A state that offers backwaters, beaches, hills and forests, Kerala is every traveller’s dream. And one such dreamy destination in the state is Vagamon. In fact, Vagamon packages can beat expensive vacations to other well-known tourist spots in India. A picturesque hill station located on the Kottayam–Idukki border, Vagamon has been named one of the “50 Most Attractive Places to Visit in India” by National Geographic Traveller.
This pristine natural wonder in Kerala is known for its lush meadows that offer a perfect honeymoon spot! Vagamon also has a lot of options for lovers of adventure sports. Although the backwaters of Alleppey are still one of the main attractions of Kerala, Vagamon stuns tourists because of its primitive appeal. Here’s a short itinerary of a Vagamon trip package that will help you plan a long weekend trip to this hidden gem.
If you’re in Bengaluru or any other Southern Indian city or town, Vagamon is a perfect long weekend destination. In fact, Vagamon is an overnight train journey away from Bengaluru. The nearest rail station is Kottayam. Once in Kottayam, you can easily board a bus or take a cab to Vagamon.
If you decide to opt for an early morning ride from the station, you are likely to be enveloped by mist. Though an all-season destination, Vagamon comes alive in late monsoon (June to September) and just before the summers (March to May). The greenery all around makes the place all the more gorgeous. So, why wait? Read on and find out how you can craft the best Vagamon tour package. Here’s our curated list of the most scenic places to visit in Vagamon:
Vagamon Meadows
Once you reach Vagamon, the first spot on your list should be the Vagamon Meadows. Perfect for a leisurely morning walk or an evening stroll, this place offers amazing photo ops. While you can experiment with multiple adventure activities here, such as kayaking and zip-lining, you can also simply laze about or click some Insta-worthy selfies.
The Pine Valley
The Vagamon Pine Valley is the next must-visit stop in Vagamon. Once you enter the dense pine forest here, you may be welcomed by the eerie sounds of cicadas, which might get louder as you get deeper into the forest. Be careful while walking here on rainy days, as you may be bitten by leeches. The area is teeming within these tiny insects. The walk in the woods of Vagamon can be extremely therapeutic.
The Tea Gardens
You can also visit the tea gardens of Vagamon for a leisurely walk. The all-encompassing greenery of this area is soothing, and the gorgeous landscape may remind you of some English countryside. With this view, your Vagamon holiday is sure to become special.
Adventure Park
The next big destination in all Vagamon vacation packages is the Adventure Park. An apt venue for thrill-seekers, the Vagamon Adventure Park offers a lot of activities, including zip-lining and sky cycling. It also has a giant swing, though what draws most people to this place is the glass bridge.
Uluppuni
If you fancy a jeep safari, you can visit nearby Uluppuni. Located about 10 km away from Vagamon, this place offers breathtaking views. You can reach Uluppuni by 2 routes: one via the Pullikkanam-Elappara Road, and the other by Moolamattam (an adventurous off-road route). However, people should consider removing the off-road route from their Vagamon tour packages if it rains, as the path may get very dangerous and slippery.
IDP Tunnel
One of the abandoned tunnels of Vagamon (now a tourist attraction) can be your next destination. Known as the IDP Tunnel, this half-submerged tunnel supplies water to the Idukki Dam power project. Many tourists love taking a walk through the 2 km tunnel, but you should definitely make sure you protect yourself from the leeches.
Vagamon Lake
Vagamon Lake is another marvel in this area. The lake offers boating, a stunning landscape and a wooden walkway. And once you’re done with kayaking, ziplining, off-roading or even lazing about, make sure you taste some local tea and a local banana sweet-dish named Param Puri at one of the road-side food stalls lining the Vagamon Meadows. You may find a furry friend following you too.
How to Reach Vagamon
By Train:
The Kottayam railway station is about 44 km away from Vagamon. Kottayam is easily accessible from all major cities of India.
By Air:
If you wish to travel to Vagamon by air, book a flight to the Kochi International Airport, also known as the Nedumbassery Airport.
By Land:
Vagamon is easily accessible by road from Southern Indian cities such as Bengaluru. If you’re travelling in Kerala and are in or anywhere near Kottayam, Trivandrum, Munnar, Madurai or Kochi, Vagamon can be easily reached by cab or bus.
Other Places to Visit in Vagamon
- Thangal Para: A Muslim pilgrimage site, roughly about 7 km away from the Vagamon bus stop
- Muruganmala: A hillock known for its rock-cut temple of Lord Murugan
- Kurisumala: A Christian pilgrimage centre and ashram, founded by Francis Acharya and Bede Griffiths
- Orchid Gardens: A garden showcasing rare orchids found in the Western Ghats
Good to Know
While Vagamon is beautiful throughout the year, the hilly town becomes magical during and after the monsoons and offers a visual treat. But make sure to add rain jackets, umbrellas and all-terrain/all-weather trek shoes to your Vagamon trip plan, as the weather in this area can be unpredictable.
