PONMUDI

Located at a distance of 72 km from Trivandrum railway station, this hill station is at an altitude of 1200 m.No need to worry about the distance as this 72 km contains about 22 sharp hair pin bends which make your journey thrilling and breath taking.This peak is not populated like those in other parts of Kerala and lacks private resorts which pollute the area.The rubber and Tea plantations are also limited here.

·                    In local dialect, Ponmudi means “Golden Hills”.Ponmudi offers to soothe your work worn mind and body to rejuvenation.It is also known as bikers heaven and trekkers paradise.The whole place is located in deep forest area, including the roads leading to ponmudi.

   The kallar river which flows down is accessible from here. Kallar is a hidden beauty at the same time dangerous too.Like the weather in Ponmudy changes rapidly from mist to rainy to sunny, Kallar river also changes its mood from calm to unpredictability of a temptress who uses her beauty to annihilate. Ponmudi is also home to mountain flowers, butterflies, springs and many small rivulets.

 Ponmudi has spices plantations and also has some good view points .You will get the view only if weather is clear which is rare. Around Ponmudi there are several wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests including Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and Neyyar wild life sanctuary.Agasthyarkoodam (Agasthyar Park) trek can be approached from Ponmudi.

WHAT TO DO IN PONMUDI:-

1. Go for a trek to Varayaduattumotta and Braemoore estate (only with guide)

2. Trek to Kallar through the sides is another option, BUT river Kallar is dangerous as i told above, you cannot predict her mood.

3. If you are not interested in trekking, take a nap accompanied by mist and rain.

4. Visit Meenmutty falls, here too keep some distance her, she’s also dangerous.Rocks are really slippery.

WEATHER AND WHEN TO GO TO PONMUDI:-

Weather is always pleasent here.During summer when the whole country sweats, Ponmudi offers a cool climate.Even places like Munnar will become too hot during summer, but the temperature in Ponmudi will not increase very high. So visiting Ponmudi during summer will be rejuvenating. After summer comes the romantic monsoon.Monsoon starts from end may and ends till?? Well only God knows about that. Ponmudi gets heavy rainfall during monsoon.Green green everywhere.Drive/ride carefully during monsoon as chance of skidding will be high.Winter  starts in Ponmudi from November and is extended to February, temperature during winter drops significantly. December is the coolest month of the year.

HOW TO REACH:-

Nearest Airport-Trivandrum international airport.-80 km

Nearest Railway station-Trivandrum Central-72 km

Buses are available from Trivandrum central bus station,Nedumangadu etc.There is also a bus from Ponmudy to kovalam in the evening for those who wants to night stay near the kovalam beach.

ENTRY FEE:-

2/4-Wheeler – 10/30 Rs

Per Person – 20 Rs

Still Camera – 25 Rs

Opened from 8.30 to 5.30 pm (17.30 hrs)