10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Ponmudi - 2024 (With Photos)
If you are looking to explore some beautiful scenic spots in Kerala, a visit to Ponmudi tourist places is all that you need. A tiny hill station situated around 56 km to the northeast of Trivandrum, Ponmudi town is cradled amidst alluring valleys and massive hills. For a larger part of the year, the town and places in and round remain covered with mist.

Popularly known as local Ooty of Trivandrum, the places offers magnificent views of mountains from almost all the points. From the serene local villages to huge tea gardens, rubber, and cardamom plantations and small cottages, this place has everything that will set you in a cheerful mood. 
An enchanting hilly abode running parallel to the Arabian Sea, Ponmudi is also famous as an adventure site.

Sightseeing activities in Ponmudi cover mesmerizing places such as Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls, Ponmudi Waterfalls, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition to its verdant landscapes, the town is also known for its relaxing Ayurvedic treatments. If you further want to know about the 
places to visit in Ponmudi, don’t miss out on the details below.

Check out some of the best tourist places to visit in Ponmudi:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
01

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a captivating spot nestled on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. The wildlife sanctuary is blessed with an abundance of evergreen forests, hills, valleys, and freshwater swamps.

This wildlife sanctuary which is spread over an area of around 75 Sq Km, is a shelter to a variety of animals including sambar deer, elephants, and lion. Several endemic bird species including White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Small Sunbird can also be found here.

With its exotic wildlife and rich flora and fauna, Peppara is indeed a paradise for the nature buffs and wildlife lovers.

Location:
Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road, Trivandrum, Kerala.

Timings: 
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry fee: 
INR 50 for adults and INR 35 for kids.

How to reach:
 Trivandrum Bus station is around 39 km away from Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and hence, one can travel to this place through the bus. One can also prefer train journey to reach here.

02

Koyikkal Palace

Nestled in Nedumangad village, around 18 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, the Koyikkal Palace was built for the queen of Venad royal family whose name was Umayamma.

In the present, the palace is known for its folklore museum and Numismatics museum which are set up by the State Archaeological Department. A visit to this museum will introduce you with the remarkable art of Kerala which is stored here in the form folk arts, household utensils, and musical instruments.

The museum also houses a rare article called “Chandravalayam” which has become a major attraction for tourists. Vacationers, in large number, visit this place to watch its coin collection which has coins from different periods.

Location: 
Sathram Junction, Nedumangad, Kerala.

Timings: 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Entry fee:
INR 5 for kids and INR 20 for adults.

How to reach: 
You can either hire a taxi or board a bus from Nedumangadu bus stop.

03

Agasthyakoodam

Apart from being a popular pilgrimage site, Agasthyakoodam is truly a trekker’s paradise. A  forested peak perched at an altitude of 6128 feet, it is reckoned as the second highest peak of Kerala. It is a 28 km long trek which can be completed in 2 days.

The trekking expedition kickstarts from Bonocaud, a place situated around 30 Km away from Ponumudi. The forest area of this trek is rich in medicinal herbs with around 2000 medicinal plants on its land and is situated in close proximity to Kottoor. Agasthyakoodam forests are also widely known for its rich wildlife and sprawling grasslands.

For all the nature lovers and wildlife buffs, Agasthyakoodam is among the best Ponmudi tourist places that one can’t afford to miss.

Location:
Sahyadri Mountains, Neyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala.

Timings:
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Entry fee:
INR 500

How to reach: 
Agasthyakoodam is located around 35.5 km away from Trivandrum. One can reach to the Bonacaud village through a cab or by boarding a bus.

04

Mankkayam Falls

Situated around 45 km north-east of Thiruvananthapuram, Mankkayam is one of the famous Ponmudi tourist places. The Chittar River emerges from the massive hill range of Chemunchi and flows down through the dense forests creating a tributary called Mankkayam.

The two most mesmerizing waterfalls in this region include Kalakayam and Kurissadi. The area around the Manakkayam waterfall is covered with thick forests. After spending enough time at this serene spot, you can also head for a trek to Varayadin Motta which is home to the endangered species of wild goat.

If you wish to explore the beauty of nature in its purest form, there is no better place than Mankkayam to experience it.

Location:
Brimore, Kerala.

