Ponmudi - Golden Peak

Ponmudi (Golden Peak) is a hill resort located about 60 km. north-east of Trivandrum. It is surrounded by the thick greenery of Kerala’s main forest cover. Trekking and hiking are the chief tourist attractions. There are also a number of tea gardens in the area. The diverse variety of flora and fauna of the region draws many nature lovers from many parts of the country, especially from the southern states. It is one of the cheapest budget holiday destination in India

Visitors to Ponmudi can but reach it only by road. The meandering and convoluted road leading right up to the scenic hill is a circuitous pathway, travelling through which is an expedition in itself. Many amazing views of the forest and of the treetops captivate the traveller and mandate many stopovers on the way to the hill.  Indeed, the narrow road girdles the flanks of the hill and demands an unhurried and gingerly ascent right up to the hilltop.

Atop the hill, one can view many abutting valleys and clouds of mist languidly floating past the hill. The Merchiston Estate can be seen in the far distance. Some of the tea gardens can be seen spread out against the face of the lesser hills.  Rivulets can be found gently gurgling down many of the recesses of the hill. This hill in the jungle is also a natural habitat of some of the rare and exotic species of butterflies, birds and amphibian wildlife. Numerous natural springs are tucked deep inside the grasslands and dales on the hill, which many believe, are the secret of the bounteous surroundings.

Ponmudi is a veritable photographer’s delight, given the range of visuals that can be composed from various combinations of sky, cloud clusters, foliage, flora and fauna as well as the streams, ponds and rocks. Golden sunlight streaming through the mist and the overhanging greenery is a sight to behold. The valleys and the glens glow and shimmer as the first rays of the sun pour into the hillside at dawn.  Rock climbing and trekking spots are available as well, so Ponumdi does not disappoint those wanting to catch some adventure apart from revelling in the grand scenery all around and exploring the hill’s hidden treasures. The brooks and streams offer more than one ideal location where visitors can set up picnicking camps. A couple of wildlife parks as well as waterfalls are added attractions that can also be visited while on a tour to Kerala.