Ponmudi, is a pretty hill station accessible by a one and half hour’s drive from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The journey separates the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) from the invigorating climate of Ponmudi Hills. A trekker’s heaven housing tea gardens, spice plantations, gurgling brooks and wildlife, it’s the perfect getaway for a peaceful weekend. A mere one and a half hour’s road The name Ponmudi, a hill station so close to the sea, in Malayalam means golden crown.
The hill station of Ponmudi is located at a distance of 61 km north east from the Ponmudicity of Thiruvananthapuram. Situated at an altitude of over 1,100 m above sealevel, the winding streams with their cool green waters and the verdant woods set in the midst of serene surroundings, is sure to attract any visitor to Ponmudi Hills. It forms part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.
Ponmudi is connected to Thiruvananthapuram by a narrow winding road which offers a scenic view all along the way. The climate is invigorating and remains pleasant throughout, and the place serves as a base for trekking and hiking for adventure enthusiasts. The tea-gardens here are also famous. As you drive along the hilly road, it passes under a canopy of thickly matted foliage. The forest recedes gradually giving way to neatly clipped tea bushes.
On the way to Ponmudi, the thick tropical forest greets one at the foot of the Ponmudi hill range. The road passes under a canopy of thickly matted foliage. The forest recedes gradually giving way to neatly clipped tea bushes.
Other attractions near Ponmudi include the scenic Golden Valley offering a wonderful view of the hills, and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even flowing across the road. Located in a rich forest area, this whole place offers lot of scope to those who are interested in tropical vegetation. There is also plenty of wildlife found around these hills. Golden Valley is an access point to the river Kallar which abounds in rounded pebbles. Lush green trees, the cool crystal-clear water, scurrying fishes and the sheer wilderness of the park – all go to enthrall the traveller. Leisurely strolls, fishing in the Kallar river and bird/butterfly watching can also be indulged in.
Ponmudi As one leaves the city behind, one enters the region of plantations – rubber, pepper, cardamom and tea. The change is abrupt. The tappers can be seen going about briskly gathering the milky fluid from rubber trees collected in coconut shells. Coconut thatch mats cover almost one half of the road, over which women spread black pepper for drying. One may come across a lone elephant ambling along carrying his mahout atop and his breakfast of coconut thatch in his trunk.
Tea estates at Ponmudi are not as big as those in the Munnar hills. Large water sprays shower the gardens. The ‘mate’, a septuagenarian shading himself with an umbrella, can be seen reading aloud the day’s news to the pickers. The pickers, in response, either grunt indicating disapproval of the news item or remain silent in agreement.
Ponmudi is yet an unexplored destination, especially for travelers from outside the state, and is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life where one can relax without being disturbed, amidst tranquil surroundings in the lap of nature.
For the 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 offers a pleasing view and it has natural springs that help in keeping the valley lush green. The hill station also has tea gardens that make it a picture perfect location. The view down the valley from the cottages and resorts up the hill is breathtaking and it feels as though time has left this place untouched.
Ponmudi Trekking to the north of Ponmudi Crest, one passes along a mini zoo, primarily of barasinghas, on the edge of the forest. Entering the forest, the verdant shades of green numb the senses, as does the avian orchestra. The brilliant red southern trongon dot the trees like flowers. The air is full with the loud raucous chuckling of heavy billed Malabar hornbills. The shrill notes of the blue-black Malabar whistling thrush add to the cacophony. Even the rare long-tailed paradise flycatchers flit gracefully from tree to tree. It is like an open aviary.
This is an ideal day trip destination from Trivandrum city or Kovalam Beach.
Connectivity : –
The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is located at a place that is easily accessible from the hill station.
Ponmudi hill station is well connected to Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala by a wide network of roads.
Stay :-
There is a small tourist complex of guesthouses with 24 rooms and 10 stone cottages perched on the hillside which make for very comfortable lodging at Ponmudi.
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