Ponmudi Hill Stations - Kerala
Ponmudi is a captivating hill station adorned with rolling green meadows, a sheen blanket of frosty mist, gushing waterfalls, dense forest, small rivers, and fresh and green environs. Ponmudi is literally known as the "Golden Peak or Golden Crown".
This hill station is situated at a height of 3,200 feet above the level of the sea. Ponmudi Hill Station is carpeted with various plantations like tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper. The narrow winding paths and 22 daring hairpin curves of this hill station make it a sought-after adventure tourism destination.
Trekking, spotting wildlife, rock climbing, mountaineering, etc are some of the activities offered at Ponmudi hill station. Ponmudi also serves as the perfect vantage point for paragliding activities and it is comparatively much safer than other peak points in the western Ghats region.
Highlights
- Ponmudi is known as the "Golden Peak or Golden Crown" in the local language.
- This hill station is believed to have been founded by the saint Parshuram, the Indian mythological figure.
- This hill station is not yet touched by any modernity. Hence the beauty of nature in all its pure form can be experienced here.
- Ponmudi is a weekend getaway and a regular hangout spot for the locals.
- The 2000 feet high Agasthyakoodam Peak which has included in the UNESCO's list of Biosphere Reserves is a major attraction here.
- The Agasthyakoodam Peak is commended as the tallest peak in the Western Ghats.
- There are plenty of narrow winding paths and hairpin bends at Ponmudi which makes it a trekker's delight.
- There are 22 daring hairpin curves in Ponmudi.
- Ponmudi is a treasure trove of a variety of flora and fauna.
- Meenmutty and Kallar waterfalls are other tourist attractions while you enroute to Ponmudi.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ponmudi is during the winter season that falls between December to March. It is the ideal time to indulge in activities like rafting, swimming, trekking, rock climbing etc. March to May is the summer season in Ponmudi.
The temperature reaches a maximum of 35°C during this season. During summer, the mornings and evenings are simply perfect to trek in the wilderness but the heat during the afternoon is a bit unbearable to explore the place. Monsoon season in Ponmudi starts from June and continues till September. The weather is pleasant and delightful during this season, but it is not the ideal time to indulge in adventure sports or spot animals.
Way to Reach
By Air - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to Ponmudi which is 67 Km away. On arrival at the airport, you can make use of a cab or bus to reach Ponmudi.
By Rail - Trivandrum Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Ponmudi which is 33 Km away. On arrival at the station, you can make use of a cab, bus or autorickshaw to reach Ponmudi.
By Bus : Vithura Bus Station and Nedumangad Bus station are the nearest bus stations to Ponmudi which are at a convenient distance of 21.8 Km and 36.9 Km respectively.