Ponmudi Hills

Ponmudi Hill Station – A Mist-Clad Escape near Thiruvananthapuram

Just over 60 km from the bustling capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, lies Ponmudi Hill Station, a captivating hill retreat nestled in the Western Ghats. Rising to about 1100 meters above sea level, Ponmudi—aptly named “Golden Peak” in Malayalam—offers a tranquil haven with grassy slopes, shola forests, meandering rivers, and refreshing mountain air.

Scenic Drive & First Impressions

Your journey to Ponmudi begins with a drive through dense forests, rubber and spice plantations, and roadside pepper drying on coconut mats. The Kallar River, named for its pebbled bed (kallu = stone, aaru = river), is your first scenic stop. As you ascend the hills, the mist thickens and the road winds its way to a plateau, suddenly opening up to reveal expansive views of valleys and layered blue mountains.

Misty Charm and Natural Splendour

Ponmudi’s charm lies in its untouched beauty—lush tea estates, mist-veiled mornings, and peaceful surroundings. The region is dotted with attractions:

Golden Valley: A scenic access point to River Kallar, perfect for photography and a quick dip.

Meenmutty Waterfalls: A hidden gem inside the forest, accessible via a trek through a forest trail.

Kallar Picnic Spot: Popular for soft treks, birdwatching, and riverside leisure.

Nearby Ecotourism Gems

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: Sprawling over 53 sq. km, this sanctuary is home to elephants, sambars, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, and over 200 bird species including the Malabar Grey Hornbill. The Vazhvanthol Falls Trek, beginning at Kaanithara, is a must-do for adventure lovers.

Agasthyarkoodam Peak: Kerala’s second-highest peak (1890m), this sacred mountain offers a 28 km guided trek during the season (Dec–Apr), passing through orchid-rich forests and herbal plantations.

Signature Trekking Trails

Ponmudi is a haven for trekkers, with trails that range from moderate to extremely challenging:

Varayadumotta Trek: An 18 km guided trek (one-way) to the ridge home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

Seethatheertham Trek: A 4 km trail to a sacred stream believed to have quenched Goddess Seetha’s thirst.

Manachala Trek: A 6 km journey to the base of Varayadumotta, ideal for intermediate trekkers.

Maruthwamala Trek: An off-season eco-tourism trek into the deep forests of Ponmudi.

Flora, Fauna & Avian Paradise

Birdsong accompanies your treks. The vibrant Southern Trogon, elusive Malabar Whistling Thrush, flamboyant Malabar Hornbills, and even the rare Paradise Flycatcher color the forest canopies. Wildlife sightings include elephants, barking deer, gaurs, and sloth bears.

A Taste of Ponmudi Hill station

The hill station is not just a visual delight but also a culinary joy. Relish fresh Kerala cuisine in cozy cottages and local restaurants—idlis with sambar, coconut chutney, or spicy fish curry all taste better in the crisp mountain air.

Best Time to Visit & Stay Options

Ponmudi is delightful throughout the year:

Monsoon (June–Sept): Waterfalls in full force, perfect for nature photography

Winter (Oct–Feb): Misty views and pleasant trekking weather

Summer (Mar–May): Clear skies and cool temperatures

Getting There

Distance from Thiruvananthapuram: ~61 km

Nearest Airport/Railway Station: Trivandrum International Airport / Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station

Nearby Destinations: Kovalam, Poovar, Varkala

Why Visit Ponmudi?

-Less commercial, more natural

-Excellent trekking options

-Close to Thiruvananthapuram city

-Wildlife, waterfalls, plantations, and panoramic viewpoints