Timings: 
8:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Entry fee:
INR 50 per person and if you wish to take your vehicles inside, the entry fee will be INR 200.

How to reach:
 The nearest bus station to Mankkayam waterfalls is Palode Bus station. Apart from it, you can also opt for a train journey from Thiruvananthapuram.

05

Varayattumotta

Regarded as the tallest peak in Ponmudi mountain ranges, Varayattumotta is popular as a home for mountain goats called Nilgiri Tahr. In Malayalam language, Nilgiri Tahar is called as Varayaadu and this is how the mountain got its name.

This mountain peak stands tall at an altitude of 1100 meters and can be easily reached from Ponmudi or Mankayam check post. This mountain ridge is quite steep and hence very few trekkers opt for trekking through this route. Even if you choose to trek this treacherous trail, you will be accompanied by a forest guide.

Most of the trekkers climb the mountain hill and get on their way back to Ponmudi. For all the adventure seekers, this is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Ponmudi.

Location: 
Ponmudi Mountain Ranges, Kerala.

Timings:
Any time of the day.

Entry fee: 
No entry charges.

How to reach: 
There are 2 trekking routes to this site. While the first one is from Manakayam check post, the second is from Ponmudi. Both of these places are easily accessible by KSRTC bus or car.

06

Golden Valley

Nestled on the banks of Kallar river, Golden Valley is a scenic Ponmudi tourist place known for its crystal clear water, lush green valley, and golden sand.  This valley can be reached through Kallar Bridge. Once you reach this panoramic spot, admire the clear gushing water of the river or take a dip into it.

Golden Valley has been named after the pebbles and golden stones present at this place. If you have been looking for an enchanting spot to visit in Kerala, this one definitely deserves a place in your travel itinerary.

Location
: Kallar River, Ponmudi, Kerala.

Timings:
It can be visited at any time of the day.

How to reach:
 Golden Valley is situated at a distance of 13 km from Ponmudi town. This distance can be easily covered by a car within 15-20 minutes.

07

Kallar

An ethereal village situated around 45 Km away from Thiruvananthapuram, Kallar is widely popular for its aesthetics and brightly coloured pebbles. Being a popular Ponmudi tourist place, it also boasts numerous enticing trekking routes and has been a favourite spot for adventure enthusiasts since ages.

The hamlet is home to several species of birds which is the main reason why it is a favourite spot for nature buffs. Kallar village got its name from the pristine river Kellar that runs across this region. It shares close proximity to tourist places such as Meenmutty Falls and Agastyakoodam too.

If you have a thing for beautiful and unexplored places, Kallar will certainly leave you stunned with its serene surroundings and unspoiled landscapes.

Location: 
Ponmudi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Timings: 
You can visit this place any time of the day.

Entry fee: 
Entry is free.

How to reach: 
Kallar is just 45 km away from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and you can easily reach here by hiring a taxi. The nearest airport to the village I Trivandrum International Airport.

08

Sri Krishna Swami Temple

A Hindu temple in Thodupuzha town, Sri Krishna Swami Temple is situated on the northern side of Thodupuzhayar river and on the west side of the temple, you will find a main civil station. The main deity in the temple is Chathubahu Sreekrishna. Sastha, Ganpati, and Nagaraja are some other deities which are worshipped here.

Lord Krishna presides in this temple as Navneetha Krishna who holds butter in his right palm. In the present time, the popular Chothioottu feast is conducted here which offers free of cost food to pilgrims.

If you happen to visit here during the months of March or April, you would also get to see the joyous celebration of the annual festival in the temple. With its religious significance and impeccable location, it is one of the key places to visit in Ponmudi.

Location: 
Sri Krishna Swami Temple, Todupuzha, Idukki, Kerala.

Timings:
 The temple could be visited on any day of the week between 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Entry fee: 
No entry charges.

How to reach: 
The nearest railway station to this temple is Kuruppunthura which is around 41 Km away from Thodupuzha.

09

Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

A beautiful home to several endangered species, Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is a Ponmudi tourist place where animals are set free to live in their natural habitat.

Though there are few restrictions that have to be strictly followed in the sanctuary, tourists are permitted to enter the premises after some formal verification. Presenting a perfect blend of mesmerizing beauty and adventure, this wildlife sanctuary is visited by tourists from all around the globe.

