Top Things to Do in Ponmudi for a Perfect Getaway

Ponmudi, also known as the golden peak, is a hill station located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. A picturesque hill station offering you mesmerizing views of mist-covered hills of the Western Ghats, lush greenery and a serene atmosphere. 

Whether you are in search of peace or seeking the chance of adventure, Ponmudi welcomes you with its open heart. 

In this guide, you’ll find out what things to do in Ponmudi that will make your trip full of unforgettable memories and experiences. 

Be it nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts or adventure lovers, there is something for everyone, which makes Ponmudi a must-visit. 

7 Places to Explore in Ponmudi and What to Do There

Located in God’s Own Country, Ponmudi offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Here are some of my favourite places to visit in Ponmudi, along with what you can do there. So, whenever you visit, make sure to try these activities.

1. Golden Valley 

Nested along the banks of the Kallar River, Golden Valley is among the most popular tourist attractions in Ponmudi.

With the captivating views of mountains and valleys alongside serene water streams, Golden Valley is the perfect spot for spending quality time amidst nature. 

Due to the golden sand of the Kallar River, the valley is known as the Golden Valley. The clear, pristine water of the river highlights these golden hues, creating a stunning and mesmerizing visual. 

The lush green trails, enchanting flora and fauna, with the tranquil environment make this place a heaven for nature lovers.

Address: Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi Road, Kerala.

Timings: Anytime

Things to do: 

• Picnic: Have a peaceful and relaxing time close to nature, away from the hectic and busy lifestyle.
• Nature walk: Explore the beauty of the place, observing the spectacular surroundings.
• Photography: Capture the gorgeous views of the landscape and water streams.
• Sightseeing: Immerse yourself in the scenic views and take in the beauty of this place.
• Relax near the riverside: Spend some time beholding the serene water flowing through the smooth pebbles, satisfying the soul with its sound.
• Swimming or bathing: Have a refreshing dip in the gushing water or simply sit on the smooth rocks dipping your feet inside the fresh and cool water.

Tips: Be careful near the river as the pebbles might be slippery.

2. Ponmudi Viewpoint

Being situated at the top of the hills, this viewpoint showcases the best views of Ponmudi. Often referred to as the Golden peak, due to the sun rays clashing with the mist, reflecting a golden illusion over the hills. This whole phenomenon looks truly like a miracle.

From this viewpoint, you can see those mist-covered hills, green valleys, dense forests, and majestic water bodies that will captivate your mind.

You will reach the top through the beautiful pathway covered with fog, giving you a wonderful experience to be cherished forever.

Address: Ponmudi, Kerala

Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Things to do :

• Watch the hairpin bends: There are 22 hairpin bends leading up to Ponmudi, visible from the viewpoint.
• Photography:  Capture the stunning vistas of the Ponmudi to take away with you.
• Enjoy the Sunrise and sunset: This viewpoint offers a surreal and spectacular view of sunrises and sunsets. Spend some relaxing moments here enjoying the mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset amidst nature’s scenery.

Entry fees: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.

Tips:  Avoid visiting the viewpoint during rain as it will obstruct the views.

3. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary 

Are you a wildlife enthusiast? If so, this Ponmudi Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to visit and offers a number of activities. It covers around 75 square kilometers of dense tropical evergreen forest. This place is home to huge biodiversity, making it one of the best places for wildlife lovers to visit in Ponmudi. 

Here you will get to see a glimpse of a variety of animals like the asian elephants, Nilgiri langur, sloth bear and many more. 

The park is also home to several rare bird species, such as small sunbirds and Malabar gray hornbills. No matter if you are a birdwatcher or a wildlife lover, make sure to include this sanctuary on your itinerary. 

Address: Peppara Dam Road, Mannoorkara, Kattakkada, Thiruvananthapuram

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Things to do:

• Trekking: Enjoy the trek to Vazhvanthol Falls through the forests. You need to get prior permission from the forest department. 
• Explore the wildlife: Spot the different varieties of birds and animals. 
• Visit the dam: Enjoy the majestic beauty of the Karamana River from the dam.
• Safari: You can enjoy the jeep safari to have a tour of the sanctuary. 

