Ponmudi
What first greets you on your journey to Ponmudi, a hill station 60 kms from Trivandrum is Kallar, the river with a temperament that could swing wildly in a flash, impinged by the showers on the distant mountains you cannot see. This place can be the destination for the weekend tourist.
Ponmudi offers beautiful trekking trails to many other wonders of nature hidden away from the casual eyes. All day you can walk through the promising trails with greater excitements.
Move on, the best is yet to be.
TREKKING TRAILS
To the abode of Nilgiri tahr - Varayadumotta
Varayadumotta is a mountain ridge some 40 kilometers from the city. As the name itself suggests, it is home to a small population of Nilgiri Tahr, known as varayadu. It is a full day long guided trekking programme and you need to climb the mountain, which is 1100m high. To reach the base of the trek is a long walk through the evergreen shola forests.
Considered as one of the toughest in Trivandrum, it is 18 km trek (one side). Once you successfully climb Varayadumotta after the arduous trek with its slippery trails and dangerous abysses, you will be treated with stunning views of mountains and valleys all around. The famed goats of Varayadumotta rarely make an appearance before the traveler.
The package is available in two routes – one from Golden Valley (the check post located at the starting point) and the other from Ponmudi. Food is not included in the package and this trekking programme is not available during monsoon time. Best season is November – May. Prior booking is needed to avail this package. Two guides will accompany the trekkers.
Timing: Starts at 07.30 AM (It is a 12 hours trekking programme)
Cost of the package
Rs. 1500/- for five persons
Trek to Seethatheertham
It is a 4 km trekking programme to the streams of Seethatheertham in Ponmudi. You hike through curtains of light and shade to see ruins of temples and can also see the footprints of Goddess Seetha, as it is believed by the locals. They also believe that once the goddess satiated her thirst in this river. If you are lucky, herds of elephants and gaurs can be spotted here.
Interested wildlife photographers and bird watchers can avail specially arrange this package.
Cost of the package
Rs. 500/- for 10 persons
Rs. 60/- for extra person
Manachala Trekking
It is a 6 km trekking programme to the base camp of Varayadumotta Peak organized by Ponmudi Ecotourism. A guide will accompany you in this.
Timing: Starts at 07.30 AM
Cost of the package
Rs. 500/- for 10 persons
Rs. 60/- for extra person
Trek to Maruthwamala
It is an offseason trekking programme conducted by Ponmudi Eco-tourism to the interior of forests of the Western Ghats region of Ponmudi.
Timing: Starts at 07.30 AM
Cost of the package
Rs. 500/- for 10 persons
Rs. 60/- for extra person
Contact
Thiruvananthapuram
Mob: 08547600987
Getting there
By Road: Buses are available from Thampanoor Central Bus Terminal to Ponmudi
By Rail: 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
By Air: 67 Kms from Trivandrum International Airport
DISCLAIMER : Since the availability of Eco Tourism Packages are subject to change based on climate and other conditions, please make sure you confirm its availability beforehand. We will not be held responsible for any inconveniences caused owing to the unavailability of any specific package.
