Agasthyarkoodam is the trek Kerala's hikers talk about in January. At 1,868 metres, it is the tallest peak of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, reached by a two-day walk through evergreen forest, grassland and finally bare rock with fixed ropes. The forest is protected, so it opens only for a short season with a small daily limit.
When can you go?
The Kerala Forest Department opens the trail once a year, for about four weeks between mid-January and mid-February. In 2026 the season began in mid-January and closed on 11 February, with a limit of 70 trekkers per day. Expect a similar window for 2027 and watch for the announcement in early January.
How to book (and get a slot)
- Bookings open online on the Forest Department's trekking portal, in batches. In 2026, the second batch opened on 23 January at 11 am.
- Have your ID details ready and be logged in a few minutes early. Slots usually go within minutes.
- Pay the fee online. In 2026 it was ₹3,000 per person.
- Save the confirmation and prepare the documents the portal asks for, including a fitness certificate.
Booking with a group still means each trekker holds their own Forest Department pass. What a group like Kerala Camping adds is transport from Thiruvananthapuram, food planning, gear checks and a trek leader who knows the trail.
The route
Day 1: Bonacaud to Athirumala (about 17 km)
The trek begins at the Bonacaud forest picket station, around 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The path runs through dense forest, crosses streams and opens onto grassland near Muttidichan Theri before reaching the Forest Department camp shed at Athirumala by evening. You sleep in the shed, not in tents.
Day 2: summit and return (about 10 km to the top)
Start before sunrise. The trail passes Pongalappara and several rocky stretches. The last part is steep rock with safety ropes. Groups that are back at Athirumala by early afternoon may walk out the same day; otherwise you spend a second night at the shed.
Want us to plan it for you?Small groups, permits handled, tents and food ready. Message us your date and group size.
Plan on WhatsAppHow fit do you need to be?
Very honestly, this is a hard trek. Train for 6–8 weeks: brisk walks of 8–10 km, stair climbing with a light backpack, and leg and core exercises. If you have never done a long day hike, start with a moderate trek like Meesapulimala or one of our beginner treks first.
Rules to respect
- No plastic, alcohol, puja materials or narcotics in the forest.
- Stay with your group and the official guide. Do not leave the marked trail.
- Carry back everything you take in. The shrine area near the summit is sacred to many visitors, so behave respectfully.
Packing essentials
- Shoes with deep grip for wet rock, plus a spare pair of socks
- Rain jacket, a warm layer for the night at Athirumala, and a sleeping bag liner
- 3 litres of water capacity, purification tablets and high-energy snacks
- Gloves for the rope sections and a headlamp
Frequently asked questions
When is the Agasthyarkoodam trekking season?
The Forest Department usually opens the trek for about four weeks between mid-January and mid-February. In 2026 the season ran from mid-January to 11 February. Dates for 2027 are announced by the Forest Department, usually in early January.
How much does the Agasthyarkoodam trek cost?
In the 2026 season the Forest Department fee was ₹3,000 per person, covering the pass and the stay at Athirumala. Transport, food and gear are extra.
Is Agasthyarkoodam suitable for beginners?
It is one of the harder treks in Kerala: around 27 km each way over two days, with steep rock and fixed ropes near the top. It suits fit beginners who prepare for 6–8 weeks, not first-time walkers.
What documents do I need?
Carry the online booking confirmation, the ID used for booking, and a fitness certificate as required by the Forest Department. Check the latest list on the booking portal before you go.