Once you get into this place, you can relish the exotic flora and fauna or head for a jungle safari along with your forest guide. If you have an undying love for adventure, you can also indulge in enthralling activities such as caping and trekking.

Location:
Shendurney Wildlife Division, Thenmala, Kerala.

Timings: 
Any time of the day.

Entry fee:
There are no entry fee charges, though a permit is mandatory.

How to reach: 
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 66.4 Km from Kollam. One can reach here either by car or by boarding any bus from Kollam.

10

Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

A unique site situated in the Western Ghats, Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve flaunts exorbitant peaks that rise up to an altitude of 1868 meters above the sea level. The biosphere reserve mainly constitutes tropical forests which are home to around 2254 plant species.

It also acts as a genetic reservoir for plants such as Jamune, Plantain, Pepper, and Cardamom. This place also comprises some popular wildlife sanctuaries including Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.

The reserve is inhabited by about 79 mammal species, 88 reptile species, and 46 fish species,  out of which 75 are endemic. On your visit to this scenic spot, you will also get to spot several tribal settlements around it.

Location:
Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Timings:
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entry fee:
Entry remains free of cost.

How to reach:
 Reach to the starting point of the trek by cab. Once you reach this point, head for a trek which will continue for about 20 Km and take you to a camp station called Athirumala, which is the last camp station.

Newly Added Kerala Experience

Sightseeing in Kerala

Explore All (22)
Explore All (22)

