Agasthyamala

Agasthyamala is an 1868-metre peak in the southern Western Ghats, straddling the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The mountain takes its name from the Vedic sage Agastya, who Hindu tradition holds settled here to meditate — a founding myth that has drawn pilgrims to the summit for centuries. The surrounding forests form part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, one of India's most biodiverse ecosystems, sheltering a remarkable number of endemic plant and animal species. Access is tightly controlled: trekkers must obtain a forest department permit and hike in guided groups, with the ascent typically taking two days including an overnight camp mid-route. The summit itself offers sweeping views across the forested ridgelines of the southern Ghats.