If you live in Thiruvananthapuram and need a break from the heat and the traffic, you don't have to go far. About 60 km from the city, the road starts to climb, the air gets cooler, and 22 hairpin bends later you're at Ponmudi, a hill station with thick tropical forest rolling down to the foot of the range, and clouds that drift right across the road.
The name means "golden peak", and on a clear evening you can see why. Ponmudi is one of those places that works equally well for a family picnic, a quiet couple's day out or a ride with friends. Here's everything you need to plan it.
Ponmudi at a glance
| Where | Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 60 km (61 km) from Thiruvananthapuram |
| The road | Scenic, with 22 hairpin bends |
| Known for | Misty hills, forest views, trekking, picnics |
| Entry time | 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Best season | September to April |
| Nearest railway station | Thiruvananthapuram (about 61 km) |
| Nearest airport | Trivandrum International Airport (about 67 km) |
What it's like
The ride up is half the fun. The road winds through forest and rubber estates, and with every hairpin the view opens up a little more. Lots of people like to hire a two-wheeler in the city and ride up, and it's honestly one of the best ways to do it. If you'd rather drive or take a taxi, the road is just as scenic by car.
At the top, the pleasure is simple: wide views of hills and clouds, cool and stimulating air, and plenty of space to walk, sit and do nothing. It's a gentle, relaxed place that suits families and groups of friends equally well. If you want a bit more adventure, the surrounding terrain has trekking trails too.
Timings and entry fees
Entry time: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
The charges listed below are from our last visit details. Fees change from time to time, so please check the current rates at the gate.
| Adult | Rs 20 |
|---|---|
| Child | Rs 10 |
| Auto / bike | Rs 10 |
| Car / jeep | Rs 20 |
| Mini bus | Rs 30 |
| Bus | Rs 50 |
| Still camera | Rs 25 |
| Movie camera | Rs 150 |
When to go
The best season is September to April, when the skies are mostly clear and the weather is cool and pleasant. Go on a weekday if you can, since weekends fill up with day-trippers from the city.
In the monsoon (June to October), the hills turn deep green, and the mist gets thick. It looks stunning, but the views can vanish in minutes and the hairpin road gets slippery, so ride and drive carefully, and check the weather first.
How to reach Ponmudi
- By road: About 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram. You can ride a two-wheeler, drive a car or take a taxi. There are regular KSRTC buses from Thiruvananthapuram and Nedumangad.
- By train: The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 61 km away.
- By air: Trivandrum International Airport is about 67 km away.
Plan roughly two hours for the drive from the city, a bit more if you stop for photos on the hairpins.
Ponmudi hill station location map
Where to stay and eat
Food
- The restaurant at the Government Guest House.
- The multi-cuisine restaurant at KTDC Golden Peak Resort.
- The cafeteria at the Tourist Amenity Centre, Upper Sanatorium.
Stay
- KTDC Golden Peak Resort: 0472-2890225 (www.ktdc.com)
- Government Guest House: 0472-2890230
- River County Resort: 0472-2786677 (www.rivercounty.in)
- Duke's Forest Lodge: 0472-2859273 (www.nikkisnest.com/dukesforest)
Places to see around Ponmudi
- Kallar and Meenmutty Waterfall: a lovely, multi-level waterfall reached by a short forest walk. Best after the rains.
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: a forest reserve with a dam, birdlife and wild animals.
- Koyikkal Palace, Nedumangad: an old traditional palace now used as a museum, on the way back to the city.
- Bonacaud: a quiet forest and tea estate area with beautiful drives.
Check opening hours and any entry rules before you go, especially for the sanctuary and the waterfall.
Watch: Ponmudi video
Ponmudi photo gallery
Practical tips
- Start early. You'll beat the traffic on the hairpins and get the best light and clearest views.
- Use a low gear on the way down, and be careful on bikes, since the bends are tight and the road can be damp.
- Fill the tank before you leave the city, and carry water and snacks.
- Pack a light jacket. It's much cooler up there, especially in the evening.
- Don't stay long after sunset. Leave in daylight, because the hairpin road is hard in the dark.
- Carry cash for the entry fee and small stalls.
- Keep the hills clean. Take your plastic and wrappers back down with you.
Questions people ask
How far is Ponmudi from Thiruvananthapuram?
About 60 km (61 km), roughly a two-hour drive.
How many hairpin bends are there on the way to Ponmudi?
22.
What are the Ponmudi timings?
Entry is from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
What is the best time to visit Ponmudi?
September to April. The monsoon brings mist and heavy rain.
Is there a bus to Ponmudi?
Yes, there are regular KSRTC buses from Thiruvananthapuram and Nedumangad.
Read also
Ridden up to Ponmudi? Tell us your favourite hairpin view in the comments, and share this post with a friend who needs a cool break.
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