Vagamon

Located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala, Vagamon is a perfect hill station for those who want to escape city life for a few days and luxuriate in the lap of nature – green hills, breathtaking meadows, waterfalls and pine forests. There are many plantations and tea gardens in the area that contribute in making Vagamon a unique getaway.

The hill station has a chain of three hills – Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala. Vagamon was discovered by the British who were so enchanted by the place that they called it the ‘Scotland of the East’. It attracted the Christian missionaries who made Kurisumala ‘mountain of the holy cross’ their home. The Kurisumala Hill has a lot of significance as a religious site for Christians. The road to the church located atop the hill is lined with 14 crosses. Good Friday is the most important occasion and witnesses thousands of devotees carrying wooden crosses while making their way to the church. The nearby Murugan Hill with its rockcut temple of Lord Murugan, is a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims. The Thangal Hill is the place where the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Fariduddin is located and attracts people from all communities.

Situated at a level of 1,100 metres above sea level, the gardens and meadows in Vagamon make it an ideal destination for family vacations. One of the interesting attractions of the aera is the dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks. It is also the location for the breeding centre of Kerala Live Stock Board. A few of the highlights in Vagamon are – Suicide Point, Paragliding Point, Pine Valley and Moon Hill, Vagamon Tunnel and Kuttiyar Dam. Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary is about 10 km from Vagamon, you can also do boating there.

For the adventure freaks there are options like trekking, paragliding and rock climbing. For those who seek softer adventures, fishing, horse riding and boating are the activities available. Tea garden visits are also popular in Vagamon.