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| Wagamon |
| Taste that Difference |
Wagamon is a hill station noted for its misty meadows, splashing waterfalls, and exciting trekking paths. Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats and surrounded by Shola forests, Wagamon is simply mind blowing with the three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurishumala, which reflect the Christian-Hindu-Muslim unity.
The vast undulating landscapes, narrow valleys, and waterfalls in rocky terrain everything adds to the adventure factor of Wagamon. Avenues for trekking and mountaineering expeditions could be found in plenty and the thrill these trekking paths has in store for you is a not-to-be-missed one. Teekoy-Cherippad-Ayyampara route, the Illickan Mountains, Marmala waterfall in Meenachil River are packed with the best trekking routes in Wagamon. Situated around 1100 feet above mean sea level, Wagamon is anchored on the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts |
| How to get there ? |
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By Air
As Kottayam lacks an airport, the nearest airport to reach Wagamon is from Cochin International Airport situated in Nedumbassery. The airport is around 100 km from Wagamon.
By Road
Wagamon is well connected with the places in Kottayam and Idukki districts. To reach Wagamon, one can use the nearest KSRTC bus stand in Erattupetta. From Kottayam Wagamon is about 64 km away.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Wagamon is in Kottayam, which is 64 km away. |
| Roam around |
Hilly terrain and sloppy roads - jeeps are the best means for getting around the place. However, most of the places have bus services, so that you can cut down on your transportation expense. If on a group travel, book tourist buses in advance.
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| Hotspots |
Teekoy: Teekoy is a small village located on the banks of the Meenachil River and has avenues galore for the eager nature-lover to explore. This piece of land is quite extravagant with the undulating landscapes rich in flora and fauna, making it the most preferred among the trekking paths.
A must see spot in Teekoy is Marmala waterfalls – the sight of water getting sprayed all around, as it sways down the narrow valleys and rocky cliffs can never go unnoticed! Renowned as trekker’s paradise, the Ayyampara and Illickan mountains offer breathtaking view of the land below. A place rich in rare medicinal herbs, Teekoy is homeland for “Neelakoduveli”- a medicinal plant renowned for its revitalizing properties. Explore the rural life as you drive along Teekoy village to Wagamon, amidst rubber plantations and great scenic beauty.
Kurishumala: Kurishumala is famous for the Ashram, where Christian monks from local and foreign places reside and meditate. Belgian Cistercian Abbot Francis Acharya is the visionary who merged Indo-Christian concepts and set the foundation for the Ashram.
A part of Sahya Mountains, Kurishumala is just 10 km away from Wagamon and is situated much closer to Thangalpara. Coming with an excess baggage of serenity and scenic splendor, the place is ideal for anti-stress meditation practices. The highest peak in the Kurishumala is known as the “Resurrection Garden”, a place wholly secured for meditation. A total of well arranged 14 crosses make the hill all the more remarkable. The place also has a dairy farm, the milk production of which amounts to 1500 liters!
Thangalapara: Housing the Mausoleum of Sheik Fariduddin, Thangalpara is a renowned pilgrim center for Muslims. Thangalpara is only 5 km drive from Wagamon. Set against a rocky terrain, the place gives a feel of original beauty and grandeur.
Murugan Hill: The Murugan Hill houses Murugan temple, a magnificent structure carved out of rock on one side of the hill. The temple worships the Hindu god, Lord Muruga - the son of Lord Shiva
Water falls: A quintessential Wagamon trip is incomplete without a visit to the waterfalls here. Through the ravines and to the cliffs - the waterfall here is truly a spectacular sight to witness. Find your place near the pavilions and feel the composed nature behind the gorgeous waterfalls. Apart from sightseeing, the place is much preferred among trekkers and mountaineers.
Green Meadows: The vast stretch of lovely meadows, where the gentle hills merge with the misty sky, is breathtakingly gorgeous to go unnoticed! An ideal destination to unwind and relax from the hustle and bustle of the busy world, these meadows offer a feast for your eyes and mind alike with its picturesque landscape and cool breeze.
Pine Forest: Steep slopes lined up with pine trees – the Pine Forest is never inferior to any of those fairy-tale settings. So intense and dense, here your privacy is reserved, where even the thinnest beam of sun light wouldn’t be an intruder! Relax, be calm and relive yourself off the stress - the ambience here is sure to keep you captivated.
Rocky out crop: An ideal spot to relive your adventurous self, the rough-cut cliffs and narrow valleys make the place perfect for adventure activities like rope climbing, gliding, trekking, rock climbing etc. Carved out of the rocks, the caves fulfill your accommodation requirements. Embracing the world below, this spot is also good as a viewing pavilion. |
| Must do |
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Boating: Wagamon is blessed with a few serene lakes atop the hilly terrain, making boating a much preferred activity. The boating facility is however provided by the local resorts and hotels here.
Trekking: Gear up for the most exciting stuff! Trekking and hiking can be the most desirable and adventurous options for those looking for an extra adrenaline rush! Also try your hand in paragliding, rope climbing and also mountaineering. Among the favorite trekking paths, Teekoy-Cherippad-Ayyampara route and Illickan Mountains tops the list.
Ayurveda: Kerala is home to Ayurveda, and Wagamon too is not an exception. The place has to its credit a good number of hotels and resorts that can present you with ayurvedic treatments in its holistic approach.
Drive through the Teekoy valley: Spectacular with its tranquil ambience, driving from Teekoy to Wagamon is just awe-inspiring. As you drive along the winding roads, feel the scenic backdrop topped with the gorgeous mist-clad mountains and spectacular waterfalls. |
| Festivals |
International Paragliding Festival: Unlike the rest of Kerala, Wagamon festival is an all different ball game! International Paragliding Festival commencing every year in the months of March or April, attracts travelers from around the world to experience the best of paragliding. The event is organized by the Adventure Sports and Sustainable Tourism Academy (ASSTA). |
| Thing you ought to Know |
Location
This exciting hill station is situated on Idukki- Kottayam border. Wagamon is located in the south central portion of Kerala and is set at an average elevation of 1100 feet above mean sea level.
Climate
Tropical climate. However, the temperature is usually between 10 and 25 degree Celsius.
Best Time To Visit
August to May is the best season to visit the place. Although it can be visited throughout the year, rainy season from June to August is best avoided.
Eateries
Local hotels here will provide you with vegetarian meals with typical Kerala curries. You can also savor the delicious appam and meat curry from these local hotels. For international tourists, Wagamon has a good number of quality hotels and resorts like Vanilla County, Summer Sand, Vagamon Heights, Padmalayam and Ananya Hill Resorts that cater to a range of cuisines from Kerala dishes and North Indian to Continental and Chinese.
Shopping
As a hill station, Wagamon has not much to boast of shopping galas. However, there are a few items worth your money - spices, planting materials, medicinal plants and traditional hand made artifacts are the specialties here.
Trivia
• Orchids! Wagamon is home to orchids, especially wild orchids. |
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