Agasthya Mountain also referred as Agasthyakoodam is located about 70 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. The peak is located at a height of 1,868 meters above the sea level and is the second highest peak in south India. The green virgin forest of this mountain harbours many endemic species of plants that are very unique and rare along with some brilliantly hued orchids. The most well-known herb is “Arogya Pacha”, a medicinal plant said to give eternal health. Arogyapacha is also attracting the attention of modern researchers to this hill. This large peak in the Western Ghats, is in the form of a pointed cone. The famous river Thamirabharani originates from this mountain and flows through Tirunelveli district in Tamilnadu. Other major rivers which originate from the mountain are the Karamana River and Neyyar River. The Peppara wild life sanctuary and Peppara dam also form a part of Agasthyakoodam forests.
Agasthyakoodam is highly revered by both the Hindus as well as the Buddhists. Hindus believe that this mountain is the abode of Sage ‘Agastya’ who was one of the seven Saptharshis of Hindu Puranas. There is a full-sized statue of Agasthya at the top of the peak and attracts many devotees. Whereas Buddhists believe that Agasthya Mountain is the abode of Bodhisatva Avalokiteswara.
Major attraction in this hill is Agasthya Vanam Biological Park. The park covers an area of 23sq.km and one can find many rare trees, exotic colourful orchids and medicinal herbs. Another attraction here is trekking to the top of Agasthyakoodam or Agasthya Malai. It is an ideal place for hard treks and jungle camping. It usually takes two days to reach the top. But prior to visiting Agasthyakoodam Bio-Reserve, you have to obtain permit-pass from the Wildlife Warden Forest Department. Trekking is permitted only between December and April. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is home for several rare species of flora and fauna. The fauna includes gaur, sloth bear, Nilagiri tahr Elephant, Wild Boar, Sambar deer, Malabar Giant-Squirrel, Porcupine etc. Also several species of butterflies and reptiles can also be found here. This mountain attracts professional as well as occasional bird watchers because it is home to many bird species and also a seasonal dwelling to a huge set of certain migratory ones.
Agasthyakoodam can be reached only on foot, either from Neyyar Dam which is 32km from Trivandrum or from Bonacaudu which is at a distance of 61 kms from Trivandrum. Accommodation facilities are not available in Agasthyakoodam. Kerala Tourism Development Corporation runs a guesthouse at Neyyar dam. Many tourists prefer to stay in Trivandrum which is the nearby city. From Trivandrum one can avail of any local means of transportation like buses and taxis to reach Agasthyakoodam.