Vagamon Tourism And Travel Guide

Vagamon, also called Wagamon, remained an unknown commodity to the outside world for a long time. In 1926, Walter Duncan and his British company stepped in to nurture tea gardens at this hill station. Their plantations added to the natural features of Vagamon and brought it back onto the map of India. These tea gardens grew in stature and number as the 1930s dawned upon Vagamon. During the 1950s, the Christian missionaries gave birth to their shelter, Kurisumala Monastery amid the hillocks of Vagamon. This new addition further helped develop Vagamon into the attractive tourism destination that it has become today.

Comprising an unusual mix of religious beliefs and European inheritance, Vagamon is an asylum of tranquility. The immaculate waters and fresh grasslands of this hill station are free of modern pollution. Tourists who visit this place go back with a new vigor. The aura of Vagamon rejuvenates them and allows them to cherish this wonder of a town in their memories for years to come. This prompted National Geographic Traveler’s magazine to exalt Vagamon tourism by naming Vagamon as one of the “50 most attractive places to visit in India”. Let us dig in to this travel guide and investigate what makes Vagamon this attractive.

By Air:

The Cochin International Airport provides ample connectivity options for several tourists who travel to Kerala. This airport is situated about 107 km away from Vagamon hill station. South India connects to several metropolitan cities from other parts of the country through this airport. Once you reach the airport, many local modes of transport such as taxi, private cab, state bus transport, and local buses are available.

By Rail:

The closest railway station to Vagamon falls in Kuttikanam. About 22 km away from this hill station, Kuttikanam offers several trains that commute to other major cities in the region. Other railway stations in the vicinity also connect to Vagamon through well-built roadways. A train journey to these nearby stations offers passengers a breathtaking overview of the steep hills and the valleys that extend far below.

By Road:

Located about 25 km away from Vagamon, Erattupatta is one of the closest towns in the vicinity. Tourists can use the Kottayam-Kumili route from Erattupatta to reach Vagamon. However, this placid hill station is easily reachable through roadways from Kottayam, Kochi, Madurai, and Munnar. A journey through the state highway roads is sure to thrill tourists with some splendid countryside views.

Owing to its tropical essence, Vagamon experiences an inviting climate. Ample precipitation of rainfall occurs throughout the year. Winter provides a pleasing weather and tourists consider it the best time to visit this hill station. On an average, the temperature in Vagamon mostly stays between 10°C and 25°C.

Summer (March to May):

Summer season at Vagamon provides visitors with a delightful climate. Although temperatures rise in this season, the high altitude of Vagamon maintains a cool climate. Situated more than 1,000 m higher than sea level, Vagamon is a hill station that you would always see glimpses of in your romantic dreams.

Monsoon (June to September):

Monsoon is that time of the year when lush green flora engulf every nook and corner of Vagamon. The rains provide a perfect atmosphere to go trekking along the hills of Vagamon. These treks provide a scintillating overview of the surroundings from their apex points. However, for those who prefer luxurious travel, monsoon wouldn’t be that pleasant as travelling gets tougher.

Winter (October to February):

Winter season is the best time of the year to come to Vagamon and live within its peaceful confines. The silent nature of the hill station helps you discover peace. Climate in winter gets chilly, with temperature ranging between 10°C and 22°C. This is the dry season for Vagamon and provides easier commutation and sight-seeing for visitors.

Spiritual Fulfillment:

The restful Vagamon hill station helps shrines of different faiths reside within its territory. Vagamon boasts of diverse religious cultures. Catholics reflect over the Stations of the Cross while climbing up to the Kurisumala Ashram on Good Friday. Thangal Para is a pilgrim location that the Muslims visit to rejoice during the festival of Urus. In addition, Murugan Mala was created to praise Lord Murugan; the temple at this place provides devotees with ample space to pray and sort out their problems with the Lord.

Trekking:

If you love experiencing nature’s glamour first hand, then trekking through the hills of Vagamon is a perfect task for you. The hill station resides within the vicinity of three alluring hills: Murugan Hills, Thangal Hills, and Kurisumala Hills. The serene grass lawns provide an apt pathway for adventurers to trek along. Approximately 1,200 m above sea level, Vagamon provides the perfect environment to enjoy your trek.

Paragliding:

Vagamon provides an ideal setup for paragliding through its misty skies. High altitude means the temperatures remain delightful in this region. Tandem paragliding is one activity that tourists shouldn’t miss when in Vagamon. Cutting through the air along with some assistance from the expert paraglider accompanying you provides a vibrant feeling. It provides adventurers with a scintillating overview of the entire town. 

Tea gardens:

A visit to Vagamon would be incomplete without exploring the soothing tea plantations. This hill station is one off beat place where you can find solace in nature’s tranquility. Tea plantations lay out grassy carpets throughout Vagamon. It is this grandeur that got it the name “Scotland of Asia.”

Tourists that visit any town in South India are sure to be treated with delicious food. Vagamon is no different. The local street food is popular out here. Simple delicacies like Wada Sambhar and Idli Sambhar offer tourists with mouth-watering prospects. Idiyappam is the standard breakfast of Vagamon. The thought of steamed noodles formed out of rice flour does sound tempting. Food rates in Vagamon are always on the cheaper side, helping tourists live up to their low-budget travelling rules.