Vagamon

Vagamon  is a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 metres above sea level. Vagamon also known as the 'Scotland of Asia', was discovered by the British who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon.

Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you.  Vagamon hill station is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway for tourists. Take a walk along the narrow, mist covered zigzag roads that wind up the hills and experience true bliss. For adventure seekers, there is an option of trekking, para gliding or rock climbing.  Vagamon is also home to a large variety of flowers and orchids. Cuddled up within three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills which are the representation of the chief religions in Kerala, i.e. Hindu, Muslim, and Christian which represent the cultural harmony.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Cochint International Airport

 

 

Agasthyarkoodam peak

Agasthyarkoodam,the spectacular peak in the Western Ghats rises to a majestic 1890 m in the form of a sharp cone, is located 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram (Bonacaud is the nearest village).It is the second highest peak in Kerala. There are trekking trails through thick forests. A haven of rare herbs and medicinal plants, its slopes are a breathtaking sight when they transform into colourful glades of the 'Neelakurinji', a flower which blooms only once in twelve years.
Agastyarkoodam gets its name from the legend and the Great Sage Agastyar who meditated from this peak, where a small temple stands in remembrance and devotion to this great saint.Women are not allowed up the peak. The aborigins here believe that sage Agasthya, who lived here was a confirmed bachelor, hence they dislike the presence of strange women.
 Agastyar bio-reserve is a natural herbal garden, home to thousands of rare herbal plants. Agastyar Munni, considered as the father of Siddha system of medicine, the first Siddhar(Siddha Practitioner is also known to have contributed highly to martial art forms like Silambam and Kalarippayattu, both oldest forms of martial arts that are still practiced.

Best Season:
  The season from December 2'nd week to February is advocated for trekking for which a forest pass has to be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Forest Dept., P.T.P.Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram.

How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station : Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km from Bonocaud.
Nearest Airport : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 69 km from Bonocaud.

Chembra Peak

The Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, at 2100m above sea level. Chembra is located near the town of Meppady and is 14 km west of Kalpetta. It is part of the Wayanad hill ranges in Western Ghats, adjoining the Nilgiri Hills in Tamilnadu and Vellarimala in Kozhikode district in Kerala. Chembra peak is accessible by foot from Meppady. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides and trekking equipments on hire charges to the tourists.. Permission from the forest office in Meppady is required for trekking up to the Chembra peak.

Chembra peak is neighboring to the Nilgiri Hills and Vellarimala. From Meppady, Chembra peak can be accessed by walk. On the way to the top of Chembra peak, there is a heart shaped lake. This heart shaped lake is a popular tourist attraction for Chembra peak. There is a myth in these areas that this lake has never dried up. At five kilometer distance from Meppadi town is the tourist spot Erumakolli. From the top of Chembra peak you can view almost the whole of Wayanad. You can also view of Kozhikkode,Malappuram, and Nilgiri districts. Climbing Chembra peak is a really demanding trekking experience. For nature lovers it may take a whole day to enjoy the beauty of this peak and reach the top. The picturesque locations and view points from the Chembra peak are really enthralling. For photographers, Chembra peak is a paradise since nature has showered abundance of beauty all over this scenic location. If you camp on the peak you are sure to have a treasured experience.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station : Kozhikode, about 97 kms by road from Sulthan Bathery(major city of Wayanad).

Nearest Airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, nearly 120 kms from Sulthan Bathery.

Ponmudi

Ponmudi is a breathtaking hill station situated at the southern stretch of Western Ghats. Located within a short driving distance from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, Ponmudi literally means The Golden Peak.The first thing that travellers to Ponmudi notice is the thick tropical forests that carpets the foot of the hill range. Hairpin bends, steep climb and mist covered stretches marks the route to Ponmudi from Kallar, located at the base of the village.Located close to Agasthyar Hills, one of the biggest peaks in Western Ghats, Ponmudi offers excellent trekking and camping opportunities. Trekking through the thick forests one gets to see assortment of mountain flowers, unusual butterflies and small rivulets. However, the incline is steep and the trek rigorous.For those who prefer casual strolls instead of trekking, Ponmudi would leave them impressed. A walk through the tea gardens is a feast for the eye and the senses.Ponmudi is primarily divided into the Upper and the Lower Sanatorium. Kerala government has started an ecotourism project in the Upper Sanatorium area to promote tourism.Plenty of birds, both native and migratory, have made hills of Ponmudi their home. The Ponmudi Hills are also a natural habitat for Nilgiri Tahr. Though they number around a couple of hundreds, it still forms an important habitat for the endangered species.Sightseeing in and around Ponmudi includes Ponmudi Waterfalls, the Deer Park, River Kallar, Meenmutty Falls and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary among others. Apart from sightseeing, Ponmudi is also famous for Ayurvedic medical treatments.

 Altitude: 915 m above sea. Best Season: November to May.Transport Terminals: Nearest City : Vithura.How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram, 61 kms away
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 67 kms away

Ezhimala

Ezhimala is a hill reaching a height of 286 protruding into Arabian sea. It was the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kings, and is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport, and center of trade around the beginning of the Common Era, it was also one of the major battle-fields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala.

Indian Naval Academy is located in Ezhimala. There is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the Mount Deli Lighthouse also located here. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam Bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins.

Ezhimala in Ramayanam

Ezhimala is close to the Arabian Sea. According to the legends, the Ezhimala is related to Ramayana tradition. It says that during the battle between Rama and Ravana, many from Rama’s army were killