A Few Salient Features of Agasthyarkoodam – The Breathtaking Peak in Kerala

Kerala is a gift of the Arabian Sea. The state is abundantly blessed with natural resources. It is also called as ‘God’s own country’ and no wonder why the state has been bejewelled with the title. The marvellous beauty of the state lures travellers from various parts of the world. Words are insufficient to express the beauty of the state. The meandering rivers bubbling over rocks, sparkling waterfalls flowing through the thickly populated woodlands, undisturbed backwaters, avalanching movement of sand in pristine beaches, emerald forest ornamented with wilderness and tweaks of birds, magnificent bowl-shaped valleys and awe-inspiring mountains blanketed with the lush green carpets of tea and coffee plantations and many more. One whole essay would not be enough to beautify the charm of the state. The state is adorned with many historic monuments and herbal rejuvenation centers. Most of the foreigner avails of tour packages for participating in various kinds of Ayurveda treatments. The climate of Kerala is favourable not only to Indians but also to people from other nations. It is being a decade that the state started to give prominence to the tourism sector. And as part of enhancing tourism sectors, many disquieting hill stations and historic streets were being unveiled. Thousands of travellers visit the state by purchasing the packages for a cheap price to explore the magnificent gem hidden in unexplored parts of Kerala. Kerala is a haven for adventure lovers. The breathtaking hill stations and offers immense chances to improve their skills in trekking and rock climbing. It is not possible to describe each and every sparkling destination of the state with its peculiarities. I would like to dedicate this essay to explain the salient features of the famous hill called Agasthyarkoodam.

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Agastyarkoodam hill is the second tallest peaks in Kerala. It is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. It is one of the utterly bare and precipitous hill stations in Kerala. It is situated in the premises of Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary with a height of 1868 m. The hill is known as Pothigai Malai hill in Tamil Nadu. The slopes of the hills are blanketed with purple orchids. The hill shelters to various types of birds. Famously the hill is known for trekking but most of the Hindu believers consider the hill as a pilgrimage. On the top of the hill one could find a statue of Agasthya sage withholding a stone crusher on one hand and a bowl of medicines on other hands.  Worshipers climb to the top and offer prayers to him. He belongs to one of the seven sages (Saptarishis) of Hindu ideology. He is considered the father of Indian traditional medicines and Tamil literature. The surroundings of the hill are occupied with a tribal community called ‘Kanis’. They are engaged in various activities conducted by the forest department.

The Story Behind the Agasthyarkoodam Hill

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For long years women were not allowed to climb to the top of the hill as the Agasthya muni was celibate i.e. Bhramachary and intervention of women will affect the purity of the mountain. But 2 years ago the ban on women climbing the hill was removed and in January 2019 the first lady to conquer the mountain was Dhanya Sanal. Followed to her 100 women registered their names for trekking to the Agasthyarkoodam hill. There is also a story revolving around the hill is when all the sages (munis or maharishis) went to Himalaya for attending the wedding of Lord Shiva and Lord Parvathi the tilt to one side. Then Lord Shiva insisted Agasthya Muni to go the southern portion and balance the earth. He obeyed the commands. Gradually he liked the place and decided to reside there.

Trekking to Agasthyarkoodam Hills

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Unlike other hills in Kerala, you can plan out trekking to Agasthyarkoodam hill when you wished to do. As aforementioned the hill is dedicated to Agasthya sage and hence trekking on it is possible only in the month of January i.e. the trekking routes will be opened on Makaravilaku till Shivarathri. Actually there are two routes that lead to the hill. First is through the Neyyar wildlife sanctuary and that is closed and the second route is Bonacaud village. The village is situated 69 km from the Trivandrum International Airport. So travellers coming from Delhi, Punjab, and Bangalore can either travel in local transport or can purchase the tour packages from Dream Holidays and the tour guides will guide you to the village. Trekking the hill will require three days. Before reaching the Bonacaud village trekkers have to avail of an entry pass of INR 500. Per day 100 pass will be issued. The issuing of passes will be started a couple of days before the Makaravilaku. Trekkers can purchase online also.

