The Agasthyakoodam trek is Kerala’s best-known seasonal hill climb, a two-day walk from Bonacaud in Thiruvananthapuram district to a peak of about 1,868 metres on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. It runs for only a few weeks each winter, every trekker needs an online permit from the Kerala Forest Department, and daily numbers are capped. This guide gathers what the Forest Department and Kerala Tourism state about the trek, cross-checks dates and fees against recent press, and flags clearly where a figure could not be confirmed for the coming season.
Agasthyakoodam, also spelled Agasthyarkoodam and known as Agastya Mala, is a roughly 1,868-metre peak in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, reached on a permit-only two-day trek from Bonacaud. The Kerala Forest Department opens it for a short winter season, usually from mid-January, with a daily trekker cap and online booking.
Key takeaways
- Agasthyakoodam (Agastya Mala) is a peak of about 1,868 metres (6,129 feet) in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, on the Tamil Nadu border, inside the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
- The trek starts at the Bonacaud forest picket station, about 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city via Nedumangad, Chullimanoor and Vithura, per Onmanorama (January 2026).
- It is a permit-only, seasonal trek: the Kerala Forest Department opens it for a few winter weeks, usually from mid-January, and bookings are made online through the Forest Department portal.
- For the 2026 season the fee was reported at ₹3,000 per person with 70 trekkers allowed per day, per Onmanorama (14 January 2026); reconfirm before the 2027 season.
- Women have been allowed since January 2019, after a Kerala High Court order; Forest Department guidelines permit physically fit women above 14 years.
- The route runs about 27 km one way, broken over two days with an overnight at the Athirumala camp shed, where the Forest Department provides basic shelter.
About the Agasthyakoodam trek
The Agasthyakoodam trek is a two-day climb to a peak of about 1,868 metres (6,129 feet) in the southern Western Ghats. According to Kerala Tourism, the peak lies within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary area of Thiruvananthapuram district, and the walk tests “even a regular trekker’s powers of endurance.” The summit sits on the border between Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala and Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, and the final stretch crosses onto the Tamil Nadu side.
A note on names, because they vary. The peak is written as Agasthyakoodam, Agasthyarkoodam or Agastya Mala; all refer to the same summit. It is one of several peaks of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, which UNESCO added to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves in March 2016. Do not confuse the peak-trek destination with the wider reserve or with the Agasthyavanam botanical area lower down: this guide is about the summit trek itself.
Kerala Tourism describes Agasthyakoodam as “one among the highest peaks in Kerala” and notes the forest around it holds thousands of rare medicinal plants, with terrain ranging through evergreen forest, grassland and rocky outcrops. The range feeds rivers including the Karamana and Neyyar, which supply drinking water to the Thiruvananthapuram region. It is a demanding wilderness walk rather than a casual day outing.
| Peak | Agasthyakoodam / Agastya Mala, about 1,868 m (6,129 ft) |
|---|---|
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, on the Tamil Nadu border |
| Start point | Bonacaud forest picket station |
| Route length | About 27 km one way, over two days (per Onmanorama, Jan 2026) |
| Overnight halt | Athirumala base camp shed (Forest Department) |
| Season | Short winter window, usually from mid-January |
| Permit | Compulsory; online via the Kerala Forest Department portal |
| Protected status | Part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO, 2016) |
Best time and trek season
The only time you can climb Agasthyakoodam is during the official winter trekking season, which the Forest Department opens for a few weeks from about mid-January. Kerala Tourism says the season traditionally runs from the Makaravilakku festival (usually mid-January) to Sivarathri (usually after mid-February), so the exact dates shift each year with the calendar.
For the 2026 season, Onmanorama reported on 14 January 2026 that the trek began the next day and would run 29 days, concluding on 11 February 2026. In earlier years the window was longer: a 2019 report described a 47-day programme running to 1 March. Outside this sanctioned season the trail is closed and entry is not permitted.
