Are you looking for a scenic and serene hill station in Kerala, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of nature? If yes, then Ponmudi is the perfect destination for you. Ponmudi is a charming hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level. The name Ponmudi means “golden hill” in Malayalam, and it is aptly named for its golden hue during sunrise and sunset. Ponmudi has a rich history and culture, as it was once a part of the Travancore kingdom and a favorite spot of the royal family.
Ponmudi is also a biodiversity hotspot, as it is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan a trip to Ponmudi, such as the best time to visit, how to reach, places to visit, things to do, and where to stay. So, read on and discover why Ponmudi is a hidden gem of Kerala.
Best Time to Visit Ponmudi
Ponmudi has a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year, with an average temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C. However, the best time to visit Ponmudi is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is clear and cool, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
The winter season also coincides with some of the festivals and events that take place in Ponmudi, such as the Ponmudi Utsavam, a cultural extravaganza that showcases the art and music of Kerala, the Flower Show, a colorful display of exotic flowers and plants, and the Cultural Programs, a series of performances and competitions that celebrate the local talent and heritage. If you visit Ponmudi during the winter season, you will not only enjoy the scenic beauty of the hill station, but also experience the vibrant culture and festivities of Kerala.
How to Reach Ponmudi
Ponmudi is well-connected to the rest of the country by air, rail, and road. The nearest major city to Ponmudi is Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), which is about 60 km away. You can reach Trivandrum by:
Air:
Trivandrum has an international airport that connects it to major cities in India and abroad. The airport is about 67 km from Ponmudi, and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the hill station. The flight duration from Delhi to Trivandrum is about 3 hours, and the fare is around Rs. 5,000.
Rail:
Trivandrum has a railway station that connects it to major cities in India. The railway station is about 61 km from Ponmudi, and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the hill station. The train duration from Delhi to Trivandrum is about 48 hours, and the fare is around Rs. 2,000.
Road:
Trivandrum has a bus station that connects it to major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. The bus station is about 59 km from Ponmudi, and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the hill station. The bus duration from Trivandrum to Ponmudi is about 2 hours, and the fare is around Rs. 100.
The most scenic and convenient way to reach Ponmudi is by road, as it offers stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and waterfalls along the way. The road to Ponmudi is a winding and narrow one, with 22 hairpin bends that make the journey thrilling and adventurous. You can either drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi or a cab to reach Ponmudi. The road trip from Trivandrum to Ponmudi will take about 1.5 hours, and the cost will vary depending on the type of vehicle and the season.
Places to Visit in Ponmudi
Ponmudi has a lot to offer to its visitors, from natural wonders to historical monuments. Here are some of the top places to visit in and around Ponmudi:
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:
If you are a wildlife lover, you cannot miss the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a biodiversity hotspot that houses a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and birds. The sanctuary covers an area of 53 sq km, and is located about 20 km from Ponmudi. You can enjoy activities such as boating, camping, and safari in the sanctuary, and also visit the Peppara Dam, which is a scenic spot that offers a panoramic view of the reservoir and the forest.
Koyikkal Palace:
If you are a history and culture buff, you cannot miss the Koyikkal Palace, which is a 16th-century palace that showcases the architecture and culture of the Travancore dynasty. The palace is located about 25 km from Ponmudi, and is now a museum that displays rare artifacts and coins. You can also visit the folklore museum and the numismatics museum that are housed in the palace, and learn about the legends and stories of Kerala, and the history and evolution of currency in India.
Golden Valley:
If you are looking for a picturesque spot to relax and unwind, you cannot miss the Golden Valley, which is a beautiful spot that offers a panoramic view of the hills, forests, and rivers of Ponmudi. The valley is located about 2 km from Ponmudi, and has a natural pool where you can swim and enjoy the cool and refreshing water. You can also picnic and stroll around the valley, and admire the golden hue of the landscape during sunrise and sunset.
