Vagamon is a hill station
located in Kottayam- Idukki border of Kerala. It has a cool climate with the
temperature between 10-23°C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metres
above sea level.
Vagamon is a tiny plantation township in Central Travancore, Vagamon has an overtone of green. With a never-ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets. A perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens , Fresh cool air, murmuring Pine forest ,small waterfalls , attractive meadows inviting you to vagamon.
Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you.
Vagamon hill station is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway for tourists. Take a walk along the narrow, mist covered zigzag roads that wind up the hills and experience true bliss. For adventure seekers, there is an option of trekking, para gliding or rock climbing.
The hill station has a chain of 3 beautiful hills called Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala that give an enchanting feel to this beautiful hill station. So visit Vagamon hill station to experience eternal bliss and peace of mind.
Vagamon is also known as the 'Scotland of Asia', was discovered by the Britishers who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the '50 most attractive places to visit in India’.
Vagamon Kurisumala
Kurisumala is a Christian pilgrim centre and one of the main attractions at vagamon. The main day of attraction is on Good Friday. This is where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after to climb the hill carrying wooden crosses.
Kurisumala Ashram
Kurisumala Ashram, a monastery for Christian ascetics, who have belief in the Christianity along with the Indian spiritual beliefs, is worth visiting a place in Vagamon.Kurisumala Ashram is at the heart of the Sahya Mountains, which run parallel to India's south west coast. It is a place sanctified by the breeze which blows softly across the valleys and by the overwhelming beauty of the creation, and the mediative thoughts which arise from the depth of silence. Even today people move to the mountains in search of peace of mind and of God-experience.
The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft. is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Elaveezha poonchira means a valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sunrise and sunset.
Kuttikanam Palaces There were the holiday homes of the Maharaja of Travancore. During the summer seasons the King ruled Travancore residing in these summer palaces. It is 12 kilometer from High valley Resorts A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even langourous, tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush-green, gentle hills.
Thangal Para
A journey of about five kilometers from Vagamon, down the Elappara route, will take you to the Thangal Para, place of religious significance to Muslims. There is a Durgah here which is the resting place of Husrath Sheikh Fariduddin Baba, a Sufi saint, who is believed to have reached Kerala from Afghanistan about 800 years ago. Ganjusakkar (a sweet dish) is the main offering here and the festival, Uroos, is conducted during the month of April.
Muruganmala
Murugan Mala, to the east of Kurisumala, is a hill that houses a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Hundreds of devotees visit the place every year.
Water falls and the ravine. The steep hill tract which provides access to the water fall area is along the ridge and there can be many pavilions along that to enjoy rain, wind, and the infinite view of the hillscapes. There can also be performance podiums with the mountainous landscape as the background.
Pine Forest
Need some Privacy and that too on the natures lap…This is the place to be…. Be it having a nap in the pines or having a long stride through the Pines, you will forget everything that you have had at your Office or what ever…. You cant miss it.. Keep some time aside to enjoy this place - The Vagamon Pines, we assure you, you don’t want to leave this place so soon….. or worse NEVER!
Rocky out crop
The steep rocky hill tract is almost mountainous in character. The cliff and ravine topography area is ideal for adventure activities that would attract people who like gliding, rope climbing, jumping and the like. There can be viewing pavilions too, as gufas in the vertical surface of the hill which would attract people for staying inside. This can be carved out of the rocks and would provide an adventurous stay.
Wild Orchid
In Vagamon we can find a wide variety of orchids. The orchids are flowers of exquisite beauty and variety of patterns belong to one of the largest family, the Orchidaceae .
Tea Estates
You can witness one of the greatest tea estates in Kerala, here. There are many tea estate and the major ones are Pulikkanam Estate, MMJ Plantations. You can get permission from the Estate office and have a walk through the estate gardens and this for sure is going to be a worth the time you spend here.
Lake The entertainment center and related activities like boating leisure walking etc. could be organized around the lake. Lawned rolling hills and flowers that grow along the ground can be provided as a part of the landscaping. This should be developed with minimum intervention of built. This place (node) should be developed to communicate the essence of this site, to a passerby along the public road as this portion is visible from the road as a lake between three knolls. A stage for performance, crafts, arts center, pedestrian path etc. can concentrate around this node.
This place also offers various activities related to spiritualism. You can chant the name of God while climbing the Kurisumala Hill to visit the Kurisumala Ashram.
You can meditate peacefully amidst nature and feel the serenity of this blissful place slowly casting a divine spell upon you.
Summers (March to May) are mild with a minimum of 10°C to 25°C making it a good time for travelers visiting. Monsoons (June to Sept) are best avoided as the area gets sludgy making it difficult to enjoy the regions natural beauty. Winters (Oct to Feb) is ideal to enjoy the winter chill & scenic environs with temperatures dropping to as low as 0°C in the nights. It is advised to carry appropriate winter warmers while traveling in this season.
