Are your eyes starving for greenery? Are the grays and browns of the busy city life making you exhausted? A trip to Ponmudi, the golden hills Thiruvanathapuram is just what the doctor prescribed. Embraced by the Western Ghats and surrounded by green hills, lush waterfalls and valleys, this place is a perfect escape from your monotonous life.
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The tourist season to visit Ponmudi is from November to March. This is the time when the place displays all its colors in its true glory. The whole place is covered in mist during this time. The lush green trees, the ever flowing Kallar River and the waterfalls shimmering in the sun present you with a view to remember for the rest of your life. The weather is also very pleasant during this period with the temperature not rising above twenty seven degrees. The crisp air and the chilly weather help you to explore the place in all its elements.
Given below is a list of things to do while you are in Ponmudi which will also give you an idea why it is one of the most special offbeat destinations out there.
The Peppara wild life sanctuary located beside the catchment area of Peppara Dam along the Karamana River is a nature lover’s heaven. It could take a whole day to explore this place which is rich in flora and fauna. This place serves as a natural habitat to around forty three species of mammals, two hundred and thirty three species of birds, forty six species of reptiles, thirteen species of amphibians and twenty seven species of fishes. Do not forget to bring your camera along to capture the majestic beauty of the Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri langur, leopards and elephants that are found in abundance here.
The banks of the Kallar River house this beautiful and serene spot which is perfect for an intimate picnic. The valley gets its name from the bright golden sand that enhances its beauty. The clear water of the river and the vibrant green valley surrounding it perfectly complement each other. So get your picnic baskets out and spend a great time with your loved ones down here and create memories while dipping your feet in the clear water.
Ponmudi has a little something to offer for everyone and this activity is especially attractive for all the adventure lovers out there. This place has more than one breathtaking trail which serves as a trekker’s paradise. The most sought after trails are the Varayattumotta, Chinnappulle and Braemoor trails which provide you with an experience to remember. These treks are specially organized by the Ponmudi Vana Samrakshana Samithi and they provide you with experienced trek guides to keep you company throughout the whole journey. The other common trekking routes are to the Bonafalls, Vazahuvanthole waterfalls and the Kalarkad waterfalls.
The Aaranmula Boat Race is held every year between August and September on the Pampa River. This is part of a very important tradition in Ponmudi. This race takes place to honor the Aaranmula Temple Festival, which is one of the ancient festivals in India, it is about 1700 years old and is a shrine to Sree Pathasarathy- the divine character of Arjuna. Hundreds of people gather in long gondola like boats and race through the river making it a very colorful and fun event. Who doesn’t want a little taste of local culture while traveling? So when in Ponmudi, do not forget to tick this event off your calendar.
If peace of mind is what you are looking for, this place is a must visit. This divine shrine of Lord Krishna is one of the most prominent places in Ponmudi. This place is always buzzing with devotees and tourists all year long but that does not compromise with the calm that it provides. Built in the typical south Indian intricate architectural style, this place has a spot where you can meditate and spend a spiritual and reflecting time by yourself.
The local cuisine is dominated by the locally available fruits and vegetables such as jackfruit, mango, and bread fruit (also known as sheema chakka). Other than that, Ponmudi has a variety of fish based dishes for all the non-vegetarians. The local cuisine here is a unique blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and it is successful in keeping both the parties satisfied.
Ponmudi is one of those hidden places in india, awaiting to be explored. This place is a road less travelled but oh, the wonders it unleashes once set foot upon! If you are one for unique and new experiences, Ponmudi surely deserves a special place in your bucket list. From adrenaline jerking trekking trails to exquisite wildlife and breathtaking views with a rich and vibrant culture, there is nothing that Ponmudi does not offer.
We get so busy in our daily hustle to survive, that we forget to live in the moment, and there is no better way to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience than to travel to places, gather new stories, meet new people and create a bunch of happy memories. And if you are travelling, why not pay visit to a place not many people have set foot upon? Why not hear the stories that have been unheard for a very long time? Why not enrich your knowledge about something that people do not know much about? Well, pay a visit to Ponmudi and get all these questions answered; you are sure to leave this place with a reel full of photographs and a heart full of memories.
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