Wayanad with its picture postcard beauty was always a tourist’s paradise. Be it the misty mountains, lakes, valleys, and historic monuments, this stretch of greenery in the Northern part of Kerala continues to hold surprises during every visit.
But there are many unknown beauties tucked away at Wayanad and one such place is the Ponmudikotta. You will not find a fort there, just a long trek through rocky terrains which is perfect for those who love some adventure in their travels. Situated on Ambukuthi Mala, Sulthan Bathery, this peak stands at 4000 ft from sea level.
You need to take the Meppadi-Ambalavayal route to reach here. From Ambalvayal you can reach halfway through a vehicle but post that it will be a walk through the coffee plantations to Ponmudikotta, which is near the Edakel cave.
Ponmudikotta is ideal for the adventurous traveller, with its intermittent mist and rains. You can get a hazy view from the plains. The climb to the top is strewn with patches of tall grass and it's helpful to hold on to it as you trek your way up. The more you walk towards the rocky pathway, the better the view. You can get a 360-degree view of Wayanad from there.
Some travellers even pitch tents there to witness the sunrise and the sunsets. It might not be a cakewalk to reach Ponmudikotta, but it is worth the effort. As they say, difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.
Our other Wayanad must visit places
• Edakkal Cave where you can see pictorial drawings and engravings that indicate the presence of ancient human settlements.
• Heritage Museum at Ambalavayal houses one of the richest collections of historic artefacts of Wayanad.
• 13th-century Jain temple at Sulthan Bathery
• Muthanga wildlife sanctuary
• Pazhassi Raja tomb
• Elimbileri is ideal for forest walks, waterfalls, and trekking hilltop
• Banasura Dam or India’s largest earthen dam
• Soochipara falls
