🌴 Travel Itenary for Vagamon - Your Next Nature Retreat

Hey explorer, 🖐

I was so happy with my last Puligundu trip. As promised, the journey was smooth and climbing up the massive rock was challenging, although friends around made it a piece of cake. 

Just as I was about to get into the reality of life, I found another travel companion who loves to travel without me (just kidding!).

It was my sister. She called me and said she will go on a week's trip this December. The worst part is that she is yet to reveal details to me (She is jealous, isn't she?).

So, I peeked into her plans (haha!) through her friends and found this. She is visiting an unexplored place in Kerala. 

I am revealing all the hidden information about this place to you today!

Why Vagamon?

Picture this. Clouds touching you, cool weather with cosy clothes on, a phone with the camera always on, and the warm hand of your friend you can hold onto any time. 

Nope. You are not walking down but at 1,100 meters high. A popular hill station you think? No, you are mistaken.

Vagamon, a serene and picturesque hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala, offers a thrilling blend of natural beauty and adventure. Sitting in the Western Ghats, this idyllic destination treats you with its lush green terrains, rolling hills, misty meadows, and refreshing climate. 

Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or looking for a peaceful retreat, Vagamon has something special waiting for you. 

Basic Information

History

Well-pruned green plants, sloppy lands, foggy mornings, chilly weather, and beautiful scenery all around are enough to keep you and your camera busy. But did you ever think that every step you take here tells a thing about the ancient history of India?

Vagamon has a rich historical background, with traces of ancient trade routes passing through the region. This natural beauty became popular during the British colonial period as a tea and spice plantation hub. 

Any corner of Vagamon you visit, tree plantation is the source of income for most people living in and around this area. There still exist ancient buildings and churches that exhibit the historical legacy. 

Geography

Imagine walking thousands of feet above sea level, fulfilling your childhood dream of touching the sky and walking through the clouds, and you are just about to witness the best experiences that most miss out on. 

Situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level, Vagamon boasts a unique geography with rolling hills, lush meadows, and deep valleys. The best thing is that it is a hidden place from the tourist crowd. 

Three hills surrounding this area make this place even more attractive - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill, and Kurisumala, while the beautiful tall pine forests and tea plantations further contribute to increasing the beauty of this region.

Local Culture

Remember people and the internet talking about how people of Kerala traditionally celebrate one of those popular festivals, Onam? Think for a moment - if the cities managed to celebrate in a way that could attract the world, how better will remote areas enjoy the festival then?

Vagamon is one such remote place where its culture is deeply rooted in the traditions of Kerala. The locals here are warm and welcoming, and you can experience that vibrant culture through their festivals, music, and dance. 

The best part is that this place is also home to indigenous tribes, adding to its cultural diversity and making your trip more explorable. Ensure that your trip here will not only be adventurous but also educational. 

Language Used

Understand this is one of those remote areas of Kerala. Although some parts of Vagamon understand English, people use Malayalam widely to express their thoughts. 

Derived from Sanskrit and Tamil, Malayalam is one of the sweatiest and the most challenging Indian languages to pronounce words. So, learning a few regular local phrases can be demanding but truly rewarding. 

Climatic Conditions

Enjoying Vagamon, or any place in Kerala for that matter, requires pleasant weather when there are no rains to get you wet (Did you know that Kerala is prone to heavy rains?) and summers to add weight to your bags with water bottles. 

Summers are mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, while monsoons bring heavy rains from June to September, making the place even lusher. But temperatures in winter drop to as low as 10°C. So, winter is the best time to visit this place. 

To-Do Information

Must-Do Things

Kerala is an evergreen place for adventurous activities, including Vagamon. From seeing the beauty through the clouds to shedding your sweat and exploring the common crop to enjoying the water, here is a list of things you must try in Vagamon. 

• Paragliding

Vagamon is famous for its paragliding opportunities. Rise above clouds and wonder at the breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views of the hills and valleys.

• Trekking

Shed your sweat in a chill environment on a trek to Kurisumala, a sacred hill known for its cross at the summit. Well, this works in two ways - spiritual fulfilment and capturing more stunning views.

• Visit Tea Gardens

Tea is one of the widely consumed beverages in India. Explore the tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process. The smell of these leaves will find a way to leave you in another universe. 

• Marmala Waterfalls

You can never end a nature trip without waterfalls. So, take a trip to experience the natural beauty of Marmala Waterfalls, located in a pristine forest setting. Enjoy the cold water here after long days of exploration. 

• Boating at Vagamon Lake

Sometimes, it is not about adventure but more about enjoying peace when in nature. So, take a peaceful boat ride on the serene Vagamon Lake, surrounded by hills and pine forests, to get some peace. 

Places to visit nearby

You can explore the whole Vagamon in 4 days if your trip plan is for 7 days. So, you can spend the rest 3 days exploring other places around Vagamon. Some of them include:

• Idukki Dam

Distanced at 14 Km from Vagamon, the iconic Idukki Dam is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. 

• Thekkady

Just a few hours away at 42 Km, Thekkady is famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot different wildlife and enjoy boat rides on Periyar Lake.

• Peerumedu

Located 52 Km from Vagabond, visit the charming hill station known for its verdant hills, spice plantations, and the summer palace of the Travancore royal family.

Travel Itinerary

Transportation

The nearest major airport to Vagamon is Cochin International Airport, about 100 kilometres away from Vagamon. You can take a cab or bus from there to reach your destination. Also, you can take a train to Kottayam and proceed to Vagamon by road. Taxis and auto-rickshaws occupy most of the local transportation, and the charges start from ₹1000. 

Accommodation

Vagamon offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. You can choose from cosy homestays, boutique hotels, and resorts nestled amidst the hills. We have listed below a few good and cheap hotels to stay at. 

OYO Flagship Bench Hotel - ₹1,180 per night (excluding taxes)
Edayan Meadows Vagamon - ₹1,338 per night (excluding taxes)
Tent Life Camping - ₹1,405 per night (excluding taxes)

Travel Expenses

The cost of travelling to Vagamon can vary depending on factors like the mode of transportation, accommodation preferences, and the activities you choose to indulge in. On average, a budget traveller can expect to spend around ₹2000-2500 per day, including accommodation, food, and local transportation.

Travel Tips

• Pack Warm Clothes: Even in summer, the nights can get chilly, so don't forget to pack some warm clothing.

• Rain Gear: If you plan to visit during the monsoon season, bring a good quality rain jacket and waterproof footwear since Kerala is prone to heavy rains. 

• Local Cuisine: Don't miss the opportunity to taste authentic Kerala cuisine, including dishes like appam, Kerala curry, and seafood treats.

• Respect Local Customs: Kerala is known for its conservative values, so it's advisable to dress modestly and respect local traditions and customs.

• Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to ensure a backup for unexpected situations.

Conclusion

Vagamon, with its lush landscapes, pleasant climate, and many outdoor activities, is a hidden gem in Kerala. Whether you seek adventure or simply a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Vagamon is a destination that can offer it all. 

Immerse yourself in this natural beauty, culture, and warmth. You surely will return with cherished memories in this enchanting corner of Kerala. Ensure that you visit this place before the world hears about it. 

Here is a travel vlog for you to see Vagamon!

Thought to Inspire 🏃‍♂️

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller

Have a Story to Share? Let the World Hear It

We love hearing about your adventurous travels. Share your stories and photos with us, and you might get featured in our next newsletter edition, where we are excited to share some of the unique and inspiring travel stories of our subscribers and readers to the world.