Agasthyarkoodam

Agasthyarkootam is a pilgrim centre located in a fort like place 1890 meters above sea level in the southern parts of Kerala in the Western Ghats region. Agasthyarkootam is part of the evergreen forest of the Western Ghats. It is 65 km away from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Agasthyar was a sage of Dravidians and is considered to be one of the seven Rishis (Saptarishi ) of Hindu mythology. Tamil language is considered to be a boon from Agasthyar. There is a full size statue of Agasthyar at the top point and the devotees can render poojas themselves.

Europeans, particularly those from England, were the first to discover the rare medicinal plants in Agasthyarkootam. They have established tea gardens around the base stations of Agasthyarkootam at Brimore, Bonacaud and Ponmudi. John Allen Brown , a Scottish scientist, had established a miniature weather station at Agasthyarkootam. It is the abode of rare flora and fona and even wild animals.