Check out the Golden Peak of Kerala in Stunning Images plus travel information!

thebatmanbiker (62)in #travel • 7 years ago

In the winter of 2016, I went on a roadtrip around the beautiful Indian state of Kerala. During the trip, I discovered that it is called God's own country for a very good reason. Kerala has a bit of everything to satisfy the needs of any traveller. From beaches to the mountains, temples to ancient towns, backwaters to tea plantations that spread for miles on the sides of the hills, Kerala has it all.

Kerala is God's Own Country. From beaches to mountains, temples to ancient towns, it has it all.

It is also the state where the Western Ghats in India have their southernmost reach. Ponumdi peak, is the southern most extent of the western ghats. It is nearly a 100km from the capital of Kerala, Trivandrum (or Thiruvunantapuram - Pronounced as Thi-ru-vu-nanta-puram). Ponmudi is one of the highest peaks in the western ghats in Kerala. Anamudi is the highest.

On a clear day, you can trace the outline of the mountains with your finger.

During my roadtrip, I visited Ponmudi and stayed there for a day, taking enough time to explore the hills and the surrounding land. Ponmudi is called 'The Golden Peak' for a reason. The ranges look golden, due to the setting sun. The grass is greener, with a tinge of gold. It is as if a thin Orange blanket has been thrown liberally over them. It is a wonderful place to be. You will see mountains as far as the eye can see in all directions, and you can make out the southern most reach of the Western Ghats. On a clear day, you can trace the outline of the mountains with your finger.

So, without further ado, here is a glimpse of this beautiful place in some stunning images. All pictures were shot by me.

The road that leads to Ponmudi. Sparse traffic and great tarmac!

The road to the top of the peak offers great tarmac and some stunning views.

Riding along the curves is so much fun! Time for a break!

20161220_131139-01 (1).jpeg

The cottages of the Kerala State Tourism Department Corporation are very good options for staying at Ponmudi.

keep reading below for travel information and contact details.

Not a bad place to spend your evenings at all, isn't it?

Welcome to Ponmudi peak!

Enjoy the views of the Golden Peak of Kerala...

Scenic vistas like these surround you in all directions...

Solitude is sometimes a welcome friend..

When nature wraps itself in a golden blanket...

There is a observatory set up by the Indian Space and Research Organization here. Sadly, it is closed.

Wanderlust and Hope. The perfect combination.

20161220_174552-01 (1).jpeg

Tourist Information

Nearest Airport - Thiruvunantapuram (37km)
Nearest train station - Thiruvunantapuram (60km)

Place to stay in Ponmudi: KTDC Golden Peak Ponmudi Resort

Price: Approximately 2500 INR per room/ 3000 INR per room (dependent on the kind of room you choose, exclusive of taxes)

Phone: 91-472-2890225 / 91-9400008641
email: [email protected]

Food available - Yes.

The front reception is very helpful. From here, it is a short drive to Ponmudi peak. Make sure you cross the checkpost gate before 16:00, so you get to spend sufficient time at the peak. By 17:30 , you will have to start the drive back from the peak.