Itinerary for Trekking

  • 1st-day Bonacaud – Athiramula Base Camp

Travellers will have to reach the Bonacaud base by 7 am. It will take around for registration and verification. Do not forget to carry the necessary identity cards. Collect the food coupons and purchase the water bottles. You can start your trekking by 8 am. It will take 6 hrs to reach the Athiramula base camp. Over there you can rest and encash your coupon and satiate your hunger. After refreshing, you can stroll through the jungle. Do not make a loud noise as it will disturb the animals. You can build a camp and can spend your night in it. The canteen in the base camp works from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm, therefore, collect the food coupons for the next day before you sleep.

  • 2nd-day Athiramula Base Camp- Agasthayrkoodam Hill

After having light breakfast you can continue your trekking to the hill. It will take approximately 5 hrs to reach the top of the hill. On reaching the top of the hill you can capture the pictures of serene nature and soak yourself in nature’s bliss. Don’t forget to pack your lunch. Spend a few hours on the hill and return your journey before the sunsets. You can rest in the tent in the Athriamulla base camp.

  • 3rd-day Athiramulla Base Camp – Bonacaud

Followed to the breakfast travellers can descend to the village. It will take 6 hrs to reach the slope. From there you can return to your hometown. If you are new to Thiruvananthapuram you can visit the historic places of the district before concluding the trip.

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Dream Holidays are one such travel operator in Kerala that curates special packages for adventure enthusiasts. If you have any concerns regarding the same without any hesitation you can contact their customer representatives.

Why should you head out to Kollam on this Monsoon?

Suspension_Bridge,_Punalur_Kollam

Kerala, a minuscule state in the neighborhood of the Indian Ocean, is charming, hypnotic and is blessed with heavenly beauty. The lakes, lagoons, and rivers all set up an unearthly ambiance that stupefies the tourists and honeymooners. The land offers diverse options for every kind of travelers, and the best way to enjoy those is with some fabulous Kerala Tourism Packages, in and around all cities of Kerala. A Trip to Kerala often comprises of a Houseboat ride on the serene backwaters, a visit to Munnar, Visiting some Wildlife sanctuaries, experiencing the beaches, Getting an Ayurveda massages and so on. Are you already bored of hearing all those common and popular destinations?

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If you are seeking something new and unique travel experience on your Kerala tour this time, then head out to Kollam with Dream Holidays, who offer ultimate tailor-made packages to make your journeys unique and full of fun and excitement.  Kollam- the northern district in Kerala has served as the trading capital in old times.  This place is blessed with diverse attractions for tourists- forests, lakes, sea, hills and islands, which makes it a perfect spot for monsoon travel.  Kerala is the only state in India, where monsoon happen twice, and it adds a special charm to this wonderful place, and Kollam is no exception. Kollam or Quilon is the land of cashew and amazing backwaters. It has a strong history of commerce and trading and is a perfect gateway to the magnificent backwaters offered by Ashtamudi Lake.  This district offers you everything, from getting lost in to the mystery of nature, enjoying the magnificent backwaters, getting into the heart of rural life in Kerala and so much more.

Kollam- Tourist Itineries Information

  • Zone- North
  • Language: Malayalam
  • Area-2,579 sq.km
  • Nearest Rail Station: Kollam
  • Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram

What Kollam holds for the Travelers?

Thenmala- India’s first Eco-Tourism Project

Kollam Railway

  • Where- 72 km from Trivandrum, Thenmala Village, Kollam(62 km)
  • Nearest Railway Station: Thenmala
  • Nearest Airport: Trivandrum

Did you know Thenmala; the first planned Eco-tourism project in India? Well, this place has been heaven for planters for a long time.  As the name indicates it is indeed- the Honey hill, offering sweet wonders of nature.  This small village, that is located in the foothills of Western Ghats, is popular for its unique panorama, Eco-diversity, and well-maintenance by the government and the people here.  You can have organized tour with Kerala holiday packages enjoying the special attractions to see and places to stay in midst of nature.  The tea, rubber and other spice plantations, wildlife sanctuary, equal opportunities for fun, adventure and leisure and getting know the Eco-friendly measures of tourism all make it a unique destination for the travelers.

