Overview
Western Ghats is known to be the most bewitchingly beautiful region in the province of South India. There are many mountain peaks that have been explored by thousands of tourists in the past years. Holiday makers seek to fulfil every deep urge of tourists and provide with an adventure tour that not only is comfortable and affordable but also is an experience of a lifetime. Western Ghats is a home to rich and deep green grasslands, gorgeous mountain peaks, rare species of flora and fauna along with a special collection of medicinal herbs. Tourists from every age group can unravel the mystic aura of the beautiful Western Ghats. One such location in the Western Ghats is Agastya Mala near Trivandrum in Kerala.
Situated at an altitude of 6,129 feet above sea level, it is a famous destination for pilgrims and a paradise for adventure tourists. It is one of the highest peaks in Kerala and is extremely popular for medicinal plants and herbs. About 2,000 different varieties of Ayurvedic medicinal treatment ingredients are found in the area. Tea gardens commissioned by British during their rule in India are commonly found at the base stations of the mountain at Bonacaud, Brimore and Ponmudi. The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a home to the rarest collection of flora and fauna. The Reserve is mostly open for tourists in the month of January and February and prior permission from the forest department is required to visit this region.
Agastya Mala offers its visitors the best combination of beautiful dense forests, calming grasslands, spectacular scenic beauty and an opportunity of coming face to face with wild animals. Major attractions around the area are the soothing Neyyar Dam (located at a distance of 23 kilometres from Bonacaud), the beautiful Karamana River, Neyyar River, shimmering Meenmutty Waterfalls, huge estates of Bonacaud and Ponmudi. You can add few more days to your trip and visit these nearby areas to get the true feel of Agastya Mala region and the marvellous Western Ghats.
The purple peak of Agastya Mala is also known as Agasthyarkoodam and is a pilgrimage centre for devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya. According to Hindu Puranas, there are seven sages (Saptarishi) and Sage Agastya is one among the Saptarishis. There is a statue of Sage Agastya at the peak of Agastya Mala and devotees are free to offer puja to the statue. It is believed that Tamil language originated as a boon from Sage Agastya.
This amazing trekking experience will start once you reach the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum. You will be driven to Bonacaud, a small village located at an altitude of 570 metres. This is the starting point of your trek. Agastya Mala peak is about 23 kilometres from Bonacaud but the trekking trail is about 35 kilometres. There are stunningly beautiful hills in this region including the Pandipathu and a few others. The fort like formation close to Bonacaud is another delight for trekkers and travellers. You will be camping at Athirumala which is located at an altitude of 1041 metres above the sea level. Residing in this gorgeous base camp will be one of the most exciting bits of your trekking experience. You can catch a view of a portion of Agastya Mala from here. The vertical rock-face beautifully covered by dense forests in its base. The noticeable hill named Viluvarai stands at the left of Agastya Mala. The junction of Agastya Mala and Viluvarai hills is called Pongalappara. The hill at the right of Agastya Mala is called as Sanghu Muthirai. There are other groups of hills around Agastya Mala including the Ainthuthalai Pothigai. The misty sight of these breathe-taking green hills is enough motivation to continue on your trail further.
The calming waterfalls, densely populated forests, mind-numbing grasslands, narrow pathways, adventurous activities, remarkable streams and rocky trails during this tour will entice your mind and relax your body. One visit to this place and you will forget the need for spas and salons. You will also pass through Pongalapara, situated at an altitude of 1,460 metres above sea level. Seetha Kulicha Kulam and Muttidippara are also famous stops along your way. The elevation of this trail is so steep that a trekker can feel his knees hitting his nose with every step he takes especially in the Muttidippara region.
The summit of Agastya Mala is located at a majestic altitude of 1,868 metres. The glory of standing at this great heights while being surrounded by the most spectacular creation of nature is truly a once in a lifetime moment. The peaks that surround Agastya Mala welcome you with open arms. Anjila Pothi is a notable group of mountains standing close to Agastya Mala peak. These five breathe-taking mountains located at an altitude of 1,800 metres never miss to captivate the by-standers.
There are many trekkers and holiday makers who have organised adventure games in the region. You can co-ordinate with our representative for details regarding some of the on-going thrilling adventure activities. There are plenty of rope activities which are not very tedious to the mind and body of adventure trekkers. Therefore, you can enjoy these activities without any sort of prior training.
The best time to visit Agastya Mala will range between the months of December to March. Depending on the permission and passes provided by the forest department, you can plan your trip. The weather conditions during October and November are usually pleasant and light rain showers are occasionally observed during the period. The winter season kick starts from November onwards but even though the overall temperature does not drop below 18 degree Celsius.
