Vagamon, Hillstation of Idukki, Kerala, India

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Vagamon, Idukki, Kerala, India

About Wagamon by Wiki

Wagamon is a hill top resort near Palai,in Idukki District.  The area is famous for its cool climate. Temperature between 10 and 23 degree Celsius. It is situated 1,100 meters above sea level. Kurisumala monastery is situated there. It is around 33 km from Palai. The area is full of Tea estates. Indo-Swiss Project dairy farms is situated in Kurisumala. Wagamon is surrounded by three hills namely, Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurisumala. Tea estates, grass lands, meadows, mist and shola forests add to the charm of Wagamon environment. Wagamon is at the fringe of the western ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. Traveling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deep valleys and magnificent views all around. Wagamon presents very spectacular views with an ethereal touch. more about Wagamon at Wikipedia...

Like a lot of other beautiful things in life, Vagamon too has to be experienced, not read about or its stories merely listened to. What you've got to do is get yourself some means of transport, head straight for Idukki district and then on to Vagamon. Once there, try taking off your shoes, closing your eyes and just listening to Vagamon.

Kurisumala Ashram

Water fall

This is essentially a lake and it's catchment area, 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. The stream goes along the ravine and can be developed as a trekking path as it is a rugged route, with rocks and rough undulations. A small facility like a coffee bar and the like would add the richness of the place with more participation. A reservoir up stream would ensure the presence of enough amount of water even during dry season. A stepped path leading to the water fall itself is a thing of interest.  

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.  

Forest

Around 100 acres of forest area could be developed as a holistic health care center with Ayurveda as the theme. Providing treatment, health care facility, rejuvenation centers, yoga and meditation center, naturopathy clinics, herbal garden etc. emphasizing the theme of living with nature and exploring the old way of life. Tree walks, medicines preparation areas, etc. all designed to a character of ashrams.  

Grassy planes

Features:

• Eucalyptus plantation
• Road side slope
• Grassy hills
• School hill
• Cliff side

The area is rather featureless compared to other parts of the site, with grassy, slowly rolling plains. It has a direct access from the road and slopes down from there ending at the cliff. At present there are plantations of eucalyptus, tea and some agricultural crops here.

Getting there:

Vagamon is 25 km from Peermede.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 75 km from Peermede.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 150 km from Peermede

Para Gliding at Vagamon Hills

Para Gliding site at Vagamon is situated at the hills of Kolahalamedu, 4 Kms (2.5 Miles) from Vagamon. This is a part of South India's Second highest peak namely the Amruthamedu. There is a 10 km long ridge with 3,000 feet from top to bottom. Hhe site has steady winds in the South West Direction through out the season. The season starts from September and offers great flying conditions until Jan and again, from March to May. Vagamon boasts of cool climate during most part of the year.

The GPS co-ordinates are:

9.38' 49.56 '' North Latitude
76.55' 52.92'' East Longitude
Altitude: 1112 Meters 3040.244 Feet (Above Mean Sea Level)
Wind Direction: South West (SW)
This place offers great opportunities for XC as well as ridge soaring. The site is easily accessible, with grassy launch pads.

Nearest airport is three hours drive at Cochin (COK). Nearest rail road is Kottayam, 65 kms away. There are plenty of buses plying between Vagamon and other parts of Kerala. The spot is near to famous Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady.

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