One Day Thiruvananthapuram Local Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Ponmudi, a beautiful hill station with golden valleys, tea estates, and cottages is situated at a distance of 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram. True to the meaning of its name this place really glitters among all other hill stations of Kerala. This golden crown is at an altitude of about 3002 feet above the sea level.

The enchanting bounty of nature can be witnessed in the quiet surroundings of Ponmudi. The journey to Ponmudi through the winding roads of the ghats itself is an amazing experience. Sometimes after a drizzle this hill station wrapped in mist is an enchanting sight.

Ponmudi is 22 hairpin bends away from Kallar a wonderful place where the ghat begins. From the twelfth bend one can see the plantations of tea, cardamom and pepper plantations. One can see charming little streams in the misty valleys of this place except in summer.

Ponmudi offers you wonderful opportunities for trekking. Trekking in this hill station enjoying the fresh air with the sound of birds, sight of butterflies will be an unforgettable experience.

Places to Visit in Ponmudi

1. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary situated at a distance of 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram is mainly for bird watchers and butterfly lovers. The sanctuary spreads in an area of 53 square kilometer on Western Ghats.

Peppara wildlife sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram is a popular attraction and draws thousands of wildlife enthusiasts. The journey to this sanctuary is wonderful with the sight of hills and dense green forests. The journey through the forests and eucalyptus plantations is breathtaking.

There is a large variety of fauna in here. This sanctuary offers you the sight of animals like Elephants, Sambar, Leopard and Lion tailed Macaque. The Peppara Dam built on the Karamana River provides water to the district. The sanctuary offers thrilling experience of trekking.

2. Kallar
Kallar

Kallar situated just 16 km away from Ponmudi is a stunningly beautiful place. The River Vamanapuram takes the name Kallar. The name literally means the river of stone. Like the name the river here is crowded with boulders, rocks and smooth pebbles of different colours and shapes. Golden Valley which is a kilometer up is where the tributary of the Kallar joins the main river.

3. Meenmutty Waterfalls
KaMeenmutty Waterfallsllar

Meenmutty is a breathtakingly beautiful place with cool green forests, the river Kallar, beautiful birds and the wild beauty of nature. Meenmutty waterfall sited on the trek path to Agasthyarkoodam is a stunning waterfall amidst the greenery. For those interested in trekking can reach here by trekking through the dense forests.

There are some wonderful tree houses for birdwatching built by the Kerala forest department. One of this is on a tall tree offering panoramic view of the entire forest. For almost all year long the fall provides the sight of a cascading waterfall and is one of the top waterfalls in Kerala. The fall make a huge pool where one can take bath.

4. Neyyar Dam
Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Dam situated on the way to Ponmudi is a popular spot. One can take a stroll across the long stretch of the dam enjoying the mesmerising sight of the milky water cascading down the dam. The greenery of forests, coconut trees and the cool climate made this a perfect place to relax.

Neyyar Dam is a famous picnic spot and dam site. There is a park here with life like statues of men engaged in various activities. The reservoir offers you boating facilities. There is more exciting options like lion safari park and crocodile farm. Amidst the rich greenery the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 128 square kilometer. It is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

5. Agasthyakoodam
Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyarkoodam, a beautiful spot in Ponmudi is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. It is the highest peak (1868 m) in Thiruvananthapuram district. With its wild beauty Agasthyakoodam draws thousands of tourists to this place.

Where To Stay and Eat in Ponmudi

There is only one accommodation option in Ponmudi that is Government Guest House. One can rent rooms or cottages in here. The Guest house include a restaurant and a KTDC Beer Parlour.

Other accommodation options is in Neyyar. Neyyar Dam has Violet Bhavan a nice homestay and Agasthya House from Kerala tourism Board. There is a restaurant in here also.