Barren Hills Vagamon

Barren Hills Vagamon

Located in Vagamon, Barren Hills is renowned for its unique terrain of undulating hills, tranquility, and carpets of lush greenery.

Standing at an elevation of 3,600 feet above sea level, Vagamon Barren Hills is a cluster of rolling meadows and grassy pastures covering an enormous area in Vagamon, Kerala.

It’s a pristine locale that draws people with its picture-perfect landscapes, serenity, peaceful vibe, and adventure opportunities like trekking, paragliding, and camping.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing picnic with family, a fun couple’s photoshoot, or boundless adventure, Barren Hills is a perfect choice!

Barren Hills timings & entry fee

Vagamon Barren Hills remains open to tourists from 6 AM to 6 PM on all days, even public holidays and festivals.

However, it is best to visit this area before sunset for safety concerns.

While one is not required to pay any entry fee for Barren Hills, the adventure activities organized there do incur charges.

Best time to visit Barren Hills, Vagamon

October to March is the best time to visit Barren Hills Vagamon when the weather is cool, pleasant, and comfortable for engaging in adventure activities like trekking and paragliding.

If you want to visit Barren Hills when it’s secluded, you may consider visiting in the summer season from March to May. The weather during this time is still somewhat pleasant on most days considering Vagamon’s elevation.

The monsoon season from June to September brings torrential rains to Barren Hills. But it also rejuvenates and revives its greenery. While the transformed landscapes are stunning, it’s not an ideal time to visit.

How to reach Barren Hills in Vagamon

Barren Hills is located in the hill town of Vagamon in the Idukki district of Kerala. It lies about 4 km from Vagamon city center and 100 km from Kochi.

By air

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Barren Hills located about 100 km away. Taxis and rental vehicles are available at the airport to drive you to Vagamon and to Barren Hills. 

For a more economical option, go to Angamaly KSRTC Bus Stand located 8 km away from the airport and take a bus to Vagamon.

By train

Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Vagamon located 64 km away from it. Taxis and buses going to Vagamon are available here too.

By car

Vagamon is well-connected to other cities in Kerala, including Kochi, by road.

Whether you drive from cities like Kochi, Kottayam, and Trivandrum or take a taxi, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey. 

Make sure you book your taxi online way in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.

By bus

KSRTC buses and private Volvos are available in cities like Kochi and Kottayam to take you to Vagamon. You can easily book a seat on either of these online.

Kochi to Vagamon KSRTC bus fares typically start from INR 150/-.

Things to do in Barren Hills Vagamon

There’s no end to the fun at Vagamon Barren Hills!

→ Trekking: There are easy to moderate-level treks in and around Barren Hills that you can explore. If you’re not into hardcore trekking, you can simply explore the various nature trails in the area and witness the region’s rich flora and fauna.

→ Paragliding: Vagamon Barren Hills is a great place to indulge in tandem paragliding! The vast rolling pastures devoid of trees and shrubberies offer the best landscape for paragliding and stunning birds-eye views from the top!

→ Rock climbing: Many operators also offer rock climbing opportunities here courtesy of the large boulders and small barren hillocks present in various parts of Barren Hills. You can try easy to moderate level rock climbing here.

→ Mountain biking: The smooth, undulating hills and meadows of Barren Hills invite many mountain biking enthusiasts year-round. It’s the perfect terrain for an uninterrupted and smooth cycling session.

→ Camping: Overnight camping is permitted here with prior permission from the Kerala Forest Dept and with the company of a certified guide. It’s a great locale for camping where you’ll be enveloped by a thousand twinkling stars at night!

→ Picnicking: It’s the perfect locale for a fun family picnic where you can lie down and play on the grassy meadows stretching into the horizon. Just make sure you do not litter and take all plastic wrapper and bottles back with you.

→ Photography: The distinct landscape and minimal vegetation of Barren Hills make it a great spot for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the skies have multiple hues and the rolling pastures are bathed in warm golden light! If luck favors you, you may end up seeing a movie shooting here!

→ Explore nearby attractions: Barren Hills is close to several other attractions in Vagamon, including Idukki Dam, Pine Forest, Thangal Hill, Uluppuni Meadows, and Mundakayam Ghat. If time permits, you must check them out too!

Barren Hills Vagamon is the true gem of Kerala tourism that still remains tranquil and undiscovered. With peace, serenity, photogenic landscapes, and endless adventures, it’s the perfect place to explore on your Kerala vacation!