Kerala Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Kerala

More Kerala Attractions

Kumily, thekkady Pandikuzhi, thekkady Mangla Devi Temple, thekkady Periyar Lake, thekkady Green Park Spices, thekkady Mullaperiyar Dam, thekkady Chellarkovil Viewpoint, thekkady Samudra Beach, kovalam Vadakkunnathan Temple, thrissur St. Angelo Fort, kannur Deepa World Spices and Ayurveda Plantation, thekkady Neyyar Dam, kovalam Muzhappilangad Beach, kannur Palakkayam Thattu, kannur Kannur Lighthouse Rock Cut Cave Temple, kovalam Dolours Basilica, thrissur Kovalam Beach Halcyon Castle, kovalam Kovalam Art Gallery Shakthan Thampuran Palace, thrissur Murikkady, thekkady Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint, thekkady Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple, thrissur Vilangan Kunnu, thrissur Marine Drive Kochi Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, thrissur Punnathur Kotta, thrissur Nehru Park, thrissur Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, munnar Varkala Beach Athirappilly Waterfalls, thrissur Artificial Off Shore Coral Reef, kovalam Kerala Kalamandalam, thrissur Echo Point, munnar Attukad Waterfalls, munnar Pothamedu View Point, munnar Tata Tea Museum, munnar Eravikulam National Park, munnar Thrissur Zoo And State Museum Wonder Valley Adventure & Amusement Park, munnar Kundala Lake, munnar Marayoor Dolmens, munnar Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, munnar Carmelagiri Elephant Park, munnar Charpa Falls, thrissur Chinnakanal Waterfalls, munnar Chokramudi Peak, munnar Mattupetti Indo Swiss Farm, munnar Chembra Peak, wayanad Banasura Sagar Dam, wayanad Fort Kochi Jatayu Earth Center, kerala Sevenmallay Tea Estate, munnar Kuruva Island, wayanad The Bamboo Factory, wayanad Jain Temple, Sulthan Battery, wayanad Pookode Lake, wayanad Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, wayanad Edakkal Caves, wayanad Lakkidi View Point, wayanad Meenmutty Waterfalls, wayanad Neelimala View Point, wayanad Kozhikode Beach, calicut Thirunelli Temple, wayanad Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary Idukki Arch Dam Mananchira, calicut Ashtamudi Lake, kollam Ilaveezha Poonchira, idukki Thangassery Light House, kollam Soochipara Waterfalls , wayanad Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, calicut Phantom Rock, wayanad Kollam Beach Bamboo Forest, wayanad Thirumullavaram Beach, kollam Valayanad Devi Temple, calicut Keezharkuthu Falls, idukki Kollam Adventure Park Bekal Fort, kasaragod Tree House Stay, munnar Chain Tree, wayanad Hill View Park, idukki Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Anandavalleswaram Temple, kollam Thalikkunu Shiva Temple, calicut Sri Mahaganapathi Temple, kollam Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, wayanad Valara Waterfalls, idukki Thusharagiri Waterfalls, wayanad Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls, kollam Beypore Beach, calicut Photo Point, munnar Vandanmedu, idukki Palaruvi Falls, kollam Srikanteshwara Temple, calicut
11 July 2019
Excellent
It Was an Awesome Trip To Munnar , Pros: Traveling On Month Of July (monsoon Season) Make The Place More Special . The Place Where The Camping Held Has Given Stunning Panoramic View Of The Western Ghats and the Valley of Theni. On Way To Campsite You Can Also have A Chance To Encounter With Wild Animals Which is also an Thrilling Experince. The Dinner and Breakfast Which Provided By the Tour Company Was Quiet Decent. Memorable Moments And FunFilled Trip Is Guarantee . Cons : Food are Really Expensive on Outside Of The Campiste Residency If You Are Planning A Other Activities Than Camping Beware Of The Activities You Pick bcoz In Some Places( Example :Elephant Safari,Etc..) They Charge You More Than It Deserve Since I Had Private Tour I Did Not Have Problem With Restroom Facilities (because Campsite Was Near The Building Of The Tour Company ) I havn't Seen Any Restroom On The Places Of Group Tour Camp So Please Enquire Before The Begging Of Your Camping. --- At Last One Line Decrption --- " Nature Always Wears The Colors Of The Spirits " Live In The Moments In Munnar Have A Good Life :)
16 April 2015
Brajesh Jain Paragliding In Vagamon
Excellent
Paragliding was a an absolute delightful experience for me. it was my first time and intially it was a little scary but when you start your flight its amazing. also the pilot was really friendly and explaining me everything from important points about the place and his experience of flying. best parts was when he was doing stunts like flying 360 degree. it was a very memorable experience.
04 November 2020
Excellent
Arun is really a gem of a person. He is very informative, really kind and soft spoken. He shared knowledge about tea plantation and Munnar history too. Arun is also a good photographer and he captures amazing shots. The view is lovely as fog passes by. Also the trek is amazing given the distance and route. Arun also managed to provide a light snack and lunch on our way and we spent a fantastic time. The seven hills Lakshmi trek is really beautiful way to look at beauty of Munnar. Highly recommended.
11 October 2020
Excellent
Ideal spot for family and friends to experience a complete riverside vacation at a very reasonable price.
25 May 2015
Excellent
My money spent on this trip was totally worth it and i strongly recommend this as a holiday point for you.Especially i liked that ride on the houseboat, which is a typical and very famous tourist attraction in Kerala and you gonna love that too.
19 February 2021
Sreerag Parayil Paragliding In Vagamon
Superb
Very good experience. Camera battery was weak and he hence our on air video was not fully captured.
28 January 2021
Excellent
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip.The Jeep Safari was a very thrilling experience.The tent stay was perfect and the food was good.I would definitely recommend it for a group of friends ,looking for a weekend getaway.Kindly contact the host before reaching the campsite since network will not be available there.
21 January 2021
Superb
Stunning view, great place, great staff, helpful BUT Cottages need some repair/maintenance Linens are old and worn out and FOOD isn't good at all. I would still rate a 4 star for its view, location, and friendly staff. TO the management, please work on the food at the least and also some maintenance of the room, linen, rest assured you have a great location to always cash on tourists across all seasons.
We went to Wayanad for a family trip and booked this farmhouse from Thrillophilia at the best price as compared to other sites. The location of stay was nice, the scenic views from the room were amazing, The rooms were spacious, comfortable. The food served at the stay was so yummy, totally loved the food, they even arranged bonfire in the evening, it was a great experience.
Recently I went to Wayanad with my friends and we booked this beautiful stay, the location of stay was amazing amidst the lush coffee estate. The rooms were comfortable & cozy, the food served at the stay was amazing, the staff was kind & helpful, proper precautions were taken for covid, We enjoyed the guided plantation walk & cycling tour.

Popular Nearby Places Around Kerala

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong