Enchanting Ponmudi is now open for tourists

In respect of continued demand from tourists, the forest department of Kerala has decided to open Ponmudi, one of the most famous Eco Tourism centers, for the visitors. Ponmudi was closed for nine months due to covid-19 restrictions. However, the calls for opening surged, the officials were compelled to open the famous tourist spot situated at Vithura in Trivandrum District of Kerala.

It is located 53 km north-east of Trivandrum City, 78 km south-east of Varkala Beach and 69 km north-east of Kovalam Beach at an altitude of 1,100 m (3,600 ft). Ponmudi (Varayadumotta) peak is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. Ponmudi is also called Kashmir of Kerala and is a popular honeymoon destination in South India. The normal temperature of Ponmudi is between 18 and 25 °C (64 and 77 °F).

To welcome the new season, the forest department has arranged two new trecking packages here one, Sethatheertha and the other Varayadumotta, for the trekking enthusiasts. Forest department charges Rs.2000 for a team of 10 people for Sethatheertha treckking and for Varayadumotta, they charge Rs.3500. They also provide guide service for both destinations. The trekking will be conducted in accordance with strict Covid-19 protocol.

The entrance fee for adults will be Rs.30 and for kids they charge Rs.10. Foreigners will have to pay Rs.300 as entrance fee. The officials also charge parking fee which may vary according to the nature of the vehicles.

Ponmudi is connected to Trivandrum by a two-lane highway (SH2 & SH 45). The last 18 km starting from Anapara has scenic views, as it winds through the mountains and tea gardens. The travel along this stretch provides a thrilling experience as drivers and riders have to navigate 22 Hairpin turns. The climate is pleasant year-round.

Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. A variety of wildlife inhabit the hills. The Golden Valley offers vistas of the hills and access to the Kallar River. Flowing through a wilderness area, it has rounded pebbles, cool water, fish, and lush green trees.

Some notable tourist attractions located in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point and various trekking spots. Mist-laden valleys, especially Golden Valley near Kallar River, also draw tourists. Travelers can find a deer park and wood and stone cottages colored in bright hues. Located about 1.5 km from the hill station, is the Ponmudi Falls. Around 3 km from the Ponmudi Resort, is the Deer Park. The Meenmutty Falls, another tourist attraction of the region, is about 3 km from the Kallar Main Road. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Ponmudi, is a preserve spread across 53 km2 (20 sq mi) and accommodates a variety of wild animals and birds like Asian elephants, sambar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar grey hornbills, etc.

Another main attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, with the highest peak at 1868 m. This peak is known for its wilderness, and can be accessed only with the Forest Department’s permission. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is another attraction covering Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and divisions of Achencoil, Thenmala, Konni, Punalur, and Thiruvananthapuram.