Vagamon
March 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Hill Stations in Kerala, Vagamon
VELVETY VAGAMON
As Helen Keller quoted it “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart”. This is true, when we talk about Vagamon (Wagamon) in God’s own country. Vagamon is the ultimate tourist point, which is garlanded by the greenery of tea gardens, alluring meadows, deep valleys and dales. It seems as if Vagamon is bedecked with green emeralds. Fortunately, this grand hill station soon will be India’s top eco-tourism destination.
All the adventurous tourists will surely enjoy climbing this 3800 ft tall hill. A walk through the thick pine forest or refreshment through the calm landscape will cherish your senses. An amalgamation of spiritual mysticism and European bequests, this hillside village is an ecstasy of serenity. The chain of three hills – Thangal Para, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala – is a mark of religious congruence.
Woods with shining needles
There is a splendid pine forest dell in Kolohalamedu where you can take in the pine-scented air and take a glimpse on the towering, stately pine trees densely decked with gleaming needle covered branches. This blotch of land is ‘a prohibited area’ where you can see caution boards warning the tourists not to carry any plastic or litter the place.
Rock-strewn hill
Vagamon is recognized for its rocky terrain. Like most of the hill stations, Vagamon also has a “suicide point”, a V-shaped ravine called the Moopan Para. The depth is truly spine-chilling. Thangal Para, a huge rock located five kilometres from Vagamon is worth a visit. Adjacent to the rock is the dargah (Sufi shrine) of Sheikh Fariduddin, who is believed to be a Sufi saint of Afghan, lived here 800 years ago. History says that he used a small stone to grind betel leaves which has transformed into an enormous rock. During the annual Uroos festival, thousands of devotees gather near the rock. On the eastern side of Kurisumala is Murugan Para, a rock-temple dedicated to God Murugan that magnetizes devotees throughout the year.
The hill with a cross
It is a Christian pilgrim centre in Kerala. During the eve of Easter, flocks of disciples gather in this place to climb the hill carrying wooden crosses. At the foot of the hill is the centenary memorial dedicated to St. Thomas. On the top, you can see the reformation of Christ’s final journey, the Way of the Cross. There are 14 crosses along the path. Devotees halt at each cross and offer prayers. This landscape is spell- bounding with the nature attired in green apparels. The main day of attraction is the Good Friday. The Kurisumala Ashram manages a dairy farm which is truly delightful. Have a sample glass of hot ‘Kurisumala milk’, its really tasty! So visit this El Dorado and take enchanting memories back with you.
Fact file:
Location : – 60 kms from Thekkady
Best Time to go : – August to May is the right time. If you desire to enjoy the monsoon, June and July are ideal.