Within the season, the forest is at its driest and coolest in the mornings. The monsoon makes the slopes slippery and leech-prone, which is one reason the Forest Department keeps the window to winter. Book for the earliest dates you can, because passes sell out quickly.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical start | Around mid-January (Makaravilakku) |
| Typical close | Mid-to-late February (around Sivarathri) |
| 2026 season | From ~15 January to 11 February 2026 (29 days), per Onmanorama |
| Outside season | Trail closed; no entry |
| Best daily timing | Early morning starts; descents before dark |
Permits, booking and rules for Agasthyakoodam
Every trekker needs an online permit from the Kerala Forest Department; there is no walk-up entry to Agasthyakoodam. Kerala Tourism states the area is a protected reserved forest, entry is restricted, and passes are issued online. For the 2026 season, Onmanorama reported registration through the Forest Department website (forest.kerala.gov.in) and the linked trekking portal at serviceonline.gov.in/trekking.
On the fee and daily cap, use the latest figures and reconfirm. Onmanorama (14 January 2026) put the 2026 entry fee at ₹3,000 per person and the cap at 70 trekkers a day. The Kerala Tourism article, which appears older and undated, says 100 entry passes are issued each day. Because sources differ, treat ₹3,000 and 70 per day as the most recent reported figures for 2026 and verify the exact fee and quota on the official portal before you book.
Women have been allowed on the trek since January 2019. After a Kerala High Court order in late 2018 that trekking could not be restricted by gender, defence spokesperson K. Dhanya Sanal became the first woman to reach the peak in January 2019. Forest Department guidelines, as reported by Onmanorama, permit “physically fit women above the age of 14 years” to join.
The Forest Department enforces strict conduct rules. Per Onmanorama’s 2026 report, trekkers must carry prescribed documents including a fitness certificate, and the following are prohibited:
- Plastic of any kind is strictly banned on the trail.
- Alcohol and narcotics carry a zero-tolerance ban.
- Puja (worship) materials and Pongala (ritual cooking) are not allowed.
- Trekkers must stay within the sanctioned route and camp arrangements.
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Permit needed | Yes, for every trekker | Kerala Tourism |
| Where to book | Forest Dept portal / serviceonline.gov.in/trekking | Onmanorama, Jan 2026 |
| Entry fee | ₹3,000 per person (2026) | Onmanorama, 14 Jan 2026 |
| Daily cap | 70 per day (2026); 100 per day on older Kerala Tourism page | Onmanorama / Kerala Tourism |
| Women | Allowed since Jan 2019; fit women above 14 | Onmanorama, 2019 |
| Documents | Government photo ID and fitness certificate | Onmanorama, 2026 |
How to reach Bonacaud, the trek start
The trek begins at the Bonacaud forest picket station, which Onmanorama places about 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, reached by road via Nedumangad, Chullimanoor and Vithura. Thiruvananthapuram is the obvious base, with the nearest airport and major railway station, and regular buses run toward the hills from the Thiruvananthapuram Central bus depot.
From Thiruvananthapuram you drive or bus up to Bonacaud, then walk from there; vehicles do not go beyond the picket station. If you are building a wider trip, pair the trek with Kerala’s backwaters and coast using our Kerala travel guide, or route your flights through the airport covered in our Kochi travel guide, further north.
| Mode | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Thiruvananthapuram International Airport | Nearest airport; transfer by road to Bonacaud |
| Rail | Thiruvananthapuram Central | Reconfirm trains live on IRCTC / NTES |
| Road | ~61 km from the city via Nedumangad–Chullimanoor–Vithura | Per Onmanorama, Jan 2026 |
| Bus | From Thiruvananthapuram Central bus depot | Regular services toward the hills |
The trek, stage by stage
The walk runs about 27 km one way and is split over two days with an overnight at Athirumala. According to Onmanorama’s 2026 route description, day one covers about 17 km from Bonacaud to the Athirumala camp, where a Forest Department shed provides shelter, and day two covers the remaining 10 km to the summit and back toward the camp.