Vagamon provides unlimited holiday fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. With the project coming up, Vagamon is destined to have a major say among the contemporary holiday resorts in the country.
See
Wagamon (also spelled Vagamon) is known for the vast green meadows and the beautiful Pine forest. Vagamon is a trekker's paradise. The suitable weather conditions and ambience makes Wagamon a great Paragliding Spot too. Annual Paragliding Grandprixs are held at the Wagamon hills by ASSTA (Adventure Sports & Sustainable Tourism Academy) in partnership with Kerala Tourism Development Council. The event gifted Kerala Tourism, "the most innovative tourism activity" of the year 2008.
Though the place isn't a full fledged tourist spot or hill station with not much facilities for boarding, the place is simply great for a single day visit.
There is also a 'Kurishumala' (Malayalam for The Way Of Cross depicted on small hills) nearby worth trekking.There are good views from here, some locals claim that one can see the sea from there on clear days. Also you can explore on the grassy hills and small pine forests in the vicinity.
Sleep
Summer sand - An Ayurvedic Health Resort with 12 comfortable luxury rooms in Italian Barricade set among lush green hill tops, British Castle with 3 bedrooms suited with all modern amenities and traditional Kerala cottages Ettukettu and Nalukettu enclosed 5 super deluxe rooms overlooking misty mountains.
Vanilla County -is an enchanting Plantation Homestay offering Home Stay, near the origin of the Meenachil River at Vagamon, set amidst plantations of vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber.
Get in
Erattupetta is the closest town,from where Wagamon is about 25km. You can also reach there via Kottayam Kumali road [KK road] by taking a turn from Peerumedu. Also you can reach there from Iddukki dam site. Eventhough there are KSRTC buses to Wagamon, it is best if you have your own vehicle. All the roads leading to the place are a biker's dream. Beware of those blind turns and steep sides. For those looking for more adeventure can take the Ernakulam-Thodupuzha-Kanjar route. From Thodupuzha take the Moolamattom dam road, just before Kanjar town there are couple of dips in the road, you need to take the small road to the right (sign board is put up). The road is steep and scenery breathtaking. Watch out for oncoming vehicles.
Rail- Kottayam is the nearest Railway station.
Roadways- Buses are frequently available. The nearest KSRTC Bus stand is at Eratupetta. Vagamon is connected to Kochi via Thripunithura, Vaikom and other parts of Kerala.
Kochi - Ettumanoor - Erattupetta - Vagamon - 100 Km
Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam -Ettumanoor - Erattupetta - Vagamon 225 Km
Madurai - Kumily (Thekkady) - Peeru made - Elappara - Vagamon - 243 Km
Vagamon is a tiny plantation township in Central Travancore, Vagamon has an overtone of green. With a never-ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking ravines and meandering rivulets. A perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level spot surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens , Fresh cool air, murmuring Pine forest ,small waterfalls , attractive meadows inviting you to vagamon.
Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you.
Vagamon hill station is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway for tourists. Take a walk along the narrow, mist covered zigzag roads that wind up the hills and experience true bliss. For adventure seekers, there is an option of trekking, para gliding or rock climbing.
The hill station has a chain of 3 beautiful hills called Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala that give an enchanting feel to this beautiful hill station. So visit Vagamon hill station to experience eternal bliss and peace of mind.
Vagamon is also known as the 'Scotland of Asia', was discovered by the Britishers who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the '50 most attractive places to visit in India’.
Tourist Attractions
Vagamon Kurisumala
Kurisumala is a Christian pilgrim centre and one of the main attractions at vagamon. The main day of attraction is on Good Friday. This is where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after to climb the hill carrying wooden crosses.
Kurisumala Ashram
Kurisumala Ashram, a monastery for Christian ascetics, who have belief in the Christianity along with the Indian spiritual beliefs, is worth visiting a place in Vagamon.Kurisumala Ashram is at the heart of the Sahya Mountains, which run parallel to India's south west coast. It is a place sanctified by the breeze which blows softly across the valleys and by the overwhelming beauty of the creation, and the mediative thoughts which arise from the depth of silence. Even today people move to the mountains in search of peace of mind and of God-experience.
Elaveezha Poonchira
Elaveezha Poonchira, a hill station near Melukavu Mattom, 60 km from
Kottayam is gaining importance. Located among three beautiful hillocks
Mankunnu, Kudayathoormala and Thonippara, Poonchira is a place of picturesque
charm. Legends say that the pool here was a bathing place for Panchali,the
legendary princess of the Holy book,Mahabharata. The beautiful valleys of
Poonchira are spread across thousands of acres.The verdant landscape punctuated by the gigantic hills, each rising to around 3200 ft. is an ideal place to unwind. During the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake, this place unveils yet another beautiful slice of nature. Elaveezha poonchira means a valley where leaves don't fall and is named so because the place has no trees. This is also one of the best places in Kerala to witness both the sunrise and sunset.
