Ponmudi – A Paradise Getaway

Ponmudi is a hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in South India. In the local language Ponmudi means the “Golden Peak”. It is located sixty one kilometers north-east of Trivandrum city at an altitude of 1100 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. Tourists enjoy visiting the beautiful and scenic Ponmudi.

Ponmudi is very popular with trekkers and hikers as it is connected to Trivandrum by a narrow winding road. The trek paths are beautiful and from Trivandrum there are scenic views on the way to Ponmudi. The climate is pleasant year-round. Trivandrum serves as a base for trekking and hiking and goes all the way up to Ponmudi. In Ponmudi there are lots of peaks, one of which is Motta peak, which is a famous for trekking. There are also tea gardens in the area, which provide the landscape a unique look.

Another attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam. It is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, with the highest peak at 1868 m. This peak is famous for its wilderness, and can be accessed only with the Forest Department's permission. The peak offers breath taking views and is a great place to explore the divinity of Nature.

The Meenmutty Falls is also a famous attraction in the area. These falls are beautiful and tourists will be mesmerized and awed by this amazing waterfall. This beautiful fall is an excellent example of how powerful and beautiful Nature can be. The beauty of the fall is truly awe-inspiring.
Hotel Golden Peak in the upper sanitarium under Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) is the only hotel available for stay in Ponmudi. Due to its proximity to the main city of Trivandrum and lack of accommodation options tourists usually prefer to stay in the city and make a one day trip to Ponmudi. A deer park and a wireless station are also there in Upper sanitarium.

Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. The lush forest area has tropical vegetation. A variety of wildlife inhabits the hills. The Golden Valley offers vistas of the hills and access to the Kallar River. Flowing though a wilderness area, it has rounded pebbles, cool water, fish, and lush green trees.

The early morning scenery especially during the winter season is breath taking and this is the best time to visit Ponmudi.