Eco Tourism Center– The Ecotourism center here has three zones

  • Culture Zone– The major attraction is the musical dancing fountain. You can also try typical Kerala dishes from the restaurants here.
  • Leisure Zone– The swaying bridge here is the main attraction. But be aware of some unexpected companions here- the monkeys! There is also a Sculpture garden, which has the theme- Man & nature.
  • Adventure Zone– This is the place for adrenaline junkies. There are options for trekking, elevated walkways, rock climbing and river crossing.

Other Nearby Kerala Attractions

  • Shendurnery Wildlife sanctuary– This protected are of the Western Ghats is a tropical semi-evergreen heaven which is home to some highly endangered species.
  • Palaruvi Waterfalls– Literally means a stream of milk, is the 32nd highest fall in India. The journey to reach this location offers you a wonderful trekking experience.
  • Asia’s First Butterfly safari park– Some of our sweet dreams are filled, with beautiful butterflies, flying all around midst of nature’s magnificence, well you can witness that here. It is Asia’s first Butterfly safari park where you can learn a lot about the life cycle of these species.
  • Deer Rehabilitation Centre– It is home to spotted deer, sambar deer, and is built within Kallada riverside forest. There is a tree house and a children’s park nearby.
  • Kannara Bridge – It was the first railway line in Travancore state and is more than a century old, which was built during British reign.

 

Thangasseri- A Trip Back in Time

Thangaserry Fort

  • Location: 7 Km from Kollam
  • Nearest Airport: Trivandrum(70 km)
  • Nearest Rail Station: Kollam(4 km)
  • By Road: Kollam bus station.

It is one of the proud heritage lands in the state that offers splendid cultural and historical attractions. Located 5 km away from Kollam, this beach used to be busy center during 18th century.  You can see old marks of Portuguese and all in the architecture of the churches and forts here which makes the land an interesting spot for the archeologists.

Major attractions

  • Thangasseri Arch – The entrance to the sleepy village, built by British in 1939.
  • The Lighthouse- Built in 1902 and is of 144 feets height.
  • San Thomas Fort- Built by Portuguese in early 1500
  • Infant Jesus Church- Built way back in 1614 by Dutch
  • Bishop House

 

Munroe Island- For Tranquil Backwater Cruises

Kollam Basckwaters

  • Where- 27 km from Kollam
  • Nearest Rail Station- Munore or Mundrothuruthu(3 km), Kollam(27 km)
  • Nearest Airport- Trivandrum(84 km)

Located around 27 km from Kollam, it is the hidden gem of Kerala backwater tourism.  The island is named after Munore, a British resident in back then.  This clean, unexplored, is an ideal spot for experience a complete laid-back backwater cruise. You can witness the simple and typical village life in the shore, the place has its pristine beauty and the people here are mostly working in coir industry and fishing. There is a ferry service to this island which is mostly crowded.  A backwater cruise here would take you through the sights of mangroves, Chinese fishing nets etc.

Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls

Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls

Located near Tamil Nadu border, it is a wonderful place to visit during Monsoon. The trek trail to reach the falls is a thrilling experience that offers wonderful, view of the scenery.So, there are lots to see at this amazing place, especially during Monsoon, when its charm adds an ethereal beauty to this place.

10 Things to Pack for a Honeymoon Trip to Kerala – Dream Holidays

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Kerala is also known as God’s Own Country because of its abundant natural beauty and the various exotic places that it contains. Kerala is also an ideal vacationing spot for all age groups of people, from youngsters to old people. Mesmerizing Kerala honeymoon packages are the most sought after vacation packages, because Kerala has a lot of beautiful places for newlyweds to venture. From the verdant tea gardens of Munnar to the lush tropical forests of Wayanad and the serene and picturesque boat houses of the backwaters, honeymoon destinations in Kerala are plentiful. Booking a Kerala Honeymoon from Delhi is the best option for couples as they get to relax in the lap of nature and enjoy their vacation viewing nature at its best.

