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An excursion around Trivandrum , takes you to a wonderful destination like
Agastyakoodam (Agastya Malai), which is an elevated forested peak situated
about 60 Kms from the North East of Trivandrum. Agastyakoodam is recognized
as the second largest peak in Kerala which is raised to a height of 1868 metres
above the sea level. Agastyakoodam peak is a part of the Sahyadri mountains
ranges which is honored both by the Buddhists and Hindus. Agastyakoodam is close
to the forest that is situated along the tail end of Western Ghats which has
varied species of floras to offer, something which is quite unique to the Peninsular
India.
The Agastyakoodam peak is an undulating hill which is filled with medicinal
plants. It is believed about 2000 medicinal plants and rare species of orchids
are found in this region. The Agastyakoodam was a home to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara
and to the sage Agastya, a devotee of Shiva. The Agastyakoodam peak can be easily
accessed from Bonakkad which is about 61 km away from the city of Thiruvananthapuram.
One may even reach the destination from the Neyyar Dam which is about 32 km
away. The region is excellent for trekking during the months of December to
April.
Agastyakoodam is spread to an area of about 1300 square km. and is known for
its varied forest types. The southern tropical wet evergreen forest, the tropical
moist deciduous forest, the southern tropical dry deciduous forest, the southern
tropical thorn forest and the subtropical montane forest are the various kinds
of forest prevalent in this region. The Kallar valley along the north-west of
the Agasthyakoodam is one of the forested valleys of the region. These forests
perform as a "green house" for several animals and plant species.
The Agastyakoodam is an adobe to the 'Kanis' tribe who are aware about the
prevailing medicinal plants within the region. The wild tobacco plant (Lobelia
nicotinaefolia) from the forest is usually used for recovering your injuries.
To known more about the places for excursion around Trivandrum, click on the
following list: Kovalam Beach Shanghumugham Beach Akkulam Tourist Village, Trivandrum
Varkala Aruvikkara Dam Neyyar Dam Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Veli Tourist Villlage
Ponmudi Hill Station Vizhinjam Beach
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