Ponmudi

Ponmudi

Ponmudi hill station, Trivandrum is a beautiful hill station located at a distance of 61 kilometers from the city. An unexplored destination, Ponmudi, Kerala is a tranquil spot located atop hills and is a must visit if you to experience true bliss and feel rejuvenated once again. The place is located at a height of 600 meters above sea level and is called the Golden peak. Ponmudi hill station is a welcome break from the hustle - bustle of the city life and one can relax without being disturbed in the lap of nature. For all you adventure seekers, Ponmudi hill station offers many adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, etc. One can go on long leisurely walks along the meandering roads that wind up the hill. This beautiful hill station is a scenic view and it also has natural springs that help keeping the valley lush green. The hill station also has tea gardens that make it a picture perfect location. The view from cottages and resorts up the hill is breath taking and it feels as though time has left this place untouched.

Sightseeing in Ponmudi

Ponmudi Hills
The idyllic hill station Ponmudi is turning out to be the perfect retreat for city residents who want to get away from the sweltering heat. Situated at around a distance of 60 kms from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and at an altitude of 1000m above the sea level on the Western Ghats a 2 hrs drive from Nedumangad Town through a 16 Km ghat road, Ponmudi is perhaps second only to Munnar in scenic beauty. True to its name meaning Golden Crown in Malayalam, Ponmudi promises a treat of a lifetime to all those looking for a break from the monotony of hectic life. An ideal place for nature lovers, this hill station attracts people from all over the country to come and explore this untouched virgin nature beauty. Long walk while bird watching with crystal waterfalls in the background, one explores the rubber, tea, cardamom and spices plantations. Orchids and Deer Park, which is only 3 kilometers away from the Ponmudi, are also the main attractions of the place. For those having a passion for trekking, Ponmudi is the place to be in then. While trekking, one comes across a small zoo, mainly of barasinghas, at the edge of the forest.

Kallar
Kallar, famous for round-shaped boulders and pebble, is situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi. The place gets its name from the River Kallar, which flows through the region. It is a favourite haunt for picnickers and attracts many with an interest in trekking, angling and bird watching. The main attractions are the nearby Golden Valley, and the Meenmutti waterfalls. Unlike the Meenmutti waterfall, the Golden Valley is easily accessible form the main road. Here one can take a dip in the crystal clear waters to cool off, and also watch the many rapids and small pools that dot a good part of the river in this area. Apart from Golden Valley, those with zeal for trekking and bird watching can take narrow track, starting from the right from the side of the Kallar Bridge.

Meenmutty (Water Falls)
The track from Kallar will lead one to a medium sized, but captivating waterfall, popularly known as Meenmutty. The waterfall is situated 3-4 km from the main road. On the way to the waterfall, one could come across ample bird life, and many species of butterflies. The forest here is mostly tropical in nature, and during the rainy season, one has to be on the alert for leeches.

Agasthyarkoodam
Agastyarkoodam Peak is a spectacular peak in the Western Ghats that rises to a majestic height of about 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone. Agasthyarkoodam is part of the Sahyadri mountains and forms the second highest peak in Kerala. A bird watcher's paradise, this legendary mountain is accessible by foot from Kotoor, near Neyyar Dam and also from Bonacaud. Teeming with wild life Agathyarkoodam is a haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants and the slopes offer a breathtaking sight when they transform into colorful glades of the 'Neelakurinji' a flower, which blooms only once in twelve years. Hence, the aborigines dislike the presence of strange women on the hill. Women are not allowed up the peak. The season from December to April is advocated for trekking, for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, Thiruvananthapuram

Aruvikkara
Aruvikkara is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot, with a waterfall nearby. The spot houses a temple, with a rock cut shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female power. Near the Durga Temple here is a stream full of fish that fearlessly come close to the shore to be fed by the visitors is another attraction. It is another favourite local destination is Neyyar Dam, a dam site with the lake providing a picnic spot as well as opportunities for boating and hiking. The famed Sivanada Yoga Vedanta Ashram is located here. The small Aruvikkara dam which provides water to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram is worth seeing. The place is of a lot of tourist interest and the site of a mini dam. It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot.

