Varayyadumotta hillstation (Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala , INDIA)

Varayattumotta is a mountain ridge located about 40km from Trivandrum city. It is famous for its small population of Nilgiri Tahr which is an endangered species. In Malayalam, Nilgiri Tahr is known as Varayaadu and the name of the mountain ridge is derived from it. Varayattumotta in all its glory is visible from the Ponmudi mountain, a very popular destination in Trivandrum accessible by car. Kerala forest department allows trekking to this location as part of its eco-tourism activities

This mountain range also known in various other names such as Varayadumotta,Varayadumudi and Varayattumudi. I have also heard stories that Varayattumotta was originally known as Ponmudi.
Varayattumotta with a peak height of around 1100m is accessible after a trek from Ponmudi check post or from Mankayam check post along the Braemore route. The mountain ridge is very steep except on the northern side and hence is rarely visited by local people. 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.

Getting To Varayattumotta

There are 2 main trek routes to reach Varayattumotta. One is from Mankayam check post on the way to Braemore estate. The second route is from Ponmudi check post. Mankayam and Ponmudi are accessible by car and KSRTC bus.
There is only one direct bus to Mankayam starting at 6:30AM from Trivandrum city. This reaches Mankayam check post around 8:30AM. If you are starting the trek from Ponmudi, take the bus to Ponmudi starting at 5:30AM from Trivandrum city. You will reach Ponmudi around 8:15AM. After finishing the trek at Kallar, get a bus to Vithura. From Vithura, there are plenty of buses to Trivandrum city via Nedumangad.