Ponmudi
PLEASANT PONMUDI
This hill resort near Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is a cool and quiet asylum. It is a place which would be typical for walks and treks, the many winding, wooded paths inviting you to explore and the picturesque viewpoints to pamper you. Apart from the spice and tea plantations that the area is studded with, giving it a lovely green cover; there is a lot of flora on the hillsides, especially wild.
The Welcoming Falls
About 15 kilometres before reaching the top of the hill, there is a scenic trail to the right. It leads to the Meenmutty Waterfalls, where the Kallar River falls from a tremendous height. The lagoon that is formed is wide and placid enough to swim.
Aruvikkara Dam and Devi Temple
The ancient Bhagavati temple is built on a rock, with a waterfall below it. The river has been blocked above the waterfall, which is called as Aruvikkara Dam. As part of the offering to the deity, the highlight here is the feeding of the sacred fish in the river, which have grown to great sizes and are not afraid of people. There are shops selling feed and pooja items. No discrimination is considered here.
The Numismatics Museum
Located at Nedumangad, the Valiakoyikkal Palace was the royal headquarters of the Perakam dynasty. Today, the palace houses a Numismatics and Folklore Museum. The coins exhibited here belong to different parts of the world as well as to different eras. There are household utensils and tools used by ancient man for hunting, harvesting. It also includes rare articles like percussion instruments, old manuscripts (thaliyola) and dress material made out of the bark of trees (maravuri). The Kettuvilakku, a ceremonial lamp made of coloured paper and light wood splits, which is lit during festivals at Bhagavati temples. The dolls used for Tholpavakoothu (leather puppetry) are also preserved beautifully.
Leisure time Activities
• Walk the trails and check out the flora and fauna
• Visit a spice or tea plantation
• Trek to Meenmutty waterfalls
• Stop at scenic look out points and enjoy the scenery
Fact file:-
Location: - 61 kms northeast of Thiruvananthapuram.
Best Time to go: - September to January.
December to April is best for trekking.