Ponmudi - A beautiful place to visit through the Clouds in Kerala
Ponmudi
is connected to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala by a two lane highway (SH2 & SH 45).
The last 18km starting from Anapara has scenic views, as it winds
through the mountains and tea gardens. The travel along this stretch
provides a thrilling experience as drivers and riders have to
navigate Hairpin
turns.
Ponmudi is also a popular spot for backpacking and trekking. The climate is pleasant year-round. Other attractions near Ponmudi include Golden Valley and a number of rivulets and rapids, some even across the road. The lush forest area has tropical vegetation. A variety of wildlife inhabit the hills. The Golden Valley offers vistas of the hills and access to the Kallar River.
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| Kallar River |
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| Kallar River |
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| Malabar Grey Hornbills |
Another
main attraction in the region is Agasthyarkoodam,
one of the highest peaks in the Western
Ghats, with the highest peak at 1868 m. This peak is known
for its wilderness, and can be accessed only with the Forest
Department's permission. Agasthyamalai
Biosphere Reserve is another attraction covering Neyyar,
Peppara, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and divisions of Achencoil,
Thenmala, Konni, Punalur, and Thiruvananthapuram.
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| Agasthyamala |
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| An old rock broken apart by nature in Agasthyamala before reaching Agasthya Muni Idol |
Ponmudi Tourist Spots ….....
Meenmutti Waterfalls
Meenmutti offers the option of a casual hike through cool forests, beside a bubbling Kallar river, punctuated only by the cries of birds and crickets. As part of its Ecotourism project, the Forest Department of Kerala protects about 200 hectares of the forest land in and around Meenmutti. To trek to the Meenmutti Falls, visitors will need to get in touch with the Chief Conservator of Forests in Thiruvananthapuram for a permit. It is advisable to dress sensibly, wear shoes with a good grip, and pay attention to the board at the entrance cautioning visitors about slippery boulders, deep ponds and flash floods. The Forest Department had built some tree-houses for birdwatchers here, though only three remain. One of these, atop a particularly tall tree, offers panoramic views of the forest.The trek has a number of points, beginning from Point 1, Vattappara. Railings have been constructed where the pathway is particularly narrow, though these are not continuous and it is advisable to be aware of where they end – so that one is not suddenly grasping at thin air. Point 2 is Vellarippara, where there is a rough pathway that leads down to the river, where visitors can swim or relax for a while on the rocks – a place obviously earmarked for families. The next point is Mamoodu, a fishing point, which a board curiously calls the bachelors’ area’. Further ahead is Vellarippara Up, where two huge, overhanging rocks form a stone canopy for trekkers. The clearing underneath has a couple of ramshackle wooden benches and there is a small cave nearby, which one has to crawl through for a spectacular view of the river.
Further on, after crossing the river, the trail finally reaches the Meenmutti Falls. For ardent trekkers who want to challenge themselves, there is a more difficult path over the mountain that leads to the falls as well. The river is only accessible through this path when in full spate during the monsoons.
For most of the year, the waterfall presents a glorious sight of an almost unbroken sheet of water falling with great force. It is possible to take a dip in the huge pool that the water makes though it is best to avoid bathing at the deep end. The 2km trek takes about an hour to get to complete, though the return journey is easier and can be managed in just about 40 minutes.
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| Meenmutti Waterfalls |
Kallar – The River of Stone
Located 16km before Ponmudi, this spot is so spectacular that it threatens to draw visitors away from Ponmudi. The Vamanapuram River takes the name Kallar, literally ‘the river of stone’, as the riverbed and banks here are crowded with boulders, rocks and smooth pebbles of all shapes, sizes and colours, left behind by landslides during the monsoons. Kallar is a small destination with a few tea shops which offer a reasonable lunch and excellent cups of tea, as well as Shaji’s Golden Valley River Resort. A kilometre from Kallar lies the Golden Valley, where the monsoons form a seasonal confluence of the Kallar river with a tributary.
Anappara
Around 6km beyond Kallar on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road just beyond Vithura, lies Anappara, a hamlet so tiny that it does not feature on all tourist maps. A winding, unpaved road from this village leads to Duke’s Forest Lodge, a lovely, traditional Kerala house, situated in a sprawling rubber plantation stretching across 130 acres. Five spacious cottages offer spectacular views from their balconies, each equipped with its own swimming pool. A sixth, thatched cottage offers a shared swimming pool. A gurgling brook, part of the Kallar river, separates the property from the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. Duke’s Forest Lodge can arrange for treks to Meenmutti, Peppara and Bonacaud.
