Agasthyarkoodam cannot be trekked without an official ticket from the Kerala Forest Department. Entry is restricted, tickets can be booked only by a registered applicant, and the number of trekkers per day is capped. This page explains how it works and how KeralaTrekking helps you get one. Always confirm current details on the official portal before you pay.
Independent guide. KeralaTrekking is not the Forest Department. Permits are issued by the Forest Department, and we help guided-batch trekkers get them. This page summarises publicly available information to help you plan. Official notices always take priority.
Who controls access
The Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department restricts entry to the Agasthyarkoodam peak and the surrounding area. A controlled trek is offered only during the trekking period the Government defines from time to time. Outside that, there is no general access.
Season trek versus guided batches outside the season. The portal steps below describe the Forest Department’s own online booking. Guided batches listed outside that window, such as November and December, are arranged by KeralaTrekking, which confirms the permit status of each batch with you on WhatsApp before you pay. See guided batches.
Slots are limited and hard to get
The Forest Department sets a daily limit on trekkers, charges an entry fee per trekker and decides the trekking dates. All three can change from one season to the next. Slots for popular dates are taken within minutes of opening, so getting a permit on your own is difficult and often comes down to timing.
This is why most trekkers join a guided batch. KeralaTrekking helps you get the forest permit for your batch, so you do not have to compete for slots on booking day. Our current batches are on the guided batches page, and we share the price on WhatsApp.
How booking on the official portal works
- Watch for the announcement. The Forest Department publishes season dates and the booking start time, often through newspapers and its website.
- Register as an applicant on the Forest Department site (forest.kerala.gov.in) or through the linked service portal at serviceonline.gov.in/trekking.
- Select your dates and trekkers. Keep every participant’s ID details ready before booking opens.
- Pay online and save your ticket. Carry the ticket and original documents on the day.
In recent years Akshaya centres have also been announced as a booking route. Tickets for popular dates sell out very quickly, sometimes within hours of opening, so be ready at the booking time.
Documents and eligibility
- Valid government photo ID for every trekker.
- A fitness certificate, which trekkers must present on entry.
- Minimum age has been 14 in recent seasons. Confirm the current rule.
- Foreign nationals are not permitted to undertake the Agasthyarkoodam trek, according to the official booking portal.
Cancellations and refunds
Cancellation and refund terms are set by the Forest Department and the booking portal. Read the terms on the portal before you pay. The portal also notes that the department and the technical provider are not responsible if money is deducted but a ticket is not issued, so keep screenshots and payment references.
Official contact
Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram. Phone +91 471 2360762.
Booking with a guided group
KeralaTrekking’s 3 day, 2 night batch includes the forest permits, a trek leader and local guide, meals and the Athirumala stay. See guided batches for the full inclusions, exclusions and cancellation policy.
If you join a KeralaTrekking batch, we tell you exactly what each participant needs to prepare, confirm the arrangements for that batch, and keep you updated. Because tickets and seats go quickly, send your dates and group size early, and keep participant details and payment ready. We separate three stages clearly: an enquiry, a pre-booking and a confirmed seat, so you always know where you stand.
What to do now
- Decide a rough date window and a backup window. Popular weekends go first.
- Start your fitness plan now. See difficulty and fitness.
- Get your fitness certificate sorted and collect ID copies for everyone in your group.
- Message us your preferred dates early, because slots go quickly.
Next: best time to trek.