The picturesque Ponmudi hill station in Thiruvananthapuram (TVM) is gearing up to welcome tourists during the Onam holiday season. As the region prepares for an influx of visitors, significant infrastructure and development projects are nearing completion, promising an enhanced tourism experience. These initiatives are expected to give Ponmudi a fresh and revitalized appearance.
One of the key projects includes a Rs 1 crore upgrade to the Public Works Department (PWD) rest house in Ponmudi, which is set to be completed shortly. Minister PA Muhammad Riyas has announced that the renovated facility, which will feature new toilet amenities and a cafeteria, is slated for inauguration before Onam. Additionally, the beautification of the rest house and its surroundings is part of the ongoing development efforts.
Further improvements include the construction of a multi-storey building at the government guest house, which is in its final stages. This 22-room structure, built on a budget of Rs 10.4 crore, is progressing rapidly despite the challenging weather conditions. DK Murali MLA informed Manorama Online that despite the unfavorable weather, construction is moving forward swiftly. Another multi-storey building near the rest house, featuring eight rooms and two dormitories across three floors, is set to begin construction in October, with tender procedures already completed.
Currently, Ponmudi is experiencing cool temperatures, accompanied by dense fog and heavy rains, attracting tourists eager to enjoy the refreshing climate. However, there are no plans to increase the entry fee at Ponmudi, following protests against a proposed fee hike by the Forest Development Agency. The decision to maintain current fees comes after political parties threatened to hold protests if the hike was implemented.
However, the weather remains a concern for visitors. Ponmudi has been facing unexpected severe rainfall, increasing the risk of mudslides. Authorities have also issued warnings about potential thunderstorms, which could lead to sudden bans on tourist entry to the area. In the past three months, entry to Ponmudi has been restricted on four occasions due to adverse weather conditions. The forest department urges tourists to cooperate with authorities and heed any warnings if conditions worsen.
