Ponmudi

Ponmudi, which means “The Golden Peak” in Malayalam, is a calm hill station located in the Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala, India. It is roughly 55 kilometers northeast of Thiruvananthapuram city. Ponmudi, whose height extends to an elevation of about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, is a quiet retreat in the Western Ghats.

The ride to Ponmudi is a feast for the eyes, navigating 22 hairpin curves, which wind through the dense forests and tea plantations. Travelers are also greeted with the picturesque images of hills covered with mist, the continuous dancing of clouds in the valleys, and the rare passage of wild animals.
Ponmudi is a paradise of biodiversity in addition to being the place that is so famous among the tourists. The place is a paradise for birds with 283 species of birds overall, including those that are endangered, for instance, the painted bush-quail and the Malabar grey hornbill. Not to mention 195 species of butterflies, as well as various types of reptiles and amphibians. Among them, the highly endangered Travancore tortoise is also found here.
Locals who are nature enthusiasts will want to visit the nearby Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary where they can spot animals like Asian elephants, sambar deer, and lion-tailed macaques in their natural surroundings.

One of the standout attractions that adventure lovers will definitely enjoy is the availability of numerous trekking trails. Specifically, Varayadumotta peak is one of those check point that the trekkers must take. This mountain, which is being named after the Nilgiri tahr (locally known as ‘Varayadu’), provides adventure lovers with tough hiking and great views of the Western Ghats.

Ponmudi has very favorable weather conditions all year round, where the temperature usually ranges from 15°C to 25°C. Therefore, it is an apt place for those who are trying to get away from the hot tropical climate of the plains.

Ponmudi has many accommodation options but no more than comfortable, yet limited, among which are the government guesthouses and private resorts that are seamlessly part of the natural environment.

No matter what your goal is, a peaceful leafy escape to rest and relax, or an adventurous trek in the mountains, or your desire to go camping or fishing, you will definitely find all that you want in Ponmudi and enjoy your time the most.

• Ponmudi Top Station / Echo Point Walk: ~2 km to 3 km round trip (leisure walk/ridge trek).

• Manachala Trek: ~6 km round trip.

• Seethatheertham Trail: ~4 km round trip.

• Varayadumotta Trek (Guided): ~16 km to 18 km round trip (deep forest ridge trek).

Forest Dept Guided Treks: ₹500 to ₹3,500 for a group of up to 5–10 persons depending on the package (Manachala / Seethatheertham / Varayadumotta).