Believed to be the abode of sage Agasthya, Agasthyakoodam (20 km from
the city) at a height of 1890mts above sea level is the second highest
peak in Kerala. A part of the Sahyadri range of mountains, the forests
of Agasthyakoodam is rich in rare medicinal herbs and plant, and hued
orchids. The medicinal herbs found at Agasthyakoodam are more than 2000
in number.
Animals like elephants, tigers, leopard, wild boar, sloth bear, jungle
cat and spotted deer can also be seen in the forests. In 1992, an area
covering around 23 sq kms was established as Agasthya Vanam Biological
Park. The intention was to restore the degraded forests and to use it
for educational purpose. A trekker's delight, December to April is the
best time for trekking.
Forest pass has to be obtained from the
Wildlife Warden,
Forest Department,
PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