Onmanorama notes that trekkers who return to Athirumala by about 2 pm on day two can head back down the same day; otherwise they stay a second night at the camp before descending. Distances in older sources vary (Kerala Tourism describes “close to 50 km in three days” for the round trip), so plan for a long two-to-three-day effort rather than a fixed number.
The terrain changes as you climb, through evergreen forest and open grassland to a steep, rocky final pull near the top. The Forest Department operates wireless stations at points including Peppara, Bonacaud, Athirumala, Neyyar and Kottoor, which matters because mobile coverage on the trail is unreliable.
| Stage | Distance | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Bonacaud to Athirumala | ~17 km | Forest and grassland; overnight at camp shed |
| Day 2: Athirumala to peak | ~10 km | Steep rocky climb to the summit, then descent |
| Return | Varies | Same-day descent if back by ~2 pm, else a second night |
Suggested itinerary
A realistic plan is three days end to end from Thiruvananthapuram, built around the two-day trek. Treat the timings as a framework and follow the Forest Department’s instructions on the ground.
- Day 0 (evening): Reach Thiruvananthapuram, confirm your permit and documents, pack light, and travel up to Bonacaud or stay nearby for an early start.
- Day 1: Start early from Bonacaud, walk the ~17 km to Athirumala, settle into the camp shed, and rest for the summit day.
- Day 2: Set off before dawn for the summit push, reach the peak, and return to Athirumala; descend the same day if you are back by early afternoon.
- Day 3 (if needed): Descend from Athirumala to Bonacaud and return to Thiruvananthapuram.
Where to stay
On the trek itself, accommodation is the Forest Department camp shed at Athirumala, not a hotel. Kerala Tourism states the Forest Department provides food and accommodation for trekkers during the season, so the overnight on the mountain is organised rather than something you arrange privately.
Before and after the trek, base yourself in or near Thiruvananthapuram, which has the full range of budget lodges, mid-range hotels and a few high-end options. The ₹ bands below are indicative planning estimates for the city as of November 2026 and should be reconfirmed when you book, as rates move with season and demand.
| Type | Where | Indicative rate / night |
|---|---|---|
| On trek | Athirumala camp shed (Forest Dept) | Basic shelter, arranged by the department |
| Budget | Thiruvananthapuram city lodges | ₹800–₹1,500 (estimate) |
| Mid-range | Thiruvananthapuram hotels | ₹2,500–₹5,000 (estimate) |
| Higher-end | Thiruvananthapuram / Kovalam resorts | ₹7,000+ (estimate) |
Food and water
On the mountain, the Forest Department provides food for trekkers, according to Kerala Tourism, so you are not expected to cook on the trail; Pongala (ritual cooking) is in any case banned. Carry enough drinking water and the day’s snacks for each stage, since supply points are limited and plastic is prohibited, so use a refillable bottle.
Off the mountain, eat in Thiruvananthapuram, where Kerala staples are easy to find. Try puttu (steamed rice-and-coconut cylinders) with kadala curry (black chickpeas), appam (soft lacy rice pancakes) with stew, and a traditional sadya (banana-leaf vegetarian feast) if your timing allows. Fuel up well the day before the climb.
Budget breakdown
The table below is a per-person planning estimate for the trek portion, assuming you already reach Thiruvananthapuram. Only the permit fee is a sourced figure (₹3,000 for 2026, per Onmanorama); the rest are indicative planning estimates as of November 2026 and must be reconfirmed.
| Item | Indicative cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trek permit | ₹3,000 | 2026 fee per Onmanorama; reconfirm for 2027 |
| Transport (city to Bonacaud, return) | ₹500–₹2,000 (estimate) | Bus is cheapest; shared taxi dearer |
| Pre/post-trek stay (1–2 nights) | ₹1,500–₹6,000 (estimate) | Depends on hotel band |
| Food, water, extras | ₹500–₹1,500 (estimate) | City meals and trail snacks |
| Indicative total | ₹5,500–₹12,500 (estimate) | Excludes travel to Thiruvananthapuram |
Practical tips and safety
Treat Agasthyakoodam as a serious mountain walk, not a stroll. Kerala Tourism itself warns the trek tests a regular trekker’s endurance, and you carry a fitness certificate for a reason.
