About Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodam, a prominent peak in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance. The Kerala Forest Department organizes an annual trekking season, typically from mid-January to early March, allowing enthusiasts to explore this natural wonder.
Agasthyarkoodam Trekking Booking (Imp. Dates)
The Agasthyakoodam trekking season usually spans approximately 30-45 days, commencing in the second week of January and concluding in early March. During this period, the Kerala Forest Department issues a limited number of entry passes daily to manage environmental impact and ensure safety. As of 2023, 100 passes were available daily, with 75 allocated for online booking and 25 for offline booking.
For 2025, here are the details:-
- The Agasthyakoodam 2025 trekking online booking will be started on ————————
- The date of the trek will be from 20 January 2025 to 22 February 2025
Agasthyarkoodam Trekking Online/Offline Booking Details
Online reservations are made available through the Kerala Forest Department’s official portal. Given the high demand, these passes often sell out within minutes of release. To enhance your chances of securing a pass, it’s advisable to prepare the following information in advance:
- Personal Details: Name, age, contact number, type of ID proof, ID proof number, and address.
- Payment Information: Ready access to debit/credit card details for prompt payment.
- Preferred Dates: Selection of desired trekking dates, along with alternative options.
- Technical Preparedness: Utilizing multiple devices to access the booking portal simultaneously can be beneficial.
- Patience and Persistence: Due to heavy traffic, the website may experience slowdowns; refreshing the page and maintaining patience are crucial.
While these strategies do not guarantee a pass, they can improve your likelihood of success.
Offline booking is available at the PTP Nagar Forest Office in Thiruvananthapuram; however, this process often involves long queues, with individuals lining up well before booking commences.
Tickets can also be booked by visiting any Akshaya eCentre in Kerala.
Trekking Itinerary
The standard trekking itinerary is structured as follows:
- Day 1: Departure from Bonacaud Forest Station at 8:00 AM, covering a 16 km trek to the base camp at Athirumala.
- Day 2: Early morning ascent to Agasthyakoodam peak, followed by a return to Athirumala by afternoon.
- Day 3: Return journey from Athirumala to Bonacaud.
This itinerary offers trekkers an immersive experience of the region’s diverse landscapes, including evergreen forests, grasslands, and rocky terrains.
Cost and Inclusions
The cost of Agasthyarkoodam trekking is Rs.2700 per person. This fee includes the forest permit, accommodation at the base camp, and Ecosystem Management Special Fees of Rs. 500. Meals are not included in the package and must be purchased separately.
Agasthyarkoodam Ticket Booking Guidelines
- Those booking from Akashya Centres must bring a photocopy of their photo identity card.
- For group booking, up to five individuals can be included in a single transaction.
- For team bookings, ensure all team members’ identity card numbers are included in the online application.
- Payment gateway charges will be collected in addition to ticket changes from those bookings from Akashya centers.
Agasthyarkoodam Trekking Rules and Regulations
To preserve the sanctity and ecological balance of the region, trekkers must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Trek Difficulty: Agasthyarkoodam trekking is considered moderate to challenging, depending on the trekker’s fitness and experience.
- Age-Specific Requirements: There are age-specific requirements for the trek. The respective documents need to be submitted on the day of the trek
- 14-18 years old:
- Must provide a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
- Must submit a consent letter from their legal guardian.
- Above 18 years old:
- Must provide a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
- 14-18 years old:
- Women Candidates:
- Women are allowed for the trek, but no special considerations will be provided during the trek.
- Trek Day Requirements:
- Candidates must report to the Bonacaud Forest Picket Station between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Required documents:
- Ticket printout.
- photo identity card (original)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Consent from Legal Guardian (if age between 14-18 years)
- All ticket holders must sign the consent form before being allowed to trek.
- Guides: A trekking guide from the Eco-Development Committee will be assigned to every group of 10 members.
- Medical Certificate Validity: The medical fitness certificate should be collected within 7 days prior to the trek date.
- Prohibited Activities and Materials:
- Pooja materials, plastic, alcohol, cigarettes, and other prohibited items are strictly forbidden.
- Smoking and cooking within the forest area are strictly prohibited and will incur fines and legal actions.
- Penalties for Violations:
- Persons found with prohibited materials will be removed from the trek without further notice.
- Ecological Importance: Agasthyarkoodam is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the need for strict adherence to ecological preservation.
- The trek will be a plastic-free trek.
- In case of animal attacks possibility or natural calamities, the Forest Department reserves the right to impose restrictions or halt the trek.
- As mentioned in the consent form:
- Trekkers are responsible for their well-being.
- The Forest Department and the Eco-Development Committee will not take responsibility for any incidents.
- Forest canteens will be available at Bonacaud and Athirumala for 24 hours.
- These canteens are operated by the Eco-Development Committee under the Forest Department.
- Trekkers should maintain a nature-protection mindset throughout the trekking journey.
Contact Information
For further details or inquiries, you may contact:
Wildlife Warden Kerala Forest Department PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram Phone: +91-471-2360762/8281004537Helpful Resources
For a guide on the booking process and additional tips, you may find the following the previous year’s articles:
- Agasthyakoodam Trekking: Agasthyakoodam Online Booking 2020 – Complete Details
- All Details for Agasthyakoodam Trekking 2020 Online Booking
- Agasthyakoodam Trekking Pass 2020: Get Instant Updates
- All details for Agasthyakoodam Trekking 2019 Online Booking: No Restriction for Ladies this year
Embarking on the Agasthyakoodam trek offers a unique opportunity to experience Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Proper preparation and adherence to guidelines will ensure a safe and memorable adventure.
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