Agasthyarkoodam in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most difficult trekking routes in Kerala. The Western Ghats, believed to be the abode of Sage Agastya, is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity.
Breif Description Of The Program : Agasthyarkoodam in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most difficult trekking routes in Kerala. The Western Ghats, believed to be the abode of Sage Agastya, is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity. It is a restricted area for visitors as it is home to rare flora and fauna. It is a 56 km trek through dense forest where wildlife and amphibians roam. Agasthyarkoodam is located at an elevation of 6200 ft above sea level. From 2019, ladies are also allowed to trek to Agastyamala. Dhanya Sanal became the first lady to trek to Agasthyamalai, officially. Dhanya trekked to Agasthyamalai in the middle of January 2019. As the trekking is arduous and extends through dangerous paths, only persons with considerable physical strength can trek to Agasthyarkoodam. Children below 15 years will not be allowed. Both men and women can apply.
Day wise Schedule:
Day 1 : Reporting at Base camp: Government Youth Hostel, Veli, Near Kochuveli Railway Station, Trivandrum 4 PM Orientation and Acclimatization / Training. Camp at Govt. Youth Hostel Dormitory
Day 2 : 5.30 AM Transfer to Bonacaud (By Bus) 45 Kms Breakfast 8.00 AM at Bonacaud
8.30 AM Bonacaud to Athirumala (6 hours) 16 Kms Reach Athirumala base camp by 2.30 pm
Rest, get lunch at the base camp. Snacks and water provid enroute 4.00 P.M- Explore the flora and fauna around the area. Go for a walk
Stay the night at the base camp. Base camp is a temporary Camp Shed with pacca toilet and bathroom. Only provided mattress on a twin sharing basis. Participants use their own Bed sheets / blanket
Dinner is served at the base camp
Day 3 : Trek Athirumala to Agasthyakoodam peak and back (10 hours) 12 Kms
Start at 6 AM in the morning to head to the peak.
Reach the peak by 12 noon
Explore and take in the view. Provide a packed Breakfast, lunch and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Head back to Athirumala Base Camp (reach back before the sun sets)
Dinner and night stay at the base camp Athrumala
Day 4 : Breakfast 8.00 AM Trek from Athirumala (8.30 AM) to Bonacaud (3.00PM) 16 Kms Provide A packed Lunch and Snacks
4.30 P M Transfer to Bonacaud (By Bus) 45 Kms Dinner and Camp at Government Youth Hostel Veli Trivandrum
Day 5 : Breakfast 8.30 AM Evaluation & Certificate Distribution and Recreation Activity 10.AM Group disbursed
Accommodation Facilities : Dormitory with pacca bathroom and Toilet in Govt Youth Hostel and Temp camp shed with pacca Toilet in Athirumala base Camp
Food & Water Supplies : Simple Vegetarian Food and safe Drinking Water
What participants should bring along : Rucksack, Pants / Jeans, Rain Coat, sleeping Bag, Anti Leech Socks, Face mask , Sanitizer, Torch with extra batteries, Soap, Towel, Mug, Plate, Lunch Box, Glass, Water Bottle, Plate, Spoon, and Tumbler and Vaccination (2 Dose) Certificate, Medical fitness certificate and ID card
Climate : The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Thiruvananthapuram in September is 23.5°C (74.3°F). September falls in the rainy season with an average precipitation of 183mm
Safety & Security : Our field volunteers and camp leaders have been visited the area and check the details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety, Youth Hostels Association of India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities
Travel safe during COVID-19 : Regularly wash hands Face masks required for travelers in public areas Keep Hand sanitizer always Regularly sanitize hand Regular temperature checks for staff and travelers Sanitize transportation vehicles use for travel
Additional Notes : Use of alcohol and narcotics of any description and smoking are strictly prohibited during the programme. Deviation from the set rout of the programme is not permitted. If participants desire to join any other activity, they may do so at their own responsibility and risk only after finishing the programme and check out.
Cancellation Policy : In case you are unable to join the programme after paying participation fee, you will get Rs 4000/-as refund provided your request is received at least 10 days in advance from the date of your reporting. No refund will, however, be admissible if such notice is short of 10 days.