Ponmudi, Kallar eco tourism centres closed as COVID-19 cases rise

Thiruvananthapuram: Ponmudi and Kallar Eco Tourism centres have been closed from Thursday as Kallar ward in Vithura gram panchayat has come under the containment zone owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Even though Ponmudi is part of Peringammala panchayat, the road to the hillstation passes through Vithura panchayat. Eight wards in Vithura panchayat are under the containment zone.

It was earlier informed that strict restrictions would be placed from October owing to rise in the number of tourists.

Ponmudi- Kerala's golden peak
Ponmudi translates to 'golden peak' or a crest of gold. And if the gold here stands for nature's bounty, then this place is truly bathed in gold.

The peak that lies to the northwest of Thiruvananthapuram, nestles cozily in the lap of the Sahya mountain ranges, a part of the Western Ghats.

Ponmudi is a veritable paradise, ideal for a weekend’s rest or for a holiday experience. Ponmudi, perhaps, will be one of the few hill stations in the world, which is mere 60 km away from the sea. The place is cold and covered in mist even during the hottest summer. With its balmy air, pleasant chill, vistas of evergreen forests and the gurgle of the river Kallar flowing close by, Ponmudi offers peace and tranquillity. It’s the all-blinding mist-fog that hides the ecologically strategic hill station from wanton exploitation in the name of tourism.

A drive up, manoeuvring the 22 hairpin bends, is a trip in itself. The tea plantations, the brooks and the evergreen forests are some of the sights to savour.