Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Agasthyarkoodam: Abode of Sage Agasthya



Location : 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.
Attractions : Rare herbs and medicinal plants. The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.


Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.


Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.


Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonacaud.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonacaud.

No comments: