Kochi to Vagamon-How to plan your trip?

Vagamon is known as Scotland of Asia. It is a picturesque hill station situated near the border of Kottayam and Idukki in Kerala. Surrounded by three hills – Murugan Hill, Kurisumala Hill, and Thangal Hill, Vagamon is at an altitude of 1100 ft. The British discovered Vagamon was suited for tea plantations. There are many tea plantations in Vagamon.

Kochi to Vagamon Distance is 101 KMs and it will take 3.3 hours in a car. Road Condition from Kochi to Vagamon is excellent, especially in Vagamon Ghats.  Vagamon is a perfect weekend destination from Kochi, and there is plenty to do and see. Visitors get mesmerized by the view of the green hills, beautiful orchids, pine forests, waterfalls, and meadows. The hill station is an important pilgrimage for Hindus, Christian, and Muslims. If you are an adventure junkie, you can participate in several sports activities.

 

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Best time to plan your visit from Kochi to Vagamon

The best time to plan your vacation to Vagamon is in the Winters, from December to February. The hill station gets covered by mist looks mesmerizing. Temperatures at night can go below zero, remember to carry warm clothes.

 

You can plan your holidays during summer from March to May, and it is the perfect destination to escape the heat of the plains. Summers in Vagamon are pleasant, with maximum temperatures hovering around 23 C. It rains heavily during the monsoon, and traveling can be tedious.

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Traveling from Kochi to Vagamon

Vagamon is 100 km from Kochi. You can drive down or hire a car and the road is well maintained, and the journey takes 3 to 4 hours. You can take breaks for breakfast or lunch at the various eateries on the way.

You can take a bus from Kochi, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has an excellent bus service and the trip takes 4.5 hrs because of the stops on the way.

 

The road from Kochi to Vagamon is picturesque through the Western Ghats. During the drive, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountains and gorges. On every turn on the ghat, you get a new amazing view of the valley below. The drive through the hairpin bends can exhilarating, remember to drive cautiously as the turns can be steep. Erattupetta is the nearest town and is 25 km from Vagamon.

Places to visit in Vagamon

 

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Vagamon Pine Forests

The Vagamon Pine Forest is incredibly beautiful and is man-made. While walking through the forest, you can absorb the natural beauty and atmosphere. You will be mesmerized by the view of the valley.

 

Vagamon Lake

Vagamon Lake is a popular tourist destination, is in the heart of Vagamon, and is surrounded by greenery and large rocks. There are boating and rowing facilities available.

 

Marmala Waterfall

The Marmala waterfall is in the Kottayam district of Kerala. Marmala waterfall is also called the Enchantress of the jungle. The 131-foot waterfall is in the middle of a forest and splashes into a small pond.

Kurishmala Monastery

Kurishmala Monastery or the Mountain of Holy Cross is on Kurshmala Hill. It is an important Christian pilgrimage. The ride to the monastery is beautiful, or you can enjoy the landscape while trekking up to the monastery. The view from Kurishamala Monastery is breathtaking, you can view Murugan Para and meadows below. Many pilgrims gather at the Monastery on Good Friday.

Thangal Para

Thangal Para is nestled on top of Thangal Hill, and is an important pilgrimage for Muslims. It is unique for a gigantic globe-shaped rock, and you can enjoy the excellent view of the valley. Thangal Para is the final resting place of Sufi saint Sheikh Fariuddin and is over 800 years.

Idukki Dam

Many tourists consider Idukki Dam to be the most beautiful destination in Vagamon. Kerala State Electricity Board constructed the dam in the 1980s on the Pariyar River. It is considered to be a geometric marvel and is one of the highest arch dams in Asia. The dam is nestled between two granite hills looks spectacular. Boating facilities are available at the dam.

 

Mundakayam Ghat

Mundakayam Ghat is known for its spectacular scenic beauty. It is a popular destination for treks and nature walks. You will be able to spot many species of birds during your walk. Besides, enjoying the spectacular view from the top of the ghat, it is the perfect location for paragliding.

 

Murugan Mala

The Murugan Mala temple is a beautiful rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva. The temple was carved from a single rock is on Kurismala Hill. Tourists enjoy the serene atmosphere of the temple and the captivating view.

 

Barren Hill

Barren Hill looks different according to the changing seasons. The beautiful green meadow is perfect for a short trek, rock climbing, and paragliding. Visitors flock to the hill to enjoy the view of the sunset.

 

Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary

Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers and picnics.

Things to do in Vagamon

 

ParaGliding

Paragliding is a popular activity in Vagamon. Flying at 6000 feet can be a thrilling aerial adventure. Professional paragliders pilots help you launch, fly, and land safety.

Trekking and Mountaineering

Vagamon terrain is perfect for trekking and mountaineering. There are terrains of varying difficulty with beautiful and mesmerizing views.
Vagamon Lake provides the opportunity for rowing and boating.

 

Nearest Airport while travelling from Kochi to Vagamon

There are no airports in Vagamon and the nearest airport is in Kochi . Madurai and Coimbatore are other airports from which you can travel to Vagamon. The nearest railway station  to Vagamonis in Aluva or Ernakulam and you can easily hire a can to travel to Vagamon.

 

The most affordable way to get from Kochi to Vagamon is in a bus if you are on a budget trip and it will cost you approximately 150 INR.