Ponmudi Hills Travel Guide: Explore The Kashmir of Kerala

Each year, Kerala welcomes millions of tourists from across the globe to explore its hotspots. It isn’t surprising to understand why. 

While Kerala has a slew of tourist attractions, Ponmudi Hills stands undisputed as one of the most stunning, scenic places to explore. For anyone who wears the love for hills on their sleeves, this hill station is truly the best India has to offer. 

If you’re stoked about visiting Ponmudi Hills in Kerala, we’ve curated this know-it-all guide that can help you plan a visit there without hiccups. We’ve talked in detail about Ponmudi opening time, entry fee, and weather, among other things. So, let’s dive right in!

Ponmudi Hills: Facts and Figures

Ponmudi Hills, popularly known as the “Golden Peak” or the “Kashmir of Kerala,” is a hill station nestled in the Trivandrum district of Kerala.

Located at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level as a part of the Western Ghats, Ponmudi looks magical with its hill views accompanied by lush, flourishing green valleys and perfect panoramic scenery.

The spiritual wave in the Indian tourism culture has led to popularity of peaceful places like Ponmudi Hills. In the lap of Ponmudi Hills, one can find peace and tranquility while escaping the trappings of urban life. As you ascend and climb up, the serenity of the place grows over you — making you crave more time in this haven. 

Ponmudi Hills is an ideal place for nature lovers. Decorated with a variety of fauna and flora, it epitomizes beauty in all dimensions of the word. The rich biodiversity and pristine environment make Ponmudi an important ecological zone.

Beauty aside, Ponmudi Hills allow visitors to take part in several activities and visit several accompanying attractions. Some go hiking along the beautiful trails, whereas others visit the various tea estates or relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

Places to Visit in Ponmudi Hills Kerala

Ponmudi Hills is home to a range of places worth visiting. Let’s take a tour of these sites.

1. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Ponmudi Hills and spreads across an area of 53 square kilometers. It has a variety of flora and fauna. It offers a natural home to elephants, tigers, and different types of birds. Furthermore, it provides trekking facilities for lovers of nature and wildlife and also the natural beauty of the Karamana River. 

2. Mini Zoo

The Mini Zoo is located near Ponmudi Hills and is perfect for families and people who love animals. It is home to a number of native animals and is small, neat, and tidy. This makes it an informative and entertaining event through which visitors get a close view of the animals. It is also important to note that the zoo is a very quiet place, which makes it ideal for a leisurely walk. 

3. Golden Valley

Golden Valley lies on the slope of the river Kallar and is famous for its views and clean water. It is an excellent place for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or just admiring the scenery that nature has provided. Glistening rivers and rich green vegetation make the valley ideal for tourists who prefer leisure and solitude. 

4. Agasthyakoodam

Agasthyakoodam is one of the highest peaks in Kerala, reaching 1,868 meters. For this reason, it is famous for its diverse wildlife and often referred to as a botanist’s delight. The mountain is called Agastya Mala and is a famous trekking spot with steep climbs and stunning views of the Western Ghats. 

5. Meenmutty Hills

Ponmudi Hills is home to a beautiful three-tiered waterfall known as Meenmutty Falls, which has a total height of 300 meters. The waterfalls are closely surrounded by trees, making the route to them exciting. Visitors can observe the natural scenery and hear the sounds of the water falling from one level to another.

6. Echo Point

Echo Point in Ponmudi Hills is a popular scenic spot known for its natural echo phenomenon. Visitors can experience the fun of hearing their voices reverberate off the surrounding hills. The area offers stunning panoramic views of the lush green landscape, making it a delightful stop for nature enthusiasts and tourists.

Things to Do in Ponmudi Hill Station

Ponmudi Hill Station provides a doorway to experiencing many activities, making your stay worthwhile. Below is the list of activities you can do in the place. 

1. Trekking

Trekking in Ponmudi Hills is a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts. The trails offer varying levels of difficulty, winding through lush forests, tea plantations, and scenic landscapes. Those who love trekking through India should definitely visit this place and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats, spot diverse wildlife, and experience the tranquility of nature, making it a rewarding outdoor adventure.

2. Paragliding

Paragliding in Ponmudi Hills provides an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers. Soaring above the hills, participants can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the lush greenery and rolling landscapes. The activity offers a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty and is an unforgettable adventure for those looking to add excitement to their trip.

3. Canoeing

Canoeing in the serene waters around Ponmudi Hills is a peaceful and enjoyable activity. Paddlers can explore the calm rivers and lakes, surrounded by picturesque scenery. It’s a great way to connect with nature, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the water, making it a perfect pastime for relaxation.

4. Rafting

Rafting in the rivers near Ponmudi Hills offers an exciting adventure for water sports enthusiasts. The activity provides a thrilling ride through rapids, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Participants can experience the rush of navigating the river’s currents while enjoying the beautiful scenery, making it a memorable outdoor adventure.

5. Aranmula Boat Races

The Aranmula Boat Races, held near Ponmudi Hills, are a vibrant and culturally significant event. Spectators can witness traditional snake boats racing along the Pamba River, accompanied by rhythmic rowing chants and festive celebrations. This exciting and colorful event showcases Kerala’s rich heritage and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors.

Ponmudi Hills: Weather, Entry Fee, Opening Time

Ponmudi Hills has a temperate climate year-round, making it an ideal destination to visit. 

Summers are mild, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), and winters are a tad cooler, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Ponmudi Hills, during the monsoon season, experiences heavy showers, enhancing the lush greenery.

Speaking of Ponmudi Hills entry fee, it’s pretty nominal. If you’re an Indian, you can enter the region by paying just INR 20 and INR 10 for adults and kids respectively.

Foreigners visiting the location are required to shell out INR 120 for adults and INR 150 for kids. Parking fees vary from INR 10 to INR 50 depending on the vehicle you’re on. 

Photography cost is INR 25 whereas videography cost is INR 150. Trekking is open for a group of people in exchange for INR 400 only. For more information, we’d request you to visit the official website. 

Ponmudi Hills welcomes visitors from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit the place is from October to March. 

How to Reach Ponmudi Hill Station in Kerala?

There are no direct trains to Ponmudi Hills; the nearest station is Trivandrum Central, about 55 km away. Trivandrum International Airport is approximately 50 km from the hill station and offers excellent connectivity.

Reaching Ponmudi by road is convenient, with well-maintained highways linking it to major South Indian cities. Regular buses, rickshaws, taxis, and car rentals are available from Trivandrum (61 km). The scenic drive features stunning views of mountains and tea gardens. For local sightseeing, walking or car rentals are ideal.

The Final Takeaway

Situated in Kerala, Ponmudi Hills is another less-known place with beautiful scenery and relatively low temperatures. 

Located in the heart of the Western Ghats, it is ideal for nature lovers and those who love to indulge in some adventure, just remember to protect your valuables when travelling. The curves, the giant tall trees, and the spectacular views are suitable for nature walks or exploration activities. 

Some features are eye-catching, from gold sandy valleys, beautiful waterfalls, to exotic wildlife. It is relatively less developed as a commercial tourist spot than other hill stations, but is picturesque and serene. 

If one is searching for a perfect getaway from the din and nitty-gritty of city life, a tour to Ponmudi Hills is well worth it.