- Fitness: Build stamina beforehand; the final climb is steep and rocky. Forest Department rules require a fitness declaration.
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage is unreliable on the trail. Forest Department wireless stations operate at Peppara, Bonacaud, Athirumala, Neyyar and Kottoor for emergencies.
- Cash and UPI: Draw cash in Thiruvananthapuram before you leave; do not count on ATMs or signal near Bonacaud.
- Packing: Sturdy shoes, a warm layer for the night, rain protection, a torch, a refillable water bottle and basic first aid. No plastic.
- Solo and women trekkers: Women are allowed (fit women above 14). You trek within an organised, capped group under Forest Department staff; follow their guidance and stick to the group.
- Wildlife: The forest holds elephant, gaur and other large animals; keep noise down and never leave the sanctioned route.
Nearby places
If you have extra days around the trek, the Thiruvananthapuram region has plenty to add. Distances below are approximate; confirm current road conditions locally.
| Place | Rough distance from Thiruvananthapuram | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Neyyar Dam | ~30 km | Reservoir and wildlife area in the same biosphere landscape |
| Ponmudi | ~55 km | Nearby hill station with tea slopes and viewpoints |
| Kovalam | ~16 km | Coast and beaches to unwind after the climb |
| Thiruvananthapuram city | Base | Padmanabhaswamy temple, museums and transport hub |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Agasthyakoodam and how high is it?
Agasthyakoodam, also called Agastya Mala, is a peak of about 1,868 metres (6,129 feet) in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, on the border with Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. It sits in the southern Western Ghats within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, and the trek to it starts from Bonacaud.
Do I need a permit to trek Agasthyakoodam?
Yes. Every trekker needs an online permit from the Kerala Forest Department, booked through its website or the linked trekking portal; there is no walk-up entry. The area is a protected reserved forest with a daily cap on numbers, so book as early as you can once the season’s registration opens.
What is the Agasthyakoodam permit fee and daily limit?
For the 2026 season, Onmanorama reported the entry fee at ₹3,000 per person with 70 trekkers allowed per day. An older Kerala Tourism page lists 100 passes a day. Because sources differ and fees change, confirm the exact fee and quota on the official Forest Department portal before booking.
When does the Agasthyakoodam trek open?
The trek opens for a short winter season, usually from mid-January, traditionally running from the Makaravilakku festival to Sivarathri. For 2026, Onmanorama reported the season ran about 29 days, from mid-January to 11 February. Dates shift each year with the calendar, so check the Forest Department’s notice for the coming season.
Can women trek Agasthyakoodam?
Yes. Women have been allowed since January 2019, after a Kerala High Court order that trekking cannot be restricted by gender. K. Dhanya Sanal became the first woman to reach the peak that month. Forest Department guidelines permit physically fit women above the age of 14 to take part in the trek.
How difficult is the Agasthyakoodam trek?
It is demanding. Kerala Tourism says it tests even a regular trekker’s endurance, which is why a fitness certificate is required. The route runs about 27 km one way over two days, with an overnight at Athirumala and a steep, rocky final climb. Prepare your fitness and pack properly before you go.
Last updated and sources
Agasthyakoodam suits fit, prepared trekkers who want a serious Western Ghats climb and can secure a permit for the short winter window. Plan for mid-January to February, book the moment registration opens, and always confirm the current fee, dates and rules with the Forest Department first.
Last updated: 4 November 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Kerala Tourism, Agasthyakoodam trekking; Onmanorama, Agasthyarkoodam trek dates and route (14 January 2026); Onmanorama, Agasthyakoodam opens for women (2019); Wikipedia, Agastya Mala (used to locate primary figures); Kerala Forest Department portal (forest.kerala.gov.in) and serviceonline.gov.in/trekking for current booking. Accessed November 2026.
