spectacular vision when they renovate into colorful glades of the 'Neelakurinji' a flower, which blooms only once in twelve years The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the home of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Hence, the aborigines dislike the occurrence of strange women on the hill. Women are not allowed up the peak.

The season from December to April is advocated for trekking, for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, Thiruvananthapuram.
The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61km from Bonocaud.and the nearby airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonocaud.