description Agasthyamalai Overview
Agasthyamalai is a mountain in the southern Western Ghats of India, on the border region of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The peak and surrounding forests are associated with high biological diversity and with the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. Its name refers to the sage Agastya, giving the mountain an important place in Hindu religious tradition as well as in regional cultural history. Agasthyamalai is relevant to visitors and researchers interested in South Indian ecology, protected mountain forests, biodiversity, and sacred geography.
help Agasthyamalai FAQ
Where is Agasthyamalai?
Agasthyamalai is a mountain in the southern Western Ghats near the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. The surrounding landscape includes tropical forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. ([UNESCO](https://biodiversity.unesco.org/explore/map/INAg2016?codes=ZAGo2015%2CINAg2016))
How high is Agasthyamalai and why is it named that way?
The peak reaches about 1,868 metres above sea level. Its names, Agasthyamalai and Agasthyarkoodam, refer to the sage Agastya, whose presence gives the mountain religious as well as geographic importance. ([UNESCO](https://biodiversity.unesco.org/explore/map/INAg2016?codes=ZAGo2015%2CINAg2016))
Is Agasthyamalai part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve?
Yes, it lies within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, which UNESCO added to its World Network in 2016. The reserve covers about 350,000 hectares across southern India. ([UNESCO](https://biodiversity.unesco.org/explore/map/INAg2016?codes=ZAGo2015%2CINAg2016))
What makes Agasthyamalai especially important for biodiversity?
UNESCO records 2,254 species of higher plants in the biosphere reserve, including about 405 endemic species. Its forests also contain cultivated-plant diversity involving crops such as cardamom, nutmeg, pepper, and plantain. ([UNESCO](https://biodiversity.unesco.org/explore/map/INAg2016?codes=ZAGo2015%2CINAg2016))
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