Ponmudi

Located 61 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram, the salubrious, mountainous terrain of Ponmudi is a magnetic attraction for those who seek a serene and scenic environment. The name “Ponmudi” which means “Golden Crown” in Malayalam truly describes this bewitching hill side resort. Fertile forests, meandering streams and misty valleys add to the region’s beauty while rendering it a birds’ paradise. Malabar hornbills and blue-black malabars are found in abundance while the rare long-tailed paradise flycatchers can also be sighted here.  Due to its considerable natural endowments, trekking in Ponmudi is a popular and rewarding activity.

Thick tropical jungles guard the entry to Ponmudi Hills. Gradually, the wilderness recedes making way to commercial plantations. The temperate climate is conducive for the growth of tea, rubber, cardamom and pepper, as can be witnessed by the sweeping estates that greet the visitor. The common sight of rubber tappers and tea pluckers going about their work provides an interesting and insightful experience for observant visitors. Scattered over the hill side are picturesque little cottages reflecting the simple lifestyle of the district while an occasional elephant sauntering down the road with its mahout completes this peacefully rustic picture.

Ponmudi is equipped with good boutiques selling a range of merchandise from Rajasthan, Kashmir and Nepal as well as local Kerala goods. High quality jewelry ornaments and spices are among the region’s prominent wares providing a unique shopping experience.

The relative proximity of Ponmudi to Thiruvananthapuram makes a visit to the hill station a convenient and enjoyable one for guest of The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala, which ranks foremost among 5 Star Kovalam beach resorts.