Around 60 km from Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, a mountain retreat is tucked away atop the mighty Western Ghats. The misty Ponmudi hill station, surrounded by dense forests, tea plantations and grasslands, is a spot that many rush to, to escape the bustle of the city. Even the journey to Ponmudi can often be relaxing enough, despite the 22 hairpin turns on the way, to refresh you for a fresh week, says Ponmudi fans. From October to February, Ponmudi offers its best to visitors, though it can close due to heavy rain. How to experience Ponmudi right and what's special about it? 

What's special about Ponmudi
Like many other hill stations of Kerala, it is a spot where the British introduced tea and coffee plantations, taking advantage of its cool climate. Local people believe that Lord Parasurama discovered Ponmudi. Historians also say that Ponmudi was ruled by many different kingdoms and invaded by various empires over centuries. Today, it is best known for its year-round charm, which attracts tourists from across the world. Various running clubs also organise marathons in Ponmudi at the beginning of the year. The 'Golden Peak Half Marathon' is one among them. 

Ponmudi's rain-soaked charm in June to September, during the monsoon season, is also unmatched. Photo: iStock
Ponmudi's rain-soaked charm in June to September, during the monsoon season, is also unmatched. Photo: iStock

Popular spots near Ponmudi region
1) Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
This 53 sq km sanctuary is about 30 km from Ponmudi and is near the Peppara Dam, a popular trekking spot here. From Elephants and Sambars to lion-tailed macaques, leopards, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the White-bellied Treepie, the sanctuary has many species of animals and birds. 

From Thiruvananthapuram's Thampanoor, tourists can take a KSRTC bus to reach Ponmudi. Photo: iStock
From Thiruvananthapuram's Thampanoor, tourists can take a KSRTC bus to reach Ponmudi. Photo: iStock

2) Agasthyarkoodam
Also known as 'Agasthyamala,' this sacred peak is about 44 km from Ponmudi. Agasthyarkoodam also has one of the most challenging treks in Kerala, which takes around three days through the dense forests of the Western Ghats. Its uneven terrain, slippery paths, steep mountains, and thick forest cover require trekkers to be highly fit. Moreover, the facilities along the way are limited, including rest stops and refuelling points. 

Before embarking on a Ponmudi trip, check whether it is open to tourists that day. Photo: iStock
Before embarking on a Ponmudi trip, check whether it is open to tourists that day. Photo: iStock

3) Kallar Meenmutty Falls
Don't mistake it for the Meenmutty waterfalls of Wayanad. This is located just about 13 km from Ponmudi. Those interested should undertake a trek through the forests to reach the cascade. Trekkers also get to see a tribal settlement on the way. 

Lesser-known spots in Ponmudi region
1) Kallar River and Bridges
2) Pothenkara Waterfalls
3) Mannaral Hills

Ponmudi is 56 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Photo: iStock
Ponmudi is 56 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Photo: iStock

Best time to visit
According to Kerala Tourism, Ponmudi is worth visiting year-round. October to February is when Ponmudi comes into its own, with clear views, verdant landscapes and the best weather. From March to May, it becomes the best retreat for those who can't take Kerala's summer. The mornings will be misty, and the afternoons will be warm. Ponmudi's rain-soaked charm in June to September, during the monsoon season, is also unmatched. However, tourists need to be careful not to be troubled by slippery roads and slopes, overflowing nearby streams and leeches.  

What to eat in Ponmudi?
Dining options are limited in Ponmudi, but there are quite a few well-known local eateries and homestays that serve Kerala cuisine and snacks. There are a few resorts too in the area that serve different types of cuisine. 'Kaattile Kada,' a local restaurant on Ponmudi-Vithura Road, where Kerala sadya and non-veg items are served on arrowroot leaves, is a spot many tourists consider 'unmissable' during a Ponmudi trip. 

Kallar Meenmutty waterfalls. Photo: iStock
Kallar Meenmutty waterfalls. Photo: iStock

Things to note
1. If you are not used to travelling much on routes with hairpin bends, carry medicines for motion sickness with you.
2. If you have never been to Ponmudi and are planning to drive on your own, stay vigilant. After entering Ponmudi limits, the roads can be extremely foggy and foresty. 
3. Being an eco-tourism spot, do not litter the area with plastics or other pollutants. 
4. Before embarking on a Ponmudi trip, check whether it is open for tourists for the day. Heavy rains, landslides and similar weather conditions can result in its closure. 
5. The area also experiences strong winds and lightning at times. 

There are 22 hairpin bends on the way to Ponmudi. Photo: iStock
There are 22 hairpin bends on the way to Ponmudi. Photo: iStock

Emergency numbers
Ponmudi police station: 0472 289 0222
Police Control Room: 100, 112
Fire Station: 101
Ambulance: 102, 108

Ponmudi experiences strong winds and lightning at times. Photo: iStock
Ponmudi experiences strong winds and lightning at times. Photo: iStock

How to reach Ponmudi?
1) It is 58 km from Trivandrum International Airport. Tourists can hire a taxi from here to Ponmudi.
2) Ponmudi is 56 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. Various transport options are available from here too.
3) Those who prefer bus services can also get KSRTC and other buses to Ponmudi. In Thiruvananthapuram's Thampanoor KSRTC bus stand, which is quite near the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, head to platforms 5 and 6 to take buses to Ponmudi, Kallar and Vithura. The bus ticket costs around Rs 75 from here, and it takes around 3 hours to reach Ponmudi from Thampanoor. There are many buses from early morning to Thampanoor and from Ponmudi back. The Ponmudi bus stop is around 2.5 km from the hill station. 

Ponmudi is worth a visit throughout the year. Photo: iStock
Ponmudi is worth a visit throughout the year. Photo: iStock

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