Pattumalai Church
This shrine of St. Mary is a famous pilgrim center located not far from the
place. The consecrated shrine present here is brought from the famous
Velankanni Mother Church at Velankanni in Tamil Nadu.Kuttikanam Palaces There were the holiday homes of the Maharaja of Travancore. During the summer seasons the King ruled Travancore residing in these summer palaces. It is 12 kilometer from High valley Resorts A place for adventure tourism and trekking, or even langourous, tranquil break. This picturesque plantation town washed in the fragrance of cardamom is surrounded by lush-green, gentle hills.
Mangala Devi Temple
This ancient temple is hidden in the dense forest at the top of a peak 1337
meters above sea level. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of
architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on Chithra Pournami festival day.
It is dedicated to Mangaladevi or Kannagi, the protagonist of the Tamil epic
Sillapadhikaram, who burnt down Madurai after her husband was mistakenly
accused of being a thief and killed. The shrine can be visited only on the
occasion of Chithra Pournami.The full moon day in the month of April-
May.Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The
peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the Ghats and some hill
villages of Tamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be abstained from the
Wildlife Wadren, Thekkady (Ph.04869-222027).(91486-322027)
Parumthupara
Suicide Point
From the steep rocky ledge ten kilometer from High Valley Resorts is the
most attractive spot in the High ranges. Trekking to this mountain will be an
enchanting experience for adventure and nature lovers. At far distances you can
see the Makara Jyothi, the holy light during festival season. It is a calm and
quite place where you can experience the cool and fresh breeze.Thangal Para
A journey of about five kilometers from Vagamon, down the Elappara route, will take you to the Thangal Para, place of religious significance to Muslims. There is a Durgah here which is the resting place of Husrath Sheikh Fariduddin Baba, a Sufi saint, who is believed to have reached Kerala from Afghanistan about 800 years ago. Ganjusakkar (a sweet dish) is the main offering here and the festival, Uroos, is conducted during the month of April.
Green Meadows
Imagine Plush Green Grass Lands with cool breeze going around all day long
and you in middle of all this….. You probably should be here!, that’s right
Vagamon Grass Lands… you can find it everywhere at Vagamon… No Better Place
than this. You see the never ending hills of Vagamon all round you and no one
to disturb you, You and your Peace of Mind…. That’s it when you are here.Muruganmala
Murugan Mala, to the east of Kurisumala, is a hill that houses a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Hundreds of devotees visit the place every year.
Water
falls
At vagamon there are several waterfalls with grassy hillocks stretching into
the forest on one side and ending at the cliff on the other. This large tract
of land has a small stream originating at the lake and going through. Water falls and the ravine. The steep hill tract which provides access to the water fall area is along the ridge and there can be many pavilions along that to enjoy rain, wind, and the infinite view of the hillscapes. There can also be performance podiums with the mountainous landscape as the background.
Pine Forest
Need some Privacy and that too on the natures lap…This is the place to be…. Be it having a nap in the pines or having a long stride through the Pines, you will forget everything that you have had at your Office or what ever…. You cant miss it.. Keep some time aside to enjoy this place - The Vagamon Pines, we assure you, you don’t want to leave this place so soon….. or worse NEVER!
Rocky out crop
The steep rocky hill tract is almost mountainous in character. The cliff and ravine topography area is ideal for adventure activities that would attract people who like gliding, rope climbing, jumping and the like. There can be viewing pavilions too, as gufas in the vertical surface of the hill which would attract people for staying inside. This can be carved out of the rocks and would provide an adventurous stay.
Wild Orchid
In Vagamon we can find a wide variety of orchids. The orchids are flowers of exquisite beauty and variety of patterns belong to one of the largest family, the Orchidaceae .
Tea Estates
You can witness one of the greatest tea estates in Kerala, here. There are many tea estate and the major ones are Pulikkanam Estate, MMJ Plantations. You can get permission from the Estate office and have a walk through the estate gardens and this for sure is going to be a worth the time you spend here.
Camping site
A unique type of space with stream, rocky terrain and forest meet. This can
be developed to a camping site, a small lake and a special abode, for evening
tea and the like.Lake The entertainment center and related activities like boating leisure walking etc. could be organized around the lake. Lawned rolling hills and flowers that grow along the ground can be provided as a part of the landscaping. This should be developed with minimum intervention of built. This place (node) should be developed to communicate the essence of this site, to a passerby along the public road as this portion is visible from the road as a lake between three knolls. A stage for performance, crafts, arts center, pedestrian path etc. can concentrate around this node.
