A stunning hill station called Ponmudi, with its golden valleys, tea gardens, and cottages are located 61 km far from Thiruvananthapuram. This location truly glitters among the other hill stations in Kerala, living up to its name’s meaning. At 3002 ft above sea level, this golden crown is located.
In Ponmudi’s serene surroundings, one may experience the mesmerising beauty of nature. The trip to Ponmudi over the ghats’ twisting roads is a fascinating experience in and of itself. This hill station, which is usually covered in mist and seems wonderful after it has rained recently.
The spectacular starting point of the ghat, Kallar, is 22 hairpin turns distant from Ponmudi. The tea, cardamom, and pepper plantations may be seen from the twelfth turn. Don’t miss out on the information below if you want to learn more about the sites to visit in Ponmudi.
Best Places to Visit in Ponmudi Hills
1. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
This Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the catchment region of the Peppara Dam. The Karmana River was dammed. The 75 km area comprises a myristica swamp and an evergreen forest. Any person who likes animals should visit Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephants, gaurs, sambars, barking deer, wild boars, and elephants all reside there.
Native species may be found in the sanctuary, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Small Sunbird, and White-bellied Treepie. It is a well-liked picnic location in the hill town. For those who enjoy wildlife photography, it is the ideal location.
2. Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodam is not just a well-known pilgrimage place but also a true paradise for hikers. It is regarded as Kerala’s second-highest peak and is a wooded summit rising to 6128 feet. The walk, which is 28 kilometres long, may be finished in two days.
The walking excursion begins at Bonocaud, located around 30 kilometres from Ponumudi. Additionally well-known for their abundant animals and vast meadows are the Agasthyakoodam woods. Agasthyakoodam is one of the top tourist attractions in Ponmudi that you cannot miss if you love the outdoors and animals.
3. Mankkayam Falls
Meenmutty is a stunning location with cool, lush forests, the Kallar River, lovely wildlife, and the raw splendour of nature. Agasthyarkoodam’s hike trail passes through Meenmutty waterfall, a magnificent waterfall situated within lush forests. Trekking through the deep forests is the only way to get here for individuals interested in hiking.
The Kerala Forest Department has constructed some fantastic birdwatching tree huts. One of Kerala’s best waterfalls, the fall offers the spectacle of a flowing waterfall all year round. The fall creates a sizable pool where people may bathe.
4. Varayattumotta
Varayattumotta, the tallest peak in the Ponmudi mountain ranges, is well-known for being the habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, a mountain goat. The peak is known as Varayaadu in Malayalam, which is how Nilgiri Tahar received its name. With a height of 1100 metres, this mountain summit is easily accessible from the Ponmudi or Mankayam checkpoints.
Due to how steep this mountain ridge is, not many hikers choose to take this route. A forest guide will accompany you even if you decide to hike this difficult route. Most hikers ascend the mountain slope and continue on their return journey to Ponmudi.
5. Ponmudi Viewpoint
It is the ideal location if you’re seeking a quiet vacation getaway in South India. It is located 1,000 metres above sea level in the Western Ghats mountain range. On your journey to the mountain, as you go through the tea estates, you may feel the magical calm of the location gradually taking over your senses.
View the Western Ghats’ surrounding environment from the top of the Ponmudi viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree view. It’s a visual pleasure to witness how the entire area appears to be wrapped in a green blanket.
6. Golden Valley
Golden Valley is a magnificent spot situated in Kallar close to Ponmudi, Kerala, 16 kilometres from Ponmudi Bus Station. It is among the most lovely locations in Ponmudi to visit, especially for those who wish to spend some time in the great outdoors.
Golden Valley, a lovely area with golden beaches, sparkling water, and a lush green valley, is located along the banks of the Kallar River. Every visitor doing the Ponmudi Tour should make time to visit this sight. Additionally, it is here that a tributary of the Kallar river joins it for a brief period during the monsoon season.
7. Neyyar Dam
A well-known location is the Neyyar Dam, which is on the route to Ponmudi. The milky water streaming down the dam is a mesmerising sight, and one may wander across the length of the dam and take in the scene. The calm atmosphere, lush flora, and coconut trees made this the ideal spot to unwind.
The Neyyar Dam is a well-known picnic area and dam sight. A park nearby features lifelike statues of men doing a variety of activities. You have access to boating amenities at the reservoir. More thrilling choices include a crocodile farm and a lion safari park. The 128 square kilometres Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated amidst dense forests.
8. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, a stunning sanctuary for a number of rare species, is a popular tourist destination near Ponmudi, where animals are allowed to dwell in the wild. Tourists are allowed entry after formal verification, even though a few rules must be strictly obeyed in the sanctuary.
Tourists worldwide travel to this animal sanctuary because it offers the ideal fusion of captivating beauty and adventure. Once you arrive, you may enjoy the rare plants and animals or go on a jungle safari with your forest ranger.
9. Kallar Ponmudi
This picturesque site along the route from Trivandrum to Ponmudi is named after the river Kallar that flows through it. It is a popular vacation spot for both adventurous travellers and regular visitors. In this location, it is possible to see uncommon species of birds and butterflies.
Two well-liked hiking locations from Kallar are the Golden Valley and Meenmutty Falls. It is better to travel with a guide if you visit during monsoon season so they can assist you in navigating the treacherous route that turns slick from rain.
Things to Do in Ponmudi Hills
At Ponmudi Hills, there are several outdoor and adventure activities. For enthusiasts of adventure sports, it is a paradise. These are a few of the well-liked activities in the Ponmudi Hills area:
Trekking – There are several different hiking routes in and around the Ponmudi Hills. The Marathwada, Varayadumotta, Seethatheertham, and Manchala treks are well-liked. The hills and Nilgiri Thar may be seen in all their glory from Varayadumotta.
Another well-liked hiking route is Seethathertham. You may find Temple remnants and the goddess Seetha’s footprint. Ponmudi Ecotourism organises the hike to Manchala. A walk through the western ghats’ inner woods is called Marathwada. We suggest hiring a local guide for your walk. The Ponmudi Hills provide rock climbing opportunities.
Paragliding – The hills offer the ideal environment for paragliding, allowing both beginners and experienced flyers to fly quite securely.
Rafting and Canoeing – Water sports activities are available in a variety of Ponmundi. On the River Kallar, you may engage in well-liked sports, including canoeing, waterskiing, and white water rafting.
Boat races in Aaranmula – Every year, the Pampa River hosts the Aaranmula Boat Race between August and September. The Aaranmula Temple celebration, which takes place during Onam, includes boat races. One of Kerala’s oldest competitions is the boat race. Legend has it that Lord Krishna was the designer of the renowned snake boats used in the race.
The Bottom Line
There are numerous delights for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts to discover in the hills, which are blessed with a healthy amount of flora. Trekking and hiking are enjoyable activities for those with a sense of adventure. The long and twisty hairpin bends make the trek to Ponmudi a unique experience.
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