The KeralaTrekking Agasthyarkoodam itinerary covers 50+ km over three days: Bonacaud to the Athirumala base camp, a summit day from camp, and the walk back. This page follows that itinerary, with clock times from a KeralaTrekking batch. Timings can change with weather, trail conditions, group pace and Forest Department instructions.
Route at a glance
| Stage | Distance | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Bonacaud to Athirumala | About 20 km | Forest, grassland, Muttidichan Theri, a steep knee-breaking ascent. Reach camp by evening. |
| Athirumala to the peak and back | About 10 km | Steep, rocky and demanding. Pongalappara, then rocky stretches and the rope section. Back at camp by mid afternoon. |
| Athirumala to Bonacaud | About 20 km | Same route as day one. Total is 50+ km. |
Day 1: Trivandrum to Bonacaud to Athirumala (about 20 km on foot)
On a KeralaTrekking batch the day runs roughly like this: pickup at Trivandrum Central Railway Station at 5:00 AM, reporting at Bonacaud around 7:30 AM, breakfast, and the trek starts about 8:30 AM. Forest officials check bags at Bonacaud. Lunch is packed and eaten on the trail. The group aims to reach Athirumala around 3:30 PM, followed by evening tea, dinner at 7:30 PM and the night at camp.
The trail begins in forest and opens into grassland. Muttidichan Theri is one of the named stretches on the way, and partway through the day there is a steep ascent that most trekkers remember for their knees. Move as a team, stay on the trail and walk at a steady pace. A strong first day sets up the summit day.
Plastic check: if plastic is found in your bag, the forest staff take a caution deposit (Rs 100 per piece on our batches, cash only), returned when you bring the plastic back. Carry as little plastic as you can.
Day 2: Athirumala to Agasthyarkoodam and back (about 10 km)
Morning tea is at 6:30 AM, breakfast at 7:00 AM and the trek to the peak starts about 7:30 AM. Leave heavy luggage in the base camp and carry a small 10 to 20 litre day pack for water and snacks. The group is usually back at Athirumala around 3:30 PM for lunch, then tea at 5:00 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM. You pass Pongalappara, then cross a series of rocky sections. The final climb is a steep granite face where the Forest Department has fixed safety ropes. At the top is the statue of Sage Agastya.
After time at the peak, you descend the same way to Athirumala. Summit day is steep and demanding, so leave generous time and keep energy and water in reserve for the descent.
Rope section safety. The rock face is far more demanding when it is wet. Follow the guides’ instructions exactly, climb with both hands free, and do not attempt it in poor conditions or if you feel unwell.
Day 3: Athirumala to Bonacaud and back to Trivandrum (about 20 km on foot)
Morning tea at 6:30 AM, breakfast at 7:30 AM and the walk out starts about 7:45 AM, on the same route as day one. The group expects to reach Bonacaud around 3:00 PM, with drop-off at Trivandrum Railway Station expected around 7:30 PM. An early start for the walk out. The descent is long and rough on knees and toes, so shorten your stride and use poles if you trek with them. Reach Bonacaud, complete exit formalities and travel back.
Can it be done in two days?
Official coverage of the 2026 season notes that if trekkers reach Athirumala by about 2 pm on the return leg, they can continue back the same day. Otherwise they stay overnight at the camp shed and leave early next morning. Most groups plan for the third day so that nobody is rushed on the descent.
What you will see
- Dense forest with a high diversity of plant life, including medicinal plants the biosphere reserve is known for.
- Open grassland ridges with long views.
- The granite cone of the peak and the summit idol of Sage Agastya.
- Wildlife signs. Stay alert for wild animals along the route and stay with your group and guides.
Tips for each stage
- Start light and slow on day one. The climb comes after the long approach, not before.
- Break the summit day into three parts: Athirumala to Pongalappara, Pongalappara to the rock face, and the rope climb itself.
- Eat and drink on a schedule, not only when you feel hungry or thirsty.
- Keep a dry layer for camp. Temperatures drop at Athirumala after sunset.
Next: how permits and booking work, or check the packing list.