Agasthyakoodam Trip – Part 3 - Travel Stories

Those who have not read the second part can read it here – Agasthakoodam Trip – Part 2

After the second trip, several years went with failed attempt to book the tickets. I was away from home for a year and could not go that year either. Finally in 2018 a few of us decided to go together again. I, Parameswaran, Kesavan, Harishankar, Rakesh, Jishnu, Vishnu, Muhammad Rabiat and Zenith were the nine members of the group. In this we were all relatives except Rabiat and Zenith. Tickets usually run out shortly after the booking starts. Everyone was anxious about the ticket availability. Finally, we managed to give everyone’s details and, luckily got the tickets. The trip was on February 2, 3 and 4.

First Day

In the morning, Hari’s father and Jishnu’s father took us to Bonakad in two cars at 7 o’clock. The food was kept with us till noon. We had our breakfast from there itself. Then we had our ticket checking by the forest dept. officials. Like last time, many people had to leave all the unnecessary plastic there. Nothing like that happened to us as we were already experienced. There were plastic bottles in our bag to hold the water. We had to pay a small amount for it. If you show the bottle when you come back you will get that money back.

Travel Stories | English | Agasthyakoodam — Breakfast

Before the trip, there was a small class by one of the officers there. It was basically a short description of things to take care while travelling in the forest and more. The walk started at about eight o’clock. Everybody bought walking sticks for ten rupees. These sticks are usually very helpful when walking. It will help to balance our body and share the weight to the stick too. There were no use of rods for a few distance. The route was level and without any difficulties. We took a bath from the same waterfall like last time. This time we did not have lunch from there. Everyone thought we could go a little further. Many in the team were first-timers.

We saw a small stream in the forest after the meadows. We sat on its shore and had lunch. Everyone was starving. It was about two o’clock. We could not have the food before as there were no shade anywhere in the meadows. We then rested a bit after the meal. We filled the empty bottles with water from the stream and continued walking. We were the last ones who reached Athirumala on that day. The concrete building that existed in the last visit was demolished. Instead it was now a large room made of tin. Other sheds were different too. Instead of wood and tarpaulin, they too were turned into tin sheets. After a short nap, we had black coffee in the evening with some nice snacks. Then we collected the coupon for dinner. The fatigue of walking that day was alleviated to some extent with one bath in cold water. Till the dinner time, we spent there by sharing our previous travel experiences. We had dinner early and fell asleep.

Second Day

Many said the next day that their sleep was not proper. But everyone woke up early and got ready for the journey. After breakfast, we started the day by taking lunch and filling bottles with water. While walking through the jungle, we saw signs of elephant passing in the last days. The weather was clear. The sun was shining well but the cold wind did not cause much fatigue. We had lunch at Pongalappara as usual. Going a little further up we noticed the hoof marks of wild buffalo in the dry soil at one place. O could show everyone the pits for making medicines, which we have seen in the past. The ropes were now laid in more places compared to last time because of which we were able to climb very easily. At last, we reached the top. In the past, everyone used to perform rituals in front of Agastya. Now it has changed. Only the tribals have that right. After resting there for about half an hour we started to climb down.

The water in our bottles had run out in the meantime. Then it was re-filled from some small stream we found on the way. Everyone was thirsty until we saw the stream. We reached Athirumala by the time of lunch. We went to sleep after lunch. After a bath, evening tea and snacks, the fatigue subsided. We then spent the rest of the time roaming around and chit chats regarding trips. After dinner, everyone went to sleep early.

Third Day

Rakesh and Parameswaran got muscle cramps in their legs while descending. The speed of the descent was therefore slightly reduced. Everyone was drinking well because of the scorching heat and fatigue. Again the water in the bottles ran out. It was a little hard to find a stream. Water was collected from a small stream which was seen after a short distance. We still ate from the same place where we had lunch when we climbed up. When we slowly reached Bonakad, the car was ready for us for the return journey.

I went to Agastyakoodam three times but each visit gave me a new experience. This trip was the most time-consuming one. Most of us, including me, worked in IT companies and had very little exercise. It had a great impact on our speed. Rabiath was the one who climbed without much fatigue. He would take selfies there when we were tired and taking a rest. Now all are in different locations. Many are outside Kerala. The next time when we meet, we all will have a trip like this again, if we get the chance.