Flora and Fauna
Flowering plants of various colors and species are found in this hilly
region. Thorny shrubs and long grasses grow in the lower altitudes while
evergreen trees are found in the higher altitudes. While you indulge in the
nature trails in the woods of Vagamon, you get to see the untamed buffaloes,
strange- looking birds and insects and huge elephants bathing and lounging in
the small waterbodies.
Things to do
The slopes of the Hills of Vagamon are not very steep and hence it
facilitates adventurous sports like trekking, rock climbing, paragliding and
other exciting activities. The favorable trekking paths are the favorite haunts
of the trekkers. This place also offers various activities related to spiritualism. You can chant the name of God while climbing the Kurisumala Hill to visit the Kurisumala Ashram.
You can meditate peacefully amidst nature and feel the serenity of this blissful place slowly casting a divine spell upon you.
Best Season of
Vagamon
Vagamon experiences pleasant weather throughout the year making this an
ideal hill town getaway. Summers (March to May) are mild with a minimum of 10°C to 25°C making it a good time for travelers visiting. Monsoons (June to Sept) are best avoided as the area gets sludgy making it difficult to enjoy the regions natural beauty. Winters (Oct to Feb) is ideal to enjoy the winter chill & scenic environs with temperatures dropping to as low as 0°C in the nights. It is advised to carry appropriate winter warmers while traveling in this season.
Vagamon Climate
Vagamon experiences a pleasant climate with temperature variance of 5 and 25
degree celsius. It's a destination that can be hot anytime of the year. Summers
are mild while winters are cool. Rains strike frequently making the region much
more beautiful.Vagamon provides unlimited holiday fantasies round the year, except with the season being slightly off during the monsoons. With the project coming up, Vagamon is destined to have a major say among the contemporary holiday resorts in the country.
See
Wagamon (also spelled Vagamon) is known for the vast green meadows and the beautiful Pine forest. Vagamon is a trekker's paradise. The suitable weather conditions and ambience makes Wagamon a great Paragliding Spot too. Annual Paragliding Grandprixs are held at the Wagamon hills by ASSTA (Adventure Sports & Sustainable Tourism Academy) in partnership with Kerala Tourism Development Council. The event gifted Kerala Tourism, "the most innovative tourism activity" of the year 2008.
Though the place isn't a full fledged tourist spot or hill station with not much facilities for boarding, the place is simply great for a single day visit.
There is also a 'Kurishumala' (Malayalam for The Way Of Cross depicted on small hills) nearby worth trekking.There are good views from here, some locals claim that one can see the sea from there on clear days. Also you can explore on the grassy hills and small pine forests in the vicinity.
Sleep
Summer sand - An Ayurvedic Health Resort with 12 comfortable luxury rooms in Italian Barricade set among lush green hill tops, British Castle with 3 bedrooms suited with all modern amenities and traditional Kerala cottages Ettukettu and Nalukettu enclosed 5 super deluxe rooms overlooking misty mountains.
Vanilla County -is an enchanting Plantation Homestay offering Home Stay, near the origin of the Meenachil River at Vagamon, set amidst plantations of vanilla, pepper, coffee and rubber.
Get in
Erattupetta is the closest town,from where Wagamon is about 25km. You can also reach there via Kottayam Kumali road [KK road] by taking a turn from Peerumedu. Also you can reach there from Iddukki dam site. Eventhough there are KSRTC buses to Wagamon, it is best if you have your own vehicle. All the roads leading to the place are a biker's dream. Beware of those blind turns and steep sides. For those looking for more adeventure can take the Ernakulam-Thodupuzha-Kanjar route. From Thodupuzha take the Moolamattom dam road, just before Kanjar town there are couple of dips in the road, you need to take the small road to the right (sign board is put up). The road is steep and scenery breathtaking. Watch out for oncoming vehicles.
Connectivity
Nearest Airport-
International Cochin Airport is the nearest airport to this hill station. Rail- Kottayam is the nearest Railway station.
Roadways- Buses are frequently available. The nearest KSRTC Bus stand is at Eratupetta. Vagamon is connected to Kochi via Thripunithura, Vaikom and other parts of Kerala.
Travel Routes By
Road
Kochi - Muvattupuzha - Erattupetta - Vagamon - 110 KmKochi - Ettumanoor - Erattupetta - Vagamon - 100 Km
Thiruvananthapuram - Kottayam -Ettumanoor - Erattupetta - Vagamon 225 Km
Madurai - Kumily (Thekkady) - Peeru made - Elappara - Vagamon - 243 Km
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