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Kerala has a lot to offer to travelers especially when it comes to nature lovers. You would be able to enjoy the exotic animals and bird species and also indulge is some wild life photography. Kerala honeymoon packages from Delhi offers the best places to couples who want to spend some romantic moments with each other and create memories for a life time.

Here is a list of 10 essential things that you ought to pack for a honeymoon trip to Kerala:

  1. Make sure you carry your boarding pass, tickets or if you are coming in from abroad, then make sure you have yours and your spouse’s passport. Also some valid documents like license or if Indian then Aadhar Card for identification. Because when you travel around, you need to have some identification proof to show at your travel desk and even at the hotels that you stay.
  2. Keep your credit cards handy and make sure you have cash ready in hand with you before travelling to remote places, as ATMs may not be available.
  3. Keep a mobile connection that will help you in times of low network range, especially in the hilly areas.
  4. Always keep a pair of comfortable shoes to wear, because you may not be able to walk on the hilly terrain with your high heels, so it’s better to wear something comfortable so that you are free to move around with ease.
  5. Make sure you carry some special clothing that will enhance the romantic feel of your honeymoon and make it even more special for you and your spouse.
  6. Don’t forget to carry medication along for nausea, vomiting and headaches as travelling can take a toll on your health. And you may find it difficult to locate a medical shop in remote terrains. Also if you plan to go trekking, make sure you carry ample amounts of water, so that you will not have to depend on other local sources, as it might be dangerous to your health.
  7. Keep a list of all the important people you need to contact in case of an emergency, and also keep in contact with your travel agency is case of any mishaps.
  8. Try not to carry many valuables along, and leave them in the hotel room when you go sightseeing. This may become a hindrance and will create anxiety in you and your spouse. Also carry some toiletry items which might come in handy.
  9. A camera will be very essential as it can help you to capture moments that will be very precious to you and your loved one.
  10. If you are traveling by flight to Kerala that always carry one extra change of clothing in your hand luggage. Along with travel pillow and blanket. This will make your flight journey comfortable.

Allepy backwaters

You can book your Kerala tour packages from Delhi along with the flight travel from Delhi to Kerala and all you need is to confirm the airport where you want to arrive in Kerala. There are four international terminals and one domestic terminal here. You can customize your tour package as to where would you like to vacation. If you plan to visit the backwaters of Alappuzha then either the Kochi international airport or the Kollam domestic airport will be better options than arriving in Thiruvananthapuram airport. So accordingly you can book you tickets.

Allepy backwaters

Kerala has a vast number of opportunities to explore nature and bask in its glory. The best time to visit Kerala would be during the month of November to February. But even the monsoon months have a sensational feel to it. Also if you want to undergo some Ayurvedic treatment or spas then the monsoon climate is the best. Just that we have to take a few precautions when travelling during the monsoon is to protect yourself from getting too drenched. Preferably do not eat any street food during that time and also not to travel when the weather is too bad. The cheapest Kerala packages from Delhi will include these kind of Monsoon packages and summer or winter packages, so you can experience the best of Kerala in all types of climates. During monsoon the humidity is very high and hence the pores of our skin will be open and it will be easy to absorb the natural, essential oils and herbal oils that are being used in Ayurveda.

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During summer, when the climate is too hot, hill stations like Munnar and Thekkady will be there to your rescue. These places have a pleasant climate during summer and are one of the best options to tour in these places. Also during winter the climate is Kerala does not dip too much, and it will not be as cold as Delhi and northern India. The house boat on the backwaters would be a good option then. The serene and calm area along the backwaters will provide the best holiday options for honeymooners. The houseboats will help you to relax and enjoy a romantic and special honeymoon. There are many options for beautiful Kerala packages like this and you can choose the best out of the lot. Kerala is like paradise on earth, you can avail the best by investing yourself in this place.