Vagamon: A gateway to green

To experience a joyful and blissful ride in the divine valleys of green heaven on earth, Vagamon, rent a top-rated car in Kochi with a trained driver. Adventure was palpable on my face when I had a chance to look at the delightful pictures of Vagamon, the charming hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala. Its lush green meadows and riveting valleys call for an immediate adrenalin rush. The moment I saw the heavenly pictures of the picturesque hill station, I knew I would be there soon. I planned my upcoming holidays for the breath-taking journey along with my wife and my kids.

I had never anticipated that the road trip from Kochi to Vagamon would be such fun. The road had lots of hairpin turns which was an exhilarating and exciting experience. A surprisingly picturesque drive takes one to a tall hill, which towers over visitors to welcome them into the folds of Vagamon’s beauty. The hill station captures your breath with its glorious natural scenic beauty

On reaching Vagamon, we felt, we were in a green heaven. Situated almost 1100 meters above the sea level, it’s a beautiful spot surrounded by tea plantations, breezing cool air, stunning pine forest, spectacular waterfalls. It has a calm and welcoming ambience. The drifting road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. It is a spectacular and stupendous site, covering an area of over one hundred acres that are home to more than thirty species of bird.

Vagamon is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway for tourists. Vagamon houses some of the most stunning hills and the Barren hills of Kolahalamedu are one of them. Walking along the narrow, mist covered zigzag roads is pure bliss.

Apart from verdant spice plantations, a quiet monastery and luxurious resorts, Vagamon has been made famous by a string of three hills. The first of these hills, Thangalpara, houses the mausoleum of Sheik Fariduddin. The Thangal hill is also known for its rock formations. Muruganmala is dedicated to Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. A rock-cut temple on one side of this hill draws pilgrims regularly. Kurisumala, the third hill, is home to the Kurisumala Ashram, an important pilgrimage spot for Nazrani Catholics. At the foot of the hill is St. Thomas Mount, a centenary memorial with a flight of 120 steps leading to a statue of St. Thomas. Kurisumala Ashram, founded by Abbot Francis Acharya, this Cistercian abbey is nestled amidst the Sahya Hills.

There are about 20 monks in residence at this monastery at any given time. The simplicity of life at the monastery is evident at every turn — from the low stone buildings that serve as homes for the monks to the furniture-less dining area. A pervasive air of silence paradoxically resounds throughout the ashram.

Vehicles can only reach a certain point, after which visitors will have to cover the remaining journey on foot. A trekking and adventure paradise, the little hill station offers many ways to explore the landscape, ranging from pilgrimages to nature trails. The land is inviting, ideal for long, peaceful walks and exploratory treks. The enchanting beauty of Vagamon helps not only to rejuvenate and revitalize your soul but also reinvigorates your soul.

As you move through green capped hills, your spirit knows no boundaries. It is the most enriching experience and you instantly fall in love with nature. The virus of commercialization has not still touched this amazing place and robbed off its tranquility.

At the top of Kurisumala hill, one of the most beautiful Syro Malankara Catholic church of the Cistercian Monastery can be reached via trekking. The serene surroundings with cool and soft breeze blowing across the valley makes it a perfect place for meditation.

For those who love monsoon, Vagamon should be visited between the months of June to August when after a downpour the hill station is adorned with the mystical layers of mist It was raining during our stay and I must say the place looks at its prime after a rainfall when the hills are covered in the velvet of green. Otherwise Vagamon has a general cool climate where the temperature ranges from 10°C to 23°C during the summers while the winters have a soothing wind and a slight chill. Most of the restaurants in Vagamon offer delicious, authentic Kerala cuisine.

It was really a good break for me from work, a week well spent enjoying the calm and mesmerizing natural beauty. Spending time in nature, doing meditations and writing was a much-awaited retreat for me. Various options amongst the air, rail and road exist for travelling to Vagamon but book a cab from Kochi to Vagamon for a hassle-free experience. You will cherish and remember the journey for your lifetime.