2 Best Adventure & Trekking places near Trivandrum

At a distance of 48 km from Trivandrum and 33 km from Ponmudi Bus Station, Varayadu Motta is a mountain ridge located in Ponmudi, Kerala. It is one of the popular places of trekking in Ponmudi.

Situated at a height of 1100 m, Varayadumotta is the highest peak in the Ponmudi ranges. Also known as Varayadumudi and Varayattumutti, the place derived its name from Nilgiri tahr / Varayadu, as this place is a favorable home for mountain goats (Nilgiri Tahr) in acute population. Varying elevation and peculiar shape of this hill is unique in the world. It is a protected mountain ridge situated in between Ponmudi hills, Palode (Brimore) hills, and Kallar valley. It includes 13 peaks and the second peak is the highest in Varayadumotta.

Varayudu Motta is the third adventurous trekking in South India after Meesapulimala and Agastyarkoodam. The trekking level can be from moderate to tough. Tough for first-timers, but they will never forget the experience for a long time. The ridge is a protected site under the Palode reserve forest and prior permission is required for the trekking. The permission can be obtained from the ecotourism units of Mankayam or Ponmudi by paying a fee for the trekking team. A forest guide will accompany the trekking team. Usually, trekkers climb the mountain and return to either Mankayam or Ponmudi. It is also possible to cross the entire ridge and reach the Kallar valley along the Ponmudi main road. However, this is a much tougher trek trail.


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At a distance of 44 km from Ponmudi and 62 km from Trivandrum, Agasthyakoodam is a mountain peak situated near Ponmudi. It is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats and among the popular places of trekking in Kerala.

Perched at an altitude of 6201 feet, Agasthyarkoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala after Anamudi near Munnar (8842 feet), and among the best Ponmudi places to visit. The mountain is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, as it is believed to be the abode of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara as well as of the sage Agastya, a disciple of Lord Shiva. There is a small shrine on the mountain top with an idol of Agasthya rishi and during the Agasthyarkoodam trekking season, people perform pujas here. The hill range is now declared as Agasthya Vanam Biological Park covering an area of 23 sq. km. Also, it is the source of River Kallar.

Apart from being a popular pilgrimage site, Agasthyakoodam is a paradise for ardent trekkers. It is a 20 km long trek which can be completed in 2-3 days. The trekking expedition starts from Bonocaud, a place situated around 30 km away from Ponumudi. The forest area of this trek is known for its remarkable flora and fauna, especially certain rare medicinal herbs which have been discovered here. Over 2000 species including lichens, orchids, mosses, and ferns have been recorded in the area. ...