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Pilgrim's progress

Agasthyakoodam, a place for spirituality for some and for others a place where nature is at her pristine best, writes K.B. Rameshkumar

A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND THE SPIRIT Agasthyakoodam during the day, left, at night, top right, the idol of Agastya, bottom right.

A journey to Agasthyakoodam, believed to be the abode of sage Agasthya, is a way to rejuvenate your body and soul. While it is a spiritual quest for some, for others it is a close encounter with nature at her pristine best.

The western slope of Agasthyamala is in Kerala, the eastern side in Tirunelveli and south in Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu. As one treks up from the Kerala side, one can see people coming from Tamil Nadu through Papanasam and Ambasamudram.

An observatory, a substation of Thiruvananthapruam observatory, used to function on top of the peak from 1852 to 1865. It was Swami Vishnudevananda who installed the idol of sage Agasthya at the summit. Two major rivers, Neyyar and Karamana, originate from the region. A recent survey revealed that there are about 120 wild elephants and seven tigers in the Agasthyamala and adjoining forests.

Animals like leopard, wild boar, sloth bear, jungle cat and spotted deer can also be seen.

Haven for medicinal plants

According to a study conducted by Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), situated in Palode, 40 km west of Agasthyamala, the summit and the adjoining areas are a haven for rare medicinal plants.

To preserve the rich flora and fauna, there are five protected areas: Chendaruni, Peppara, Neyyar, Mundanthurai and Kalakkadu wildlife sanctuaries, covering around 1,025 square km.

The journey of around 30 km is carried out in two phases, starting from Bonacaud, around 25 km from Vithura. On the first day, the trekking is mainly through the plain forests and so it is not too strenuous.

One has to cross the rivulets of Neyyar, Karamanayar and Vazhappinthiyar and the grasslands during the seven-hour trek. The endless streams of water and vast dazzling grasslands dotted with trees is a welcome sight for the city-weary eyes.

Take a break in a dormitory of the Forest Department at Athirumala, downhill of Agasthyamala. The towering summit and the surrounding mountains bathed in moonlight is a breathtaking sight.

The climb to the summit begins early in the day. It is a strenuous stretch where every step is an effort and some times one has to use four limbs. Every glance reveals a new scene of the sweeping scenery of the mighty Sahya ranges.

Pongalappara is a halt before you reach the summit and many devotees do a ritual `pongala' here. As one climbs the remaining stretch of the steep rocky heights, the beautiful Sahyadri panorama hosts a feast for your eyes.

Finally the summit; at 1868 m above sea level, one is walking above the clouds. Soak in the ambience as time flies. Rather reluctantly, one has to begin the trek downhill.

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