Ponmudi (600 m): The small hill resort of Ponmudi is 62 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is a scenic drive through forest, tea estates and tiny villages. If you want to stay overnight, there is KTDC guest house (Double room Rs 450, cottage Rs 550). There are seven daily buses from Thiruvananthapuram (Rs 24, 2.5 h). The last bus leaves Ponmudi at 6 pm. Ponmudi top is 2.5 km from the bus stop (Ticket Rs 5). Those interested in trekking can walk down to Kallar (16 km). Pine trees are grown in and around Ponmudi.

The route to Ponmudi goes via rubber estates of Nedumangad and Vithura. The high range cultivates spices like pepper, clove, cardamom etc.