Vagamon:'Scotland of Asia'
Vagamon is at the fringe of the western Ghats and the foot
hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. This narrow
strip of descending land gives a vital connectivity to the plains as both sides
of vagamon up to kuttikkanam on the south west and moolamattom on the north
east, are marked by steep and inaccessible hill slopes.Vagamon is enticing hill
station of Idduki-Kottayam border in Kerala and is still untouched by the
milling crowds. Vagamon is situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea
level and it is a very ideal tourist spot surrounded by the greenery of tea
gardens, beautiful meadows, deep puzzling valleys and dales. The enchanting
hill station dotted with tea gardens is promising enough to be one of Indias
foremost eco-tourism projects and is destined to have a major say among the
contemporary holiday resorts in the country. Reaching Vagamon itself is an
extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock
lined with pine forests.
meadows in misting time |
Vagamon Meadows |
Vagamon suicide Point |
Vagamon Meadows Valley |
Specialties of
vagamon
Vagamon also known as the 'Scotland of Asia'. National
geographic traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the '50 most
attractive places to visit in India’Grass covered hills
velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect exciting tourist
place. 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. Vagamon is a perfect and blessed by nature, this
place would make the tourists, environmentalist, ornithologist etc come back
again and again, so that they could rejuvenate themselves and cherish memories
of this enchantingly beautiful land. The vista of mist-clad pinnacles of the
bluebrown hills, zigzag roads,Ever green shaded pine forest, Tea plantations,
Water falls, the rocky terrain clad in lush green vegetation and the wild
multi-colored blossoms that sway in the breeze will surely take away our
breath. Inhale the fresh air coupled with the heady aroma of spices from the
nearby plantations. While you ascend the stony serpentine paths leading towards
the hills you will feel a slight shiver as the cool breeze caresses you and
drifts away.
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.
Water falls during Mansoon |
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.
Rocky Cut Crop |
Paragliding at Vagamon |
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!
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!
Pine vallaey |
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 |
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.
.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.
Muruganmala |
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.