Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Ponmudi, also known as Golden Peak a hill station in Peringamala Panchayat in the Trivandrum district of Kerala. It is situated at an altitude of 3,600 ft. and is located about 20 to 70 km from different cities of Kerala such as Vithura, Trivandrum, Varkala, and Kovalam Beach. Ponmudi Peak is a part of the Western Ghats Mountain range, which runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. The area is known for its beautiful hills, natural waterfalls, tea estates, winding rivers, and spice plantations. It is often referred to as the "Kashmir of Kerala" due to its captivating beauty and pleasant weather all year round. With a rich history, this hill station was a favoured place of various kings, leading to frequent changes in ownership. 

The region saw the rule of Varma, Venad, and Ayya rulers and faced invasions by the Mughals and Cholas. Despite its tumultuous past, Ponmudi has retained its allure, surrounded by a captivating landscape of forest land, plantations, hills, and valleys. Its biodiversity is also noteworthy, with 283 bird species, including endangered ones such as the Nilgiri Pipit, Broad-tailed Grass Bird, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Painted Bush Quail. The region hosts over 59% of Kerala's bird species. Additionally, out of the 332 butterfly species in the Western Ghats, 195 can be found in Ponmudi. The area also provides a habitat for endangered species like the Travancore tortoise, Malabar Tree Toad, and Malabar Gliding Frog. This PPC is one of a series of 6 PCs that were issued the same day by Kerala Circle, India Post on various topics from different places.