Romantic
Ponmudi Hill, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.:-
Ponmudi,
is a pretty hill station accessible by a one and half hour’s drive from the
capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The journey separates the beaches of
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) from the invigorating climate of Ponmudi Hills.
A trekker’s heaven housing tea gardens, spice plantations, gurgling brooks and
wildlife, it’s the perfect getaway for a peaceful weekend. A mere one and a
half hour’s road The name Ponmudi, a hill station so close to the sea, in
Malayalam means golden crown.
The hill
station of Ponmudi is located at a distance of 61 km north east from the
Ponmudicity of Thiruvananthapuram. Situated at an altitude of over 1,100 m
above sealevel, the winding streams with their cool green waters and the
verdant woods set in the midst of serene surroundings, is sure to attract any
visitor to Ponmudi Hills. It forms part of the Western Ghats mountain range
that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.
Ponmudi
is connected to Thiruvananthapuram by a narrow winding road which offers a
scenic view all along the way. The climate is invigorating and remains pleasant
throughout, and the place serves as a base for trekking and hiking for
adventure enthusiasts. The tea-gardens here are also famous. As you drive along
the hilly road, it passes under a canopy of thickly matted foliage. The forest
recedes gradually giving way to neatly clipped tea bushes.
On the
way to Ponmudi, the thick tropical forest greets one at the foot of the Ponmudi
hill range. The road passes under a canopy of thickly matted foliage. The
forest recedes gradually giving way to neatly clipped tea bushes.
Other
attractions near Ponmudi include the scenic Golden Valley offering a wonderful
view of the hills, and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even flowing
across the road. Located in a rich forest area, this whole place offers lot of
scope to those who are interested in tropical vegetation. There is also plenty
of wildlife found around these hills. Golden Valley is an access point to the
river Kallar which abounds in rounded pebbles. Lush green trees, the cool
crystal-clear water, scurrying fishes and the sheer wilderness of the park -
all go to enthrall the traveller. Leisurely strolls, fishing in the Kallar
river and bird/butterfly watching can also be indulged in..
PonmudiAs
one leaves the city behind, one enters the region of plantations – rubber,
pepper, cardamom and tea. The change is abrupt. The tappers can be seen going
about briskly gathering the milky fluid from rubber trees collected in coconut
shells. Coconut thatch mats cover almost one half of the road, over which women
spread black pepper for drying. One may come across a lone elephant ambling
along carrying his mahout atop and his breakfast of coconut thatch in his
trunk.
Tea
estates at Ponmudi are not as big as those in the Munnar hills. Large water
sprays shower the gardens. The ‘mate’, a septuagenarian shading himself with an
umbrella, can be seen reading aloud the day’s news to the pickers. The pickers,
in response, either grunt indicating disapproval of the news item or remain
silent in agreement.
Ponmudi
is yet an unexplored destination, especially for travelers from outside the
state, and is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life where one
can relax without being disturbed, amidst tranquil surroundings in the lap of
nature.
For the
adventure seekers, Ponmudi hill station offers many adventure sports like
trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, etc. One can go on long leisurely
walks along the meandering roads that wind up the hill. This beautiful hill
station offers a pleasing view and it has natural springs that help in keeping
the valley lush green. The hill station also has tea gardens that make it a
picture perfect location. The view down the valley from the cottages and
resorts up the hill is breathtaking and it feels as though time has left this
place untouched.
PonmudiTrekking
to the north of Ponmudi Crest, one passes along a mini zoo, primarily of
barasinghas, on the edge of the forest. Entering the forest, the verdant shades
of green numb the senses, as does the avian orchestra. The brilliant red
southern trongon dot the trees like flowers. The air is full with the loud
raucous chuckling of heavy billed Malabar hornbills. The shrill notes of the
blue-black Malabar whistling thrush add to the cacophony. Even the rare
long-tailed paradise flycatchers flit gracefully from tree to tree. It is like
an open aviary.
This is
an ideal day trip destination from Trivandrum city or Kovalam Beach.
Connectivity
: -
The
nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Thiruvananthapuram
Central railway station is located at a place that is easily accessible from
the hill station.
Ponmudi
hill station is well connected to Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala by a wide
network of roads.
Stay :-
There is
a small tourist complex of guesthouses with 24 rooms and 10 stone cottages
perched on the hillside which make for very comfortable lodging at Ponmudi.
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