Ponmudi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A view from Ponmudi

Ponmudi (The Golden Peak) is a hillstation in Trivandrum district of Kerala south India. Its located 61 km north-east of Trivandrum city at an altitude of 610 m. Its is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. The climate is always pleasant, and the stay here can be arranged by the General Administration Department of Kerala. It is connected to Trivandrum city by a narrow winding road which offers a very scenic view even on the way to the Ponmudi. The tea-gardens here are also very famous. The tourist resort is developed almost half a kilometer before the actual peak, which is often called the Echo Point. Ponmudi serves as a base for trekking and hiking.

Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. Located in a rich forest area, this whole place may be of great interest to those who are interested in tropical vegetation. There is also a rich wildlife around these hills. Golden Valley is a sneak-peak offered to the beauty of the hills. It is an access-point to the River Kallar. Well-rounded pebbles, lush green trees, the cool water, fishes and the sheer wilderness of the park enthralls the visitor. But lot of leeches and other bugs are around. Beware of them. Take some common salt while going there.

Another similar attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam which is also a 2000 feet high, but isolated peak. This peak is famous for its wilderness, and can be accessed only with permission from the Forest Department. Meenmutti waterfall is also a famous attraction in the range.

[edit] How to reach there

Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.
Nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central.
There are many sign boards along the route from Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum), which lead the traveller to Ponmudi.

Detailed route : From Trivandrum city, take the State Highway 2 (Trivandrum - Nedumangad - Chenkotta Highway). Past Nedumangad, turn off the SH to right at Chullimanoor Junction. Again turn right at Vithura Junction. At Theviyode Junction, turning right takes you to Agasthyakoodam, and turning left, you reach Golden Valley, and then, 22 hairpin bends afterwards, Ponmudi.