The Agasthya forest is believed to have been the abode of sage Agasthya, a character from mythology. Trekking trails and thick forests around here.
Agasthyarkoodam, the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. A haven for rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Women are not allowed up the peak. The aboriginals here believe that sage Agasthya, a mythological character who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women. The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonacaud.
Nearest airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonacaud.
Mattupetty 13 km from Munnar is known for its highly specialised dairy farm - the Indo Swiss Livestock Project. Over a 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are reared here.
Ramakalmedu 16 km from Nedumkandam, Thekkady-Munnar Road offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the eastern slope of the Western Ghats.
Vattavada, in comparison to other regions in Munnar, instead of tea plantations, it is the predominance of vegetables that occupy the terraced slopes and valleys.
