[rajeev k]

On 26th of last month myself and my cousin with our families went on a one day dash-drive to Vagamon.
About Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station located in the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts. Situated at about 1,100 meters above mean sea level Vagamon has a cool climate even during a summer midday.
Vagamon, also known as the 'Scotland of Asia', was discovered by the Britishers who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon.
National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the '50 most attractive places to visit in India’

Spots to see at Vagamon
Kurisumala: Kurisumala means 'Mountain of the holy cross'. Kurisumala hill, is a famous pilgrimage center where crosses are put-up in each sub hills. The nearby Kurisumala Ashram is an abode of calm and spiritual delight. This hill area includes 12 sub mounds where pilgrims visit.
One can enjoy trekking and climbing in this high hill.
Vagamon Meadows: The rolling green meadows of Vagamon has a lake amidst them. It has for long been a favorite location for shooting movie songs.
Murugan Hill: It is situated near to Thangal Para. A Murugan temple is situated which is devoted to Lord Muruga with gorgeous stone age carving.

The Route Vagamon is located 39 km from Thodupuzha, 33 km away from Palai, 45 km from Kumily, 22 km from Kuttikanam and about 65 km from Kottayam.
For us the drive was uneventful except that there was a mini crisis as my cousin did not fill his Swift's tummy up at the last fuel outlet before the climb started. The next one is at Elappara which is some 16 kms away from Vagamon whwere there aren't any. But is available enroute at a premium of Rs 10 per litre for gasoline.
Now some pics.
First lot - En-route to Vagamon and up to Kurisumala

[rajeev k]

Climbing Kurisumala
The climb is quite easy for the fitness freak. Others stay back on the way. And to them the view all around is breathtaking. And the cool climate helps in keeping the heel cool all the way up.
Embezzled within three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills represents the chief religions in Kerala, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian which represent the cultural harmony. a la Munnar, la Palayam in Trivandrum et al.
But we could not go to the Thangal hills because of time constraint as it is slightly away by road.
Take a look

[rajeev k]

More views from Kurisumala.
In one of the picture Vagamon town at a distance can be seen.

[rajeev k]

Next spot was Pine Forest
An area with thick Pine trees and is ideal to spend some time around.










We had lunch at Summer Sand Hotel and only buffet lunch was on offer that day and needless to say that it was never the one for the taste buds. Still the ambiance was quite nice.

[rajeev k]

Vagamon Meadows
Also called as 'Mottakkunnu' in the local vernacular.
Bemused with the lunch we went to explore this meadows. There was a very light drizzle which was not a concern at all.

[rajeev k]

Proceeded to Kuttikkanam where some Educational Institutions have come up which are getting noticed.

Wireless transmission at Kurisumala,

and this microwave one at Kuttikkanam.


And by the time we reached Parunthumpara it was already dark.

And rather than groping there we returned via Kottayam though KK Road, where we had our dinner and soon hit the road on the return leg, secure in the knowledge that one holiday was well spent.

Disclaimer: We encountered many bad drivers enroute and this LCV was one among them and was blocking the way of many vehicles by sticking to the centre of the single lane road. This LCV loaded with big wooden logs protruding precariously on both the sides and perhaps the fella thinks that he owns the road,

Bye Bye!

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Travelogues Section. Thanks for sharing!

[Blue Thunder]

Lucky you...that you could visit such exotic places in just a 1-day trip ! Thanks for the lovely pics!

[rajeev k]

Saw a picture of Scotland in the Hindu Weekend Magazine which is posted here and the first look itself will bring in the similarity to Vagamon which is exactly why Vagamon is called Scotland of Asia. Take a look; the first picture is sourced from The Hindu.

[rajeev k]

Some more pictures, this time clicked with a mobile. From the top of the Kurisumala the 360 degree view is quite a feast to the eyes and to the mind too.

[rajeev k]

My ride in the fog of Vagamon.

[dhanushmenon]

Well detailed report Rajeev.
Enjoyed all the snaps.

Looking forward to visiting parunthumpara soon.
Are there any hotels (family safe) nearby where we could have a lunch break there?
I am planning to start by morning from Kochi and return by evening

[rajeev k]

Originally Posted by dhanushmenon

Looking forward to visiting parunthumpara soon.
Are there any hotels (family safe) nearby where we could have a lunch break there?

Yes there is a good resort at Kuttikkanam and a nice one at Vagamon too.

[Nutty Nair]

Nice log, Rajeev. Personally I find monsoon is the time when Vagamon is at its most beautiful. In spite of visiting the place many times, it still remains one of our favourite destinations. One question, where exactly is Murugan Para located?