Neyyar Dam
The Neyyar Dam lies on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road and offers a beautiful, long stretch over the dam to walk across and gaze at the milky water thundering down the sluices. The park here has unusual, life-like statues of men engaged in various activities such as angling, operating a jack-hammer and taking photographs. Covered in rich vegetation, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1958. Spread over 128sq km over the Western Ghats, the Sanctuary lies in the drainage basin for the Neyyar river and its tributaries.
There are many things to do here. including crocodile watching, boating, trekking and yoga. The first of these activities can be pursued via the Wildlife Information Centre. Steps beside this office lead down to the Crocodile Protection Centre, where crocodiles can be seen sunning themselves languidly. Further ahead is a medicinal garden that houses 178 varieties of plants.
The Wildlife Information Centre also arranges trips to the Lion Safari Park. Established in 1984, this park is the home of nine Asiatic lions. The rickety, PreHistoricLooking bus gives visitors the feeling that they’re travelling through Jurassic Park.
The District Tourism Promotion Council Boat Club organises boat rides across the waters. There are safari boats that can accommodate a maximum of 10 people and high-speed boats that can only accommodate four people. Close to the Boat Club is a watchtower, which offers a panoramic view of the dam. The boats will go around at least two of the six islands in the reservoir, where visitors might get to spot elephants, monkeys, sambar and some interesting birds. The ride also offers an excellent view of towering Agasthyamalai peak (6,129ft).
Other Informations ….
Myths and MiraclesLike the abominable snowman who is said to leave his footsteps behind in the snowclad mountains of the Himalayas, many mythical creatures are believed to dwell in the forests of Kerala. While none are as monstrous as the Yeti, the animals that the tribes living here claim to have sighted in the forests are no less incredible: the white bison, a jungle cat that is not quite a leopard and pygmy elephants to name a few.
Pygmy Elephant
Pygmy elephants – which are in fact known to exist in Africa – have, in recent years, sparked quite a controversy after photographer Sali Palode clicked what he claims are 5-ft-tall (or short!) elephants in the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. Tribesmen in this region claim that these animals, though short, have all the characteristics of normal adult elephants, and are thus distinct from baby elephants. The first report of pygmy elephants came from members of the Kani tribe living in the Agasthyavanam forests. Experts spent many months trying to trace them, before dismissing this as make-believe. But these recent pictures have started yet another debate.
How to Reach Ponmudi .....
Where to Stay ?
Stay at the KTDC’s Golden Peak (Tel: 0472-2890225/ 186, Cell: 09400008641). There is also a Government Guest House (Tel: 2890230), which must be booked in Thiruvananthapuram. You can rent rooms or cottages designed by Laurie Baker. Enroute to Ponmadi in Kallar lies the charming River County (Tel: 2786677, Cell: 09895577994), an island-like retreat surrounded by the Kallar River. There is a restaurant an adventure sports such as trekking can be arranged here.
You may also stay at Neyyar Dam. KTDC’s Tamarind Easy Hotel (Tel: 0471-2272160) . The charming Bio Veda Ayurvedic Hill Resort (Cell: 09645864754, 09447049021) has lovely cottages in great surroundings, offering Ayurveda and good food.
Where to Eat ?
Options for restaurants and cuisines in Ponmudi are quite limited. Most visitors head to the KTDC Golden Peak Hotel or the Government Guest House. It is advisable to order basic local dishes here, for somewhat faster service and more recognisable meals.
When to Go ?
Best after the monsoons, from September to January. December to April is the best season for trekking.
How to Reach ?
District : Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, India
Distance : 61 Km North East of Thiruvananthapuram
Route from Thiruvananthapuram : SH2 to Anad via Nedumangad; State Roads to Ponmudi via Kallar.
Nearest Airport : Trivandrum International Airport (61km / 3hrs).
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Nearest Railway Station : Trivandrum Central Station (56km/ 3hrs)
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Road : Ponmudi is 56km from Thiruvananthapuram along the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road via Peroorkada, Nedumangad, Chullimanoor and Vithura.
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Bus : KSRTC has direct bus services to Ponmudi, Kallar and Peppara from Trivandrum Central Bus Stand (Tel : +91 471 2323979) at Thampanoor. One bus service is also available from Nedumangad.
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