Ponmudi - Abound in Beauty and Adventure in Kerala
Popularly called Golden Peak, Ponmudi hill station is bounded by beautiful hills, spice plantations, tea estates, and natural springs and winding streams. Ponmudi hill station is situated about 61 km away from Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala, on the Western Ghats along the Arabian Sea.
Ponmudi hill station was founded by Rishi Parshuram, a prominent Indian mythological figure. Though a quaint place, it has a turbulent history, with ownership changing hands quite frequently. This land has been ruled by the Aryas, Venads and Varmas and invaded by the Cholas and Mughals. It is frequented by tourists during August and September, when the Aaranmula Temple Festival and Aaranmula Boat Race are held. This hill station is also the gateway to Varkala, an important pilgrimage site where the 2000-year old Janardanswamy Temple is located.
Some notable tourist attractions located in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point and various trekking spots. Mist-laden valleys, especially Golden Valley near Kallar River, also draw tourists. Travellers can find a deer park and wood and stone cottages coloured in bright hues while visiting here. Visitors can spot barasinghas in the mini-zoo located north of Ponmudi Crest.
Some notable tourist attractions located in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point and various trekking spots. Mist-laden valleys, especially Golden Valley near Kallar River, also draw tourists. Travellers can find a deer park and wood and stone cottages coloured in bright hues while visiting here. Visitors can spot barasinghas in the mini-zoo located north of Ponmudi Crest.
Meenmutty Falls are also located in the vicinity of this hill station, though tourists need to seek permission from the Forest Department for exploring it. Apart from sightseeing, Ponmudi is also famous for Ayurvedic medical treatment. The nearest airport to Ponmudi is Trivandrum International Airport, which is situated 61 km away. Trivandrum Central railway station is the nearest station and connects this hill station to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad. Buses that run every 2 hours also ply from Thambanoor Bus Stand to Ponmudi.
What to See....
What to See....
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary - located on the outskirts of Ponmudi, is a preserve spread across 53 sq km and accommodates a variety of wild animals and birds like Asian elephants, sambar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar grey hornbills, etc.
Agasthyamalai -Biosphere Reserve is another popular attraction covering Neyyar, Peppara, Shendumey Wildlife Sanctuaries and divisions of Achencoil, Thenmala, Konni, Punalur, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Golden Valley - A place that is not to be missed, golden valley, gifts its visitor a sight that sparkles with copious rivulets and rapids, and polished with well-rounded pebbles, ice cool water and green trees. Just the absolute wilds of the place are enough to mesmerize its beholder.
Agasthyarkoodam - Agasthyarkoodam is one of the main attractions in Ponmudi. It is the highest peak (1868 m) in Trivandrum district and is also one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. The peak has restricted access and is well known for its wilderness.
Meenmutty Falls - This breathtakingly beautiful waterfall is sited on the trek path to Agasthyarkoodam. Trekkers can avail the golden opportunity of an exciting trek through dense forests to reach the falls. Situated near the Meenmutty waterfalls is another splendid waterfall- The Kombaikani Waterfalls.
Orchids and Deer Park - The Orchids and Deer Park, situated at a few kilometers distance from Ponmudi, is another main attraction of the place. The extensive tea plantations in Ponmudi that border the winding way uphill, is another sight that is worth seeing.
How to reach....
By Rail - The hill station is well connected by good roadways.
By Road - The hill station is well connected by good roadways.
