Bonacaud

Bonacaud, serves as the base station for exploring the famous Agasthyarkoodam in the Agasthya hills of the Western Ghats is situated 60 kilometers from the state capital Trivandrum district of Kerala State. It is a small, isolated and unpolluted village. Spread over an area of 2500 acres of valleys, waterfalls and hills it is known for its spectacular beauty. Bonacaud is an ideal place for birding. Grey wagtail, forest wagtail, greenish leaf warbler, Asian brown flycatcher are amongst the 60 species of birds spotted around.

The famous hill resort Ponmudi is near to Bonacaud. Also known as Bonakkad, it is in the past, was known for its magnificent tea plantations started by the British about 135 years ago.

Until 70s the factory was very much lively but now it is closed. Ruined tea plantations are a common sight found here. The colonists roamed around the place on horseback and named the place Bonaccord. Later the locals modifying it as Bonacaud. The name Bonacaud means 'bona forest' caud in Malayalam means forest).

On the road up, one can see a tall watch tower from where one can get a clear view of the Peppara dam and its catchment area, enchanting lush green Agasthya hill ranges and the factory and buildings dotting the Bonacaud estate and the winding roads.

On the way to Agasthyarkoodam from Bonacaud, one can see a few small waterfalls. The Bona waterfall is six km away from the Bonacaud tea factory. One have to take special permission from the Forest Department to visit Bona Falls. Those want to visit this falls, one have to walk as vehicles are not allowed there. A 4 km trek is needed to reach the waterfall. Park the vehicles around 2 km away from the checkpoint. It is an attractive and lovely waterfall with an abundant fauna wealth. The next four km involves trek through the forest path. Permit for the trek can be obtained from the forest check post.

Pandippathi is a nearby trekking destination, where one can see gaur and other wild animals in proximity. The place is also an ideal for trekking. Pandipathu and Agasthya malai are two hardcore trekking areas here. Kurishumala is another famous trekking spot near Bonacaud. It looks like a difficult terrain to climb from the ground, but there are enough paths around the steeper inclines. Kurishumala can also be visited by jeep from Vagamon. From the top of Kurishumala one can relish a splendid view of the Peppara dam and Agasthyarkoodam.

Like all other hillstations in Kerala, this hillstation is also best to visit from October to March. This tiny village is very beautiful immediately after the monsoon which makes the region full of lush greenery.

Tourist can make use of the Information Centre of the Forest Department at Bonacaud. This two-storeyed eco-friendly structure stands on wooden stilts and makes use of local raw materials for construction.