Campsites of this region are well maintained by the government. There are a few small forts with rooms and restrooms which can be used for resting at night. Few campsites might not have markings on them but the camps near Vazapathiyar stream and Karamanayar extremely helpful during your trip. Trekkers require food which will give them instant energy during this trip. There might be times when trekkers might feel loss of energy especially during steep climbs. Our representatives usually carry emergency food for such instances. A trip among the deepest mysteries of nature that will awaken your every sense organ is exactly what you are signing on for with us.
The view of distant hills covered in mist and a glimpse of the river skirting through the deep valley is really a feast to the eyes.
Itinerary
Best time to visit: January to March
Overall distance: Approximately 1540 Kilometres (60 Kilometres by trekking)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Period: 4 nights; 5 days
Day to Day Itinerary:
Day 1: JDay 1: Journey from Bangalore to Trivandrum (12 hours, 740 kilometres)
You will arrive at Bangalore this morning. After resting for a while, you can set out and explore the royal green city of Bangalore until late afternoon. Bangalore is a beautiful and fast paced city with one of the best green gardens in the country. You will have a variety of options to spend your time to your utmost liking in the city. At 6 pm you will depart Bangalore on an overnight journey to Trivandrum. Our representatives will help you board your respective bus/train to Trivandrum.
Day 2: From the beautiful Trivandrum to Bonacaud (1 hour, 28 kilometres – 570 metres), campsite and towards Athirumala (5 hours, 700 metres)
On your arrival to Trivandrum, you will freshen up before starting on a journey to Bonacaud which is the starting point of your trek. Bonacaud is located at an altitude of 570 metres and is a small hamlet situated below the Agastya mountain ranges. These mountain ranges are an abode to tea estates, forests, waterfalls and old ruins. The forest check point will check your bags before you progress further.
You will begin your trek from this location and proceed towards your base camp in Athirumala which is located at an altitude of 1041 metres. It is a home to a vast collection of birds migrating here from time to time. You can spot a hill mynah singing non-chalantlyon every tree top you come across in the region. Orchids are another splendid sight of this area. You can indulge in photography here. Your trail comprises of lush green grasslands, thick dense forests, shimmering waterfalls, tranquil streams and fallen trees that often block your way. These steep climbs are refreshing to the minds of the trekkers due to the freshness in air. You will arrive at your base camp sheds early in the evening after which you will rest the night. The sheds will be stocked with supplies required for trekkers.
Day 3: Trekking towards the mind-numbing Agastya Mala (4 hours, 6 kilometres - 1868 metres), Orchid Trail and back to the Athirumala (3 hours, 6 kilometres)
You will wake up early to the melodious sounds of birds chirping this morning and start on a steep trail in the narrow pathways towards the peak of Agastya Mala. You will get to witness Sunrise while trekking amidst thick forests. You will slide past the rocks and crawl through the bushes in this narrow trail. Once the pathway is not visible, you will follow the arrows on the rocks after which you will climb the steep rocks inclined in 80 degrees angle with the help of a rope. Once you arrive at the peak, you will be standing close to the statue of Sage Agastya and you can watch the prayers offered to him by his devotees. You are at liberty to offer your prayers to the Sage.
The breathe-taking views in the surrounding will entice you. You will spot Anjila Pothi, a group of 5 mountains at an altitude of 1800 metres. The region is well known for aboding some of the rarest species of Orchids. You can take a visit to the Biological Park nearby. Following the trail laid out by the gorgeous Orchids, you will return back to your basecamp for an overnight reside.
Day 4: Trekking back from Athirumala to Bonaccaud and then… drive to Trivandrum and departure
This morning, you will start on a more relaxed downwards trek towards the campsite in the familiar pathway. After your arrival, you will have the rest of your day to explore the areas close to your campsite. Close to Bonacaud, there are many hills which form a marvellous view to tourists. The name of this group of hills situated around Bonacaud is Pandipathu. There is a fort-like formation in the area that can be viewed from the grasslands. The fort-like formation has an altitude of 1430 metres and one cannot miss glancing at its rare beauty. You will spot another hill which is the tallest among Pandipathu located at the West of Agastya Mala.
After an interesting day exploring the surroundings, you will be driven to Trivandrum in a pre-arranged vehicle. An hour of reminiscing memories from the last two days whilst sitting in the comfort of a vehicle is exactly what you will need at the moment. On arrival to Trivandrum, you will board your bus/train for an overnight journey back to Bangalore.
Day 5: Arrival at Bangalore
You will arrive at Bangalore this morning. You can continue on your journey back home or choose to explore the city by yourself. You can co-ordinate with our representative for further arrangements.