Aaranmula Boat Races:
If you are looking for a traditional and cultural event to witness, you cannot miss the Aaranmula Boat Races, which are a spectacular and festive event that takes place in the nearby town of Aaranmula during the Onam festival, which is usually in August or September. The boat races feature a competition of snake boats, which are long and narrow boats that can accommodate up to 100 rowers. The boat races are accompanied by music and cheering, and are a symbol of the unity and harmony of the people of Kerala.
Things to Do in Ponmudi
Ponmudi has a lot to offer to its visitors, from adventure to relaxation. Here are some of the top things to do in Ponmudi:
Trekking:
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you cannot miss the trekking trails in Ponmudi, which allow you to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the hill station. There are several trekking trails in Ponmudi, ranging from easy to difficult, such as the Varayadumotta Trail, which leads to the habitat of the Nilgiri Tahrs, the Agasthyakoodam Trail, which leads to the highest peak in the region, and the Ponmudi Falls Trail, which leads to a cascading waterfall. You can book your trekking trip through the Forest Department or a local operator, and enjoy the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
Paragliding:
If you are looking for a thrilling and exhilarating activity, you cannot miss the paragliding flights in Ponmudi, which give you a bird’s eye view of the hills, valleys, and rivers of the hill station. There are several paragliding operators and instructors in Ponmudi, who offer safe and affordable flights for beginners and experts alike. You can choose from different durations and altitudes, and experience the thrill of flying in the sky.
Canoeing and Rafting:
If you are looking for a fun and exciting activity, you cannot miss the canoeing and rafting adventures in Ponmudi, which let you enjoy the water sports and scenery of the Kallar River and the Meenmutty Waterfalls. There are several canoeing and rafting operators and guides in Ponmudi, who provide equipment and training for all levels of participants. You can choose from different distances and difficulties, and experience the rush of paddling through the rapids and the calm of floating through the pools.
Ayurvedic Treatments:
If you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating activity, you cannot miss the Ayurvedic treatments in Ponmudi, which offer you a chance to experience the ancient and holistic healing system of Kerala. There are several Ayurvedic centers and resorts in Ponmudi, where you can avail various treatments and therapies, such as massages, herbal baths, yoga, and meditation. You can choose from different packages and durations, and experience the benefits of balancing your body, mind, and soul.
Where to Stay in Ponmudi
Ponmudi has a range of accommodation options to suit the needs and preferences of different types of travelers, such as families, solo travelers, couples, and groups. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ponmudi:
KTDC Golden Peak:
If you are looking for a comfortable and spacious place to stay in Ponmudi, you cannot go wrong with the KTDC Golden Peak, which is a government-run resort that offers rooms, cottages, and dormitories, with modern amenities and facilities. The resort also has a restaurant, a conference hall, a library, and a playground. It is located close to the hill station and the trekking trails, and offers a scenic view of the valley. The approximate rate of the resort is Rs. 2,000 per night for a double room.
Misty Mountain Resort:
If you are looking for a luxurious and cozy place to stay in Ponmudi, you cannot go wrong with the Misty Mountain Resort, which is a private-run resort that offers rooms, suites, and villas, with elegant interiors and furnishings. The resort also has a spa, a gym, a swimming pool, and a game room. It is located away from the hill station and the crowd, and offers a serene view of the forest. The approximate rate of the resort is Rs. 4,000 per night for a double room.
Ponmudi is a hidden gem of Kerala, that offers a scenic and serene hill station, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the culture of Kerala, and the adventure of trekking, paragliding, canoeing, and rafting. Ponmudi is also a perfect destination for relaxation, as you can indulge in the Ayurvedic treatments and therapies that will rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. Ponmudi is a place that will make you fall in love with Kerala, and leave you with unforgettable memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your package to Ponmudi today, and experience the magic of the golden hill. You can also contact us at Tripoto, and we will help you plan your trip to Ponmudi, according to your budget and preferences. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and get the latest updates and offers on travel destinations and packages.
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