Agasthyamala Trekking cum Training 2023

NAME OF THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ FD: M. Aboobacker

CONTACT NUMBER: 9446249776 / 8848090781 / 8139041246

EMAIL ADDRESS: shinejvrindavan@gmail.com

POSTAL ADDRESS: M. Aboobacker Chairman, Youth Hostels Association of India, Kerala State Branch , Malavattath House, Pulamanthol P.O Perinthalmanna Malappuram 679323

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM: Agasthyarkoodam in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most difficult trekking routes in Kerala. The Western Ghats, believed to be the abode of Sage Agastya, is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity. It is a restricted area for visitors as it is home to rare flora and fauna. It is a 56 km trek through dense forest where wildlife and amphibians roam. Agasthyarkoodam is located at an elevation of 6200 ft above sea level. From 2019, ladies are also allowed to trek to Agastyamala. As the trekking is arduous and extends through dangerous paths, only persons with considerable physical strength can trek to Agasthyarkoodam. Children below 15 years will not be allowed. Both men and women can apply.

Schedule of the Programme

Day 1 Reporting at Base camp: Forest Dormitory, Near Peppara Dam Vithura Trivandrum District (Nearest Bus Junction is Vithura) Jeep or Auto available from Vithura to Peppara Forest Dormitory 10 KMs. ( Avoid Night Travel in this route ) 4 PM Orientation and Acclimatization / Training. Camp at Forest Dormitory

Day 2 Breakfast 7.30 AM at Peppara dormitory 8.00 AM Transfer to Bonacaud (By Bus / Jeep) 25 Kms 9.00 AM Bonacaud to Athirumala (6 hours) 16 Kms Reach Athirumala base camp by 3.00 pm - Rest, get lunch at the base camp. Packed Food , Snacks and water provide 4.00 P.M- Explore the flora and fauna around the area. Go for a walk - Stay the night at the base camp. Base camp is a temporary Camp Shed with pacca toilet and bathroom. Only provided mattress on a twin sharing basis. Participants use their own Bed sheets / blanket - Dinner is served at the base camp

Day 3 Trek Athirumala to Agasthyakoodam peak and back (10 hours) 12 Kms - Start at 6 AM in the morning to head to the peak. - Reach the peak by 12 noon - Explore and take in the view. Provide a packed Breakfast, lunch and snacks to keep your energy levels up. - Head back to Athirumala Base Camp (reach back before the sun sets) - Dinner and night stay at the base camp Athrumala

Day 4 Breakfast 8.00 AM Trek from Athirumala (8.30 AM) to Bonacaud (3.00PM) 16 Kms Provide A packed Lunch and Snacks 4.30 P M Transfer to Peppara Dormitory (By Bus / Jeep) 25 Kms Dinner and Camp at Forest IB Peppara

Day 5 Breakfast 8.30 AM Evaluation & Certificate Distribution and Recreation Activity 10.AM Group disbursed

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Any YHAI member above the age of 15 years can participate on first cum first serve basis.

HOW TO REACH THE BASE CAMP:

The reporting place for the programme is at Forest IB Peppara Vithura . Nearest Air Port. Trivandrum International Airport ( 45 KMs,) Railway Station Trivandrum Central (40 Kms),

Road : Motorbale roads connect to Trivandrum Airport, Central Railway Station Trivandrum

Rail : The nearest railhead is Trivandrum Junction (40 KMs) which is connected to with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahammedabad , Baroda, Bhopal, Howrah and Guwahathi, Jodpur and all other major Railway stations etc.

Air : The nearest airport is Trivandrum International airport 45 Kms.

HOW TO JOIN:

YHAI Members desirous of joining the programme may apply online through our website www.yhaindia.org or by the prescribed registration from along with a DD of requisite amount in favour of “Youth Hostels Association of India Kerala State Branch” payable at CANARA BANK, PONNANI ,MALAPPURAM DISTRICT , KERALA STATE or ONLINE payment to State Branch Account (A/c No 0756101040595 Branch Code 756 IFSC Code CNRB0000756 CANARA BANK PONNANI MALAPPURAM) . The application along with medical fitness certificate, Copy of ID Card and a photograph should be send to Mr M. Aboobacker (State Chairman YHAI) C/o Malavattath House, Pulamanthol P.O Perinthalmanna Malappuram 679323 by Speed / Registered post

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES:

Dormitory with pacca bathroom and Toilet in Forest Dormitory Peppara and Temp camp shed Athirumala

FOOD & WATER SUPPLIES:

Simple Vegetarian Food and safe Drinking Water

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG:

Rucksack, Pants / Jeans, Rain Coat, sleeping Bag, Anti Leech Socks, Face mask , Sanitizer, Torch with extra batteries, Soap, Towel, Mug, Plate, Lunch Box, Glass, Water Bottle, Plate, Spoon, and Tumbler and Vaccination (2 Dose) Certificate, Medical fitness certificate , 2 Passport size Photographs and Two copies of ID card (Election ID, Adhar, Driving License or any Government of India Approved ID )

Climate

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Thiruvananthapuram in April is 34.5°C

SAFETY & SECURITY:

Our field volunteers and camp leaders have been visited the area and check the details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety, Youth Hostels Association of India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Use of alcohol and narcotics of any description and smoking are strictly prohibited during the programme. Deviation from the set rout of the programme is not permitted. If participants desire to join any other activity, they may do so at their own responsibility and risk only after finishing the programme and check out.

FEE INCLUSIONS:

Food, Accommodations, Transportation form Base Camp, Boating Charges, Entrance Fee and Guide Fee