It will not be wrong to say that Ponmudi is still an unexplored destination, especially for travelers who visit the state from outside. However, a visit to this state, is a welcoming break, away from the hustle and bustle of regular tourist activity and city life. Tourists can easily relax without amidst the lap of nature in a serene surrounding. Around 61 km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi stands at 3,200 feet above the level of the sea. The way to Ponmudi from Trivandrum comprises of 22 narrow winding roads, journey on these roads is an adventure in itself.
The hill town of Ponmudi has varied options for adventure seekers. One can partake in adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, mountaineering, wildlife viewing and more. The winding roads of this hill town are just perfect for long leisurely walks. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the tea plantations as well as the natural springs whose crystal clear waters come gushing down from lush green valleys. A number of adventure options and the unspoilt beauty of Ponmudi have started alluring a decent number of tourists every year.
The hill terrains of Ponmudi are perfect for trekking activity and offers ample opportunity to people who love indulging in adventure. One can discover the mystery of nature trekking, which can not be a challenging but a pleasurable experience. Since the climate is pleasant throughout the year, you can indulge in trekking any time. However, trekking might not be a good idea during the monsoon. You can take the services of trekking guides that are available at Ponmudi Vana Samrakshana Samithi. They will explain you all the important details.
Agasthyarkoodam, known as the tallest peaks in Thiruvananthapuram as well as the Western Ghats, is a must-visit place for trekking enthusiasts. If you are an expert in hiking and trekking and love discovering the mysteries of the wilderness, visit Agasthyarkoodam. However, seeking a prior permit from the Forest Department is necessary. It is recommended that if you are going to indulge in trekking, you must fill their backpacks with food and other necessary stuff, as these might be unavailable during your trekking expedition. Meenmutty Falls are a major attraction here.
If your idea of adventure is interacting with the wildlife of the region, then also Ponmudi has a lot to offer to you. You can visit the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 50 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram. During the wildlife safari you can spot animals including Nilgiri Tahr, Bonnet Macaque, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Elephant, 27 fish species and more. It is also quite close to a number of trekking routes. The Deer Park (previously called the Upper Sanatorium) and the Mini Zoo (towards the north of the park) are the other places to spot the wildlife of the region. You may spot the Barasingha (12-horned antelope) in its natural surrounding. Treat your eyes to the beautiful flowers, verdant lush greenery and exotic butterflies.
The Neyyar Dam, near the adventure site of the Ponmudi hill station, has a beautiful garden that contains sculptures, depicting human actions like fishing, clicking photographs and more. The dam is quite close to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, founded in 1958. Spread in 128 square kilometers of land, this wildlife reserve has the Crocodile Protection Centre where you can watch. At a nearby lake, you can also go for a boat ride.
