Ponmudi, Amongst the Scenic Hill Stations in Kerala

Ponmudi is a beautiful hill station in Thiruvananthapuram district,
at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level and is part of the Western Ghats. The road to Ponmudi from Thiruvananthapuram is narrow, offering scenic views along the way. The hill station, Ponmudi features several tea gardens and plantations of rubber, pepper etc. 

The highest peak of this region is the Agasthyarkoodam, which has a height of around 1868 m. In order to reach to this peak, one has got to take permission from the Forest Department. The chief attractions of this pristine hill station are the Orchids and Deer Park. Other attractions of Ponmudi are Meenmutty waterfall and Motta Peak, which popular among the trekkers. The Ponmudi offers a perfect retreat for the people who are looking for some getaway from the regular chaotic life of the cities.

The reason for it being a perfect retreat is because of the beautiful surroundings of the hill station, along with the meandering streams involving cool green waters and the dense woods set in the midst of peaceful surroundings. Also that, the climate of Ponmudi remains pleasant throughout the year, and the place serves as a base for trekking and hiking for adventure seekers. Trekking and other adventure activities are very popular because of the existence of the plantations of tea and various other spices, along with various mountain flowers, wild orchids, exotic butterflies, small rivulets, springs and a deer park, at this place.

Chief Attractions

Agasthyarkoodam- It is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats and also the highest in the district. The Agasthyakodam peak is one of the top attractions of this hill station as it holds the ideal wilderness which provides a scope for trekking and hiking, which can be accessed whith the permission from the Forest Department. 

Meenmuthi Waterfalls- The falls is another chief attraction of the Ponmudi, located at a distance of 3 km from the Kallar Main Road. One can witness the Meenmutty Waterfalls and Kallar stream on the way to Ponmudi from Vithura.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary- The sanctuary is situated on the suburbs of Ponmudi, which stretches across an area of about 53 sq km. This wildlife preservation includes a variety of wildlife inhabitants like Asian elephants, sambar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar grey hornbills and many more.

Golden Valley- The place offers a scenic view of the hills and is placed amidst the beautifully densely wooded forest. Golden Valley also stands as an access point to the Kallar River which includes crystal clear water and fishes in it. The river is surrounded by rounded pebbles, lush green trees and beautiful wilderness, where you can enjoy bird watching and fishing.

Other attractions of Ponmudi includes a deer park, a number of rivulets and rapids, some even flowing across the road, a variety of flora and of course its picturesque views.

The hill station is also a popular picnic spot among the visitors due to its magnificent location. As mentioned earlier, the place is also popular for adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering etc. One can even go for a long leisurely walks along the meandering roads of the place. The beauty of this hill station is kept unspoiled and the view down the valley from the cottages and resorts up the hill is awesome and equally captivating.

How to Reach the Place

The nearest airport to Ponmudi is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. As for the nearest rail head, the nearest one to this place is the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station which is easily accessible. The road transportation to Ponmudi is very good and is well linked with Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala by a wide network of roads.