Entry fee: INR 50 for adults and INR 35 for children

Tips: Do not harm any species nor litter the forest. 

4. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve 

This biosphere reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Kerala’s second-highest peak, the Sahyadri mountain.

In this place, you can find endemic species of plants and biodiversity. Apart from this, it holds immense spiritual significance as it is named after the sage Agasthya. 

There are plenty of restrictions in place because it has such a high ecological significance, a great deal of biodiversity, and indigenous communities. Due to which prior permits are required from the authorities to visit this place, that too with strict rules and regulations. 

Therefore, if you’re looking for a different type of culture, you should visit here.

Address: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kerala

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Things to do: 

• Trekking: You can trek in this region with the help of an authorized guide. 
• Enjoy the scenic views: Wander around and discover breathtaking natural beauty.
• Observe the rich biodiversity: Discover diverse, rare, and endangered medicinal plants and species. 
• Visit the sacred shrine: Take a trip to the holy shrine of Sage Agastya and spend some time rejuvenating yourself.

Permit fee: INR 1800 per person for Indian nationals

Tips: Follow all the rules and guidelines, and be cautious. 

Note: Due to its high regulation and limited availability, it is essential to book everything through the official website of the Kerala Forest Department. 

5. Meenmutty Falls 

Are you looking for a place to plan a picnic with your family? Then this attraction is ideal for you. On weekends, many families visit here to spend time with their families.

This waterfall is not just a popular destination for family vacations, but is also favored by tourists, especially adventure lovers and nature lovers. 

You can reach this place by doing a trek of about 2-3km, witnessing the diverse flora and fauna through the lush-green forest, streams and hilly terrains. 

Address: Korome- Karimbil Rd, Thondernad, Kanjirangad

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Things to do:

• Boating: Enjoy the Boat Ride from Neyyar Dam to Kombai Kani, from where the actual trek starts. 
• Photography: You can capture the majestic view of the waterfall and the scenic view around. 
• Enjoy the waterfall: Take time to enjoy the beauty and sound of the waterfall, which is truly peaceful. 

Entry fee: For adults, the price is INR 30 and for children, it’s INR 15. 

Tips: Wear a comfortable pair of shoes when trekking. 

6. Varayadu Motta

A famous trekking site in Ponmudi, Vadyadu Motta, is considered one of Kerala’s toughest treks. The name of this place comes from the Nilgiri tahr, which is also known as the varyadu. The hike is 13 km long and offers breathtaking views of nature. 

The highlight of this trek is its challenging and slippery pathway. 

Address: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Timings: No fixed timings 

Things to do: 

• Spotting Nilgiri Tahr:  It’s rare, but you might be lucky enough to see them. 
• Photography: Capture the beautiful views of the valleys from the top. 
• Relaxation: Spend some peaceful time after the long, tiring trek. Sit and enjoy the tranquil environment with such magical views. 

Entry fees: No entry fees

7. Tea Gardens and Spice Plantations

Visiting Ponmudi’s tea gardens and spice plantations is an educational and scenic experience. Whenever you visit these gardens, you can learn about cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques for spices such as teas, cards, and peppers.

Address: Various locations around Ponmudi Hills

Things to do:

• Plantation tours: Learn about organic farming methods, cultivation cycles, and sustainable agricultural practices
• Tea tasting sessions: Taste and learn about locally grown teas
• Spice identification: Learn about natural spices and their culinary and medicinal properties

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by plantation)

Entry Fee: ₹50-100 per person for guided tours

Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, and buy fresh spices directly from farmers

The Ponmudi region has much more to offer than its usual spots, such as its restaurants, tea plantations, spice gardens, and hidden pilgrimage sites. In order to truly know this place and have a memorable experience here, you must contact our travel experts. 

Conclusion

Ponmudi is a place where you can experience all kinds of things. It is a heavenly place blessed by nature with panoramic views and captivating landscapes.

This is the perfect place for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of flora and fauna. For a thrilling and soul-recharging experience, you must visit this place. 

Whenever you want to explore, make sure you contact SuperbWorldTrip.com. With them, you can find great deals on airfare, accommodation, and vacation packages for your trip to Ponmudi.