Bangalore is a lively and commercial city. If you are a first timer in Bangalore, you can get lost in the magnanimity and uniquely blending aura of this ever thumping city. From exotic night life to gigantic shopping malls to rich temples to crowded shopping streets to the fresh greenery of the city, you will find yourself at awe while exploring the city. People here are extremely friendly and helpful and you will get acquainted with them very quickly more often than not. You can find people from not just all over the country but from all over the world knitted very closely by the culture of this city.
Cost
Cost : ₹ 10,500*/- (per person) from Bangalore to Bangalore for group size 8 member
| Min Group Size |
8 |
| 8 people |
₹ 10,500*/- per head |
Summiters will try to keep an optimal group size of 9-10 to keep the cost to a minimal. The initial fees could be collected assuming a group size of 9-10 people. However, in case the group size is smaller Summiters will inform the participants a month in advance of the departure date, the group size of the program. The participants would be requested to pay "the difference amount" as per the size of the group.
- For group size of 4 to 7 people, SUV Chervolet (NON AC) will be mode of transportation provided from Bangalore to Bangalore
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For group size between 8-11 people, Tempo Traveler (Pushback NON AC) will be the mode of
transportation provided from Bangalore to Bangalore
Cost Includes
- Basic Mountaineering Course qualified Guide from Summiters
- Transportation cost to/from Bangalore
- Vegetarian Meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Equipments - Sleeping bags / Sleeping Mats
- Basic First aid Kit
- Forest Permit charges
- Personal trekking equipments – like trekking poles or sleeping bag liners or rucksacks
- Personal porters for carrying backpack of trekkers
- Personal insurance or cost of emergency evacuation
- Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc)
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Tea/snacks during travel from Bangalore to Podium and back
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Any other extra expenses incurred on the trek which is not mentioned in the cost includes section
FAQ
Q: Who can do this trek?
A: If you can walk on an average of 5 to 6km without a problem, then you can! If you have specific health issues like asthma, heart issues or the likes, consult your doctor before participating in the trek.
Q: What should we carry?
A: The following items are a must-carry:
Shoes: A good pair of shoes is a must - a good pair does not mean your Adidas/ Nike/ Reebok/ Puma sport shoe. You need a pair that can withstand the wear and tear of walking for many days. A bad shoe can ruin your trek by causing blisters. Ask us, we can help you in choosing the right one for your budget.
The other things you need to carry are : gloves, a skull cap, a sun hat/cap, your personal clothes and toiletry kit, a good pair of sun glasses, a water bottle and your personal medicines (if necessary). Your sleeping bag, mat and tents will be provided to you by Summiters.
Q: What food do you provide?
A: We provide simple vegetarian food that is light and suitable for trekking. Don’t expect pizza hut or an Anand Bhavan - nor will you have to go hunting. You will have enough and when you are tired – anything served will taste superb!
Q: Is the mountain water safe to drink?
A: Yes. It’s as pure as it can be. But if you are finicky – you can buy mineral water
Q: Can I charge my phone on the trek?
A: You cannot charge your phone on the trek. You have to get your phone charged in Bangalore before coming for the trek.
Q: How can I prepare myself?
A: Take daily long walks or jogs.
T & C
Terms and Conditions
*All about the elusive star*
Here are our conditions:
- Summiters will try to keep an optimal group size of 9-10 to keep the cost to a minimal. The initial fees could be collected assuming a group size of 9-10 people. However, in case the group size is smaller Summiters will inform the participants a month in advance of the departure date,the group size of the program. The participants would be requested to pay "the difference amount" as per the current size of the group.
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Booking must be confirmed 30 days prior to date of departure by paying the full amount – It takes lot of effort, time and money in planning the trek in remote locations. So please give us enough time to make your journey a lifetime’s journey.
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All expenses accruing from change in schedule due to weather conditions or health issues are to be borne by the participants. Summiters will not be responsible for the weather or your personal health issues.
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Cancellation policy – We plan everything for you well in advance, so that your trip is hassle-free and as smooth as possible. This means that porter fees, permits, accommodation expenses are all paid in advance. Any cancellation will mean inconvenience and loss to all the people involved in making your journey successful. Therefore, it is only fair to pass on the accrued costs to you. Our policy is:-
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- Cancellation prior to 30 days from date of departure : Full Refund
- Cancellation between 30 days to 20 days prior to date of departure: 50% Refund
- Cancellation between 20 days prior to date of departure and departure date:No Refund
- No Show : No Refund
- Cancellation has to be confirmed by sending a mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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