Ponmudi
പൊന്മുടി
A hill retreat at about 1,100 m, where 22 hairpin bends wind past tea plantations and rainforest to a summit of clouds and panoramic views of the Western Ghats
Ponmudi lies about 60 km from Thiruvananthapuram and is the closest hill station to the capital, its name meaning ‘golden hill.’ The road up has 22 hairpin bends, passing tea plantations, rubber estates and rainforest. Along the way, you can stop at the Kallar River and the Meenmutty waterfall (about a 2 km walk). At the top are viewpoints and a deer park. On clear days, you can see Agasthyamalai Peak in the distance, and clouds often roll through. It is about 10 degrees Celsius cooler than the coast. The drive takes about 2 hours, and there are also buses. Facilities at the top are limited, and it is busy with local visitors on weekends.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (checkpoint hours limited)
Nearby sights
- Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
- Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jatayu Earth's Center
- Kanakakkunnu Palace
- Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
- Napier Museum & Sree Chitra Art Gallery
- Beemapally Mosque
- Kuthiramalika Palace