Agasthyakoodam
is the second highest peak in Kerala, at a height of 1890mts
above sea level and is a part of the Sahyadri range of mountains.It
is 60 Kms North East of Trivandrum.The
mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is
believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara
as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Shiva.
The
forests of Agasthyakoodam are rich in rare medicinal herbs
and plant, and hued orchids. In 1992, an area covering around
23 sq kms was established as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park.
The intention was to restore the degraded forests and to
use it for educational purpose. The season from December
to April is advocated for trekking and is a distance of 28
kms to the top. It takes approximately two days and trekking
is permitted only between December and April.
For
trekking Permits contact the office of the Wildlife Warden,
Trivandrum at + 91 - 471 - 2368607