A foggy highway at Kulamavu, Idukki

A view of Siruvani Hills, Palakkad

Kanthanpara Water Falls at Kalpetta, Wayanad

Vagamon

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

Vagamon

Vagamon is a picturesque hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is situated at an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills, meadows, waterfalls, and pine forests. Vagamon is an ideal destination for those who love nature, adventure, and peace. Vagamon offers a serene and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Places of Interest:

Vagamon has many attractions that will appeal to nature lovers, adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. Some of the places you can visit are:

  • Vagamon Meadows: These are lush green grasslands that offer a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. You can enjoy a trek here or just relax and admire the beauty of nature.
  • Vagamon Pine Forest: This is a dense forest of pine trees that creates a mystical atmosphere. You can stroll through the forest or take pictures with the tall trees in the background.
  • Vagamon Falls: This is a cascading waterfall that flows into a pool below. You can see it from a distance or decide get closer for a refreshing bath.
  • Vagamon Orchidarium: This is a project by Kerala Forest Department that showcases various species of orchids and other flowers. You can have a look at their cultivation and conservation by visiting.
  • Kurishumala Ashram: This is a Christian monastery that follows an Indian style of living. It is located on top of Kurishumala Hill (Mountain of Cross) and offers spiritual guidance and meditation facilities for visitors.

Pre-Planning:

Before visiting Vagamon, it is essential to plan your trip well in advance. Firstly check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. You may need warm clothes for the nights and mornings, as well as comfortable shoes for trekking and exploring. You should also book your accommodation in advance, as Vagamon is becoming a popular tourist destination and may get crowded during peak seasons The best time to visit Vagamon is from September to February when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. It is advisable to carry warm clothes as the temperature drops during the night. Also, make sure to carry comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the place. 

Stay

Vagamon offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, resorts, and homestays. Some of the popular hotels in Vagamon are:

  • Vagamon Nest : Very homely, beautifully landscaped 4 bedroom property with a 3 floor Gazebo cum viewing tower which offer a beautiful view of Thagalpara.
  • Green Hill Estate: This is a beautiful resort situated amidst the tea gardens and offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
  • Winter Vale Green Stay Resort: This resort offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a garden with a children's playground.
  • Chillax Vagamon: This is a luxury resort that offers a spa, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and comfortable rooms with scenic views.

How to Reach

  • By Road: Nearest Town is Kottayam. You can take a taxi or a bus from there to reach Vagamon. Alternatively, you can drive your own vehicle or rent one from nearby cities such as Kochi or Kottayam.
  • By Rail:  The nearest railway station to Vagamon is Kottayam, which is located at a distance of around 64 km. From Kottayam, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Vagamon.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is located at a distance of around 120 km. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Vagamon.

Other Info

  • Elevation: 1100 MSL
  • Weather: The weather in Vagamon is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from September to February. During this time, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season, which starts from June and lasts till August, brings heavy rainfall, making it difficult to explore the place.
  • Coordinates: Latitude: 9.6872° N Longitude: 76.9193° E

Trivia

  • Vagamon was discovered by British planters who used it as their summer retreat
  • Vagamon was featured in many Malayalam movies such as Ritu, Nee-Na and Oru Second Class Yathra
  • Vagamon is also known as the 'Scotland of Asia' because of its resemblance to the Scottish Highlands.
  • The place is home to the Vagamon Meadows, which is a vast expanse of grassy land surrounded by hills and is a popular spot for picnics and sightseeing.
  • The Vagamon Pine Forest is another popular attraction, and it is believed that the British planted the pine trees in the early 1900s.
  • The place is also famous for adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling. Vagamon hosts an annual international paragliding festival between March-April where enthusiasts from all over India and abroad participate in flying activities.
Things to Do

  • Visit a Toddy Shop

    While in Vagamon, checkout toddy shops which serve fresh palm or coconut toddy. These shops are popular among locals and tourists for their rustic ambiance and “spicy”, delicious local cuisine. Vagamon's toddy shops offer a unique cultural experience and are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the local way of life.

  • Bath under a Waterfall

    Vagamon Falls is a cascading waterfall that flows into a pool below. You can see it from a distance or decide get closer for a refreshing bath.

  • Paraglide

    Vagamon offers you a host of adventure activities, one among them being paragliding. While you are here, try your hand.

  • Trek to a mountain

    Vagamon offers great opportunities for trekking. There are several trekking trails in and around Vagamon, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels. Some popular trails include the Vagamon-Parunthumpara trek, the Vagamon-Thangalpara trek, and the Vagamon-Muruganmala trek. These treks offer stunning views of the Western Ghats, waterfalls, and lush green forests. However, it is recommended to go with a guide and to be well-prepared with proper gear and supplies.

  • Light a Campfire

    Many hotels and resorts in Vagamon offer campfire facilities for their guests. It's a popular activity, especially during the winter months, and is a great way to spend an evening outdoors in the chilly weather. Some hotels also offer music and entertainment to make the experience more enjoyable. However, it's always advisable to check with the hotel or resort beforehand to confirm if they offer campfire facilities & any associated charges.

  • Off-road on a 4 x 4

    While in Vagamon, there are several places where you can go off-roading. The hilly terrain and the rugged landscape of Vagamon make it an ideal location for off-roading. Many tour operators offer off-road jeep rides and 4x4 rides for tourists. These tours take you through scenic routes and allow you to explore the unspoiled natural beauty of Vagamon. Please check with the tour operator about safety measures & to ensure that the activity is conducted in an eco-friendly manner.

  • Cycle to a Village

    There are several scenic cycling routes in and around Vagamon, ranging from easy to challenging. Some popular cycling routes include the Vagamon-Mundakayam route, the Vagamon-Idukki route, and the Vagamon-Poonjar route. These routes take you through beautiful tea estates, spice plantations, and forests, offering breath-taking views of the Western Ghats. However, do note that some of these routes can be steep and challenging.

  • Cook & Dine with a native family

    Have a local food experience by cooking and having a meal with a local family in Vagamon. Many homestays and guesthouses in Vagamon offer this experience, where you can learn to cook traditional Kerala dishes with the host family and enjoy a home-cooked meal with them. This is a great way to experience the local way of life, interact with locals, and learn about their culture and traditions. However, it's advisable to book such an experience in advance.

  • Watch Sunrise & Sunset

    Watch both sunrise & sunset in Vagamon, as it offers some stunning views of the surrounding hills & valleys. The best places to catch a glimpse of the sunrise or sunset in Vagamon are at the viewpoints such as the Vagamon Meadows, Thangalpara, and Muruganmala. You can also head to the Pine Valley or the Suicide Point to watch the sunset. Watching the sunrise & sunset is a serene experience that offers a chance to appreciate the beauty of Vagamon has to offer.

  • Get a relaxing Ayurvedic Massage

    There are several Ayurvedic centers & spas in Vagamon that offer authentic massages. These massages use natural oils and herbs, and are known to have therapeutic and relaxing benefits. Some popular Ayurvedic massages that you can try in Vagamon include Abhyanga massage, Shirodhara massage, and Pizhichil massage. Pls check the credentials of the Ayurvedic center or spa and to ensure that the therapists are trained.

  • Visit a Plantation

    Vagamon, is known for its tea, coffee, and spice plantations. There are several plantations in and around Vagamon that offer guided tours. These tours take you through the lush green plantations, giving you a chance to learn about the cultivation & processing of tea, coffee, & spices. Some popular plantations that you can visit in Vagamon include the Kolahalamedu Tea Estate, and the Mundakayam Estate. You can also buy fresh tea leaves, coffee beans, and spices to take home as souvenirs.

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