The Ashambu hills form the southernmost ranges of the Western Ghats. Split between Kerala and Tamil Nadu they include the protected areas of the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve as well as Neyyar and Pepara Wildlife Sanctuaries. There are also several reserved forests that are contiguous with these more formally protected areas. The Ashambus have some the highest levels of diversity of flora and fauna in the entire Western Ghats. Agasthyamalai, a dramatic cone shaped mountain is the highest point in these hills (1,866 m). It is associated with several myths and is a minor religious pilgrimage point (mainly from the Kerala) side. It is the focal point so the amazing biodiversity of these hills.