Agasthyavanam Biological Park

Agasthyavanam Biological Park is a protected area in the Western Ghats in Thiruvananthapuram district, named after Agasthyamala, the peak that rises nearby and is held sacred by many. It began in 1992, when a scientific committee formed by the Government of India studied the badly degraded Kottur area and proposed a park to restore and protect chosen plants and animals. The land had few species left but good soil, water and climate.

About 17.5 sq km is left to regrow into dense forest, while the rest is used for planned conservation work, including plant conservatories and breeding of wild animals and birds. Because rain drains quickly to the sea, small check dams are planned to hold water through the dry months. The Wildlife Warden in Thiruvananthapuram runs the park, and Neyyar Dam is close by.