Ponmudi

Ponmudi is one of the most visited hill stations in Kerala. Situated around 61 km from Trivandrum, the capital city of the state, Ponmudi is blessed with the enchanting beauty of Nature. It is often called the ‘Golden Peak’ by the natives of this place. Ponmudi hill station is surrounded by rustic hills, spice plantations, sprawling tea estates, natural springs and winding streams. The place is easily accessible from Trivandrum by private or public road transport. According to a popular mythological tale, the hill station was discovered by Lord Parsurama who was the avatar of lord Vishnu.

Ponmudi has got a dynamic history. The hill station was the preferred location of different kings, which resulted in the frequent change in the ownership of the land. Ponmudi had been ruled by the Ays, Venads and Varmas and invaded by the Cholas and Mughals. The hill station registers maximum tourist traffic during the Arnmula Temple festival. Aranmula boat race is organized during the festival. The hill station also stands as the gateway to Varkala, which is an important pilgrimage site. The 2000-year old Janardhana Swamy Temple is located in Varkala.

Some of the major hotspots located in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point and various other trekking spots. Ponmudi boasts of mist-laden valleys, among which the Golden Valley near Kallar River is noted one. It is acclaimed for its distinguished charisma. Apart from these, there are numerous other attractions which are lesser known. These are the deer park and an array of small huts colored in vivid bright hues, which are visible from quite some distance away. A mini zoo, abundant in exotic fauna, is located at close proximity of Ponmudi. The hill station is also famous for Ayurvedic treatment and ethnic Indian massages, which are a specialty of Kerala. Along with it, the place is a hub for critical treatments through Ayurveda. There are a number of Kerala Ayurveda and massage Ashrams located in and around Ponmudi.