Peppara(Wild Life Sanctuary)
Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The terrain is rugged with rushing streams, flat meadows, gentle to steep hills ranging from 90m to 1717m. The sanctuary was set up in 1983 taking into account its diversity in ecological, faunal and floral content. The sanctuary has substantial natural vegetation cover ranging from sub tropical forests to tropical evergreen forests and is dotted with large hills and numerous hillocks with Eucalyptus plantations. The sanctuary is home to elephants, sambhar, lion-tailed macaques, leopards, and assorted birds. Gaur, barking deer, wild boar, tiger and the nilgiri langur are also among the main inhabitants of the park. This sanctuary with its rich fauna and birds is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts. It is spread over an area of 53 sq km on the Western Ghats. The place is fascinating for its dam site, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions. The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Elephants, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and cormorant are commonly seen here. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling experience.

Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Agasthyamalai hill ranges in the south of the Western Ghats, in Nedumangad and Neyyatinkara Taluks of Thiruvananthapuram district, Neyyar is a popular picnic spot. The Neyyar wildlife sanctuary established in 1958 is located at the foot of the Western Ghats, 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram. It is spread over an area of 128km. The landscape is hilly and wooded. Wildlife is represented here by wild elephants, Sambhar, Jungle cat, Gaur, Niligiri langur and the Niligiri ahr. Tigers and Leopards have also been sighted up. Besides there is a large population of crocodiles and otters. A crocodile farm was set in 1977. Gardens near the dam are decorated with larger then life statues. Boats can be hired to view deer and other wildlife on an island in the reservoir area of the dam. The sanctuary has a wide variety of vegetation and landscape, ranging from tropical wet evergreen forest to grasslands. The best way to explore the sanctuary is by boat. Climate conditions are moderately hot and humid, and hottest in March and April. The sanctuary is accessible by boat, jeep or on foot up to Kottur Dry Stock Farm and Amboori, beyond which access is limited to boats.

Koyikkal Palace (Numismatics museum)
This exquisite palace shines as an excellent example of the traditional domestic architecture of Kerala. According to the Vastusatra ? the traditional architectural science?this building can be classified into "Nalukettu" a quadrangular building with an open courtyard in the middle, which is seldom to be scan today. This double-storied building with gabbled roof is considered to be one among the oldest palace of Venadu dynasty. This palace was in the ownership of Travancore Devaswam board after the state reorganization. In 1979 government of Kerala took over this palace and declared as a protected historic monument. Today Kerala's largest Folklore museum and numismatic museum are fused here.

Things to do in Ponmudi

Hairpin drive
The road to Nelliayapathy is through 19 hair pin curves. Adventure drivers definitely love this place as it gives maximum driving pleasure. The view and climate is splendid. You too can try your part.

Trekking
The enchanting Agastyagoodam mountains in this area provide an opportunity for hiking, trekking and mountaineering. The Agasthyagoodam hill range features prominently in legends and Hindu mythology. The Range takes its name from Agasthya, an ascetic, who is reputed to have performed penance in the area.

River bath
Nelliyampathy is home to virgin forest lands, water falls and rivers very suitable for bathing. There are bathing points where you can take bath safely. May be this will be your best bathing experience for your life time.

Spot wildlife
The Peepara and Neyyar Wildlife sanctuaries worth visiting. Boating facilities are also available. These sanctuaries are home to elephants, sambhar, lion-tailed macaques, leopards, and assorted birds. Gaur, barking deer, wild boar, tiger and the nilgiri langur are also among the main inhabitants of the park.

How to reach Ponmudi

Nearest bus stations: Nedumangad, about 45 km away
Nearest railway station: Thiruvanthapuram, about 61 km away.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 67 km away