Hill Station in Ponmudi, Kerala

General Information

Altitude: 1066 m Above Sea Level

Languagaes: Malayalam, Hindi and English.

Ponmudi - Introduction :

The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The enchanting bounty of nature can be witnessed here in the quiet surroundings.Perched at an altitude of over 100 m above sea level on the Western Ghats, the shimmering green waters of the winding streams and verdant woods of Ponmudi do not spare anybody. Trekking is a passion with the visitors to Ponmudi, lying within easy driving distance from Thiruvananthapuram.One will find oneself compulsively pausing every now and then to drink in deep the spectacular sweep of the hill ranges, tea-estates and the mist-covered valleys, peppered with little toy-like stone cottages painted a pretty violet, pink, or white with pointed and peaked roofs.

Accessbility :

It takes 2 hours by road, driving 65 kms northeast from Thiruvananthapuram, to get to Ponmudi. Bus services are frequent.

Places to Visit :

Aaranmula Boat Race :

The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. Masses throng the shores of the River Pamba to watch an imposing cluster of snake boats called 'Palliyodams'.Each boat, nearly 100 feet long, is a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, with the stem curved to resemble the hood of a snake and a tampering bow. Festooned with silk and gold spangled umbrellas, the boats are manned by a crew of more than 100 men.

Varkala Beach :

Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.The 2000 year old Janardana Swamy Temple and the Nature Centre are the two main attractions here. High cliffs border the excellent beach.

It's a beautiful beautiful beach that has a more than 2000 years old shrine of Lord Vishnu. Varkala beach is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value.A dip in the holy waters of Varkala beach is believed to purge the body and the soul of all the sins hence the name 'Papanashini' for this shore. At the break of dawn following the new moon in the Malayalam month of 'Karkidakam', thousands offer 'Vavu Bali', a ritual believed to help the souls of ancestors rest in peace.

Hill Station in Kerala

General Information :

Area : 38,863 sq km.

Population : 31,838,619

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram

Language : Malayalam

Kreala - Inroduction :

Kerala, popularly regarded as 'God's own country', is probably the most beautiful, exotic and picturesque state of India. Flanked by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats (mountain ranges) in the east, Kerala abounds in exotic and beautiful Hill stations, lovely beaches and serene and calm backwaters. The unparallel natural beauty of Kerala attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world round the year. And rightly so, the National Geographic Traveler ranked it as One of the 50 'Paradise Found' on the earth.

The hill stations of Kerala are known for their exotic charm and beauty that can't be defined in words. Located amidst the lush green vegetation with numerous milky waterfalls, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs, lakes and hill-plantations, they provide an enthralling experience to tourists. One of the major advantages of holidaying in Kerala hill station is that they are relatively less crowded in comparison to hill stations of north India.Spice and tea plantations on the hill slopes provide you an enchanting sight. The fresh and pristine air filled with the fragrance of cardamom and pepper makes you spellbound. Amidst such surroundings you feel like as if you are in heaven.

The verdant vegetation around the hills supports a variety of wildlife too. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries located in the region, which house some of the endangered species of wild animals and birds.Some of the most scenic and beautiful hill stations in Kerala, which offer a lifetime experience to its visitors, are Munnar, Vythiri, Idukki, Vagamon and Wayanad. We welcome you to Kerala to explore and enjoy the beautiful moments of your life in a natural paradise which you would relish and remember all your life.

Most visitors come to Kerala for its magnificent beaches and backwaters. But less well known are the Southern Ghats, hills rich in cardamom, pepper and tea plantations, and which have the highest peak south of the Himalayas - Anaimudi - standing at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet). The main tourist offices will tell you that there are three hill stations in these hills - Munnnar, Pirmede and Ponmudi - as well as the hill wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady. In fact all but Thekkady are small settlements offering little in the way of tourist facilities. However, the views of the ghats and the plantations are a reward in themselves and especially worth seeing if you prefer to keep off the well-beaten tourist track. The hills are accessible throughout the year although very wet and misty during Kerala's two monsoons, the southwest and the northeast (late May-early November).