After a long hiatus, Ponmudi hill station in Thiruvananthapuram district is opening its gates to travellers. The popular tourist spot was out of bounds to visitors due to COVID-19-triggered restrictions and damaged roads.
The traffic on the winding road to Ponmudi hill was banned as fissures were found near 11th and 12th hairpin curves and the chances of landslides were high.
As the road repair works were not completed, there was an uncertainty over allowing visitors to enter Ponmudi even during Christmas and New Year. The local MLA D K Murali had requested the Kerala tourism minister and the District Forest Officer to open Ponmudi for tourists. A detailed petition raising the issue was also submitted to state tourism minister, forest minister, and the police and revenue departments. Later, the issue was also highlighted in the district development committee meeting on December 27.
Following the directions of the district collector, the rural district police superintendent, DFO and tahsildar visited the affected area to take stock of the situation. After the officials gave the nod, a decision was taken to open the Ponmudi tourist center from Wednesday. Security was put in place where the road posed a danger to the travellers.
The misty Ponmudi hills
Expansive green meadows, cool breeze and the thick mist that stalks you everywhere provide a surreal experience to every tourist who visits the most sought-after hill station near Thiruvananthapuram city. And if there is a drizzle, it can only add magic to the whole setting. One can reach the Ponmudi peak only after manoeuvring 22 hairpin curves. One the way to the top, one can also soak in the pristine charm of wild brooks and tea plantations. Thick grasslands and verdant forests reflect the alluring beauty of Ponmudi.
