Ponmudi[1] (the Golden Peak) is a hill station in the Peringamala gramapanchayath of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in India.
Ponmudi (Varayadumotta) peak is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea.
Flowing through a wilderness area, it has rounded pebbles, cool water, fish, and lush green trees.
Some notable tourist attractions located in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point and various trekking spots.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Ponmudi, is a preserve spread across 53 km2 (20 sq mi) and accommodates a variety of wild animals and birds like Asian elephants, sambar, leopards, lion-tailed macaques, Malabar grey hornbills, etc.
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is another attraction covering Neyyar, Peppara, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and divisions of Achencoil, Thenmala, Konni, Punalur, and Thiruvananthapuram The landscape of Ponmudi is an interspersing of valleys and hills with forestland and plantations.
Ponmudi is having an extensive importance of biodiversity, which plays a major role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.
Here one can take a dip in the crystal clear waters to cool off, and also watch the many rapids and small pools that dot a good part of the river in this area.
The project involves the construction of a ropeway system to provide easier access to the scenic hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.