Ponmudi – The golden peak in Kerala

Trivandrum city in the coastal state of Kerala has so much to offer those weary of concrete walls and glassed-in windows. Aside from the numerous magnificent beaches, wooded forests and serene lakes, Mother Nature has also blessed this district with Ponmudi hill, a part of the Western Ghats range that runs parallel to the Arabian ocean.

Located about 60km away from Trivandrum city, this idyllic hill is around 1100 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views, a pleasantly cool climate and lush greenery. It is also home to exotic butterflies, colourful birds, rare mountain flowers and a host of refreshing springs, rivulets and waterfalls, especially during the monsoon season. There are a number of neatly laid out spice and tea plantations here too to add to the verdant beauty. It is a great place for those with a yen for the great outdoors and ideal for hiking and long treks through winding hilly paths.

The Malayalam word Ponmudi literally translates into ‘Golden Peak’ and there is even a resort here with the same name, located close to the peak. Aside from the unforgettable views of misty hills, refreshing breeze and verdant scenery, Ponmudi has so much more to offer the visitor. While driving up the winding road towards the hilltop, you can enjoy majestic views of the Golden Valley, see some exotic animal species at the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and its mini zoo, as well as revel in the splendor of the Meenmutty waterfalls. At this waterfall, the waterfalls from a height of 984 feet at three different levels, offering awesome views.

The Golden Valley is also very inspiring, offering amazing vistas from the banks of the Kallar River with lush greenery on all sides. The golden sand in the riverbed gives the Golden Valley its name here. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is another amazing area with numerous flora important in ayurvedic medicine preparations. Sightseeing at the Echo Point and communing with Mother Nature along the numerous trekking points provide the adventure lovers with thrills beyond compare.

All this makes Ponmudi the ultimate abode of nature where the breathtaking scenery makes the perfect getaway. The best time to visit is when the monsoons have withdrawn. Getting to Trivandrum is easy as it is well connected with excellent highways, railways and an airport. Those visiting Trivandrum and its locales are ideally placed to enjoy the delights of Ponmudi hill station. You could stay over at the magnificent The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel and enjoy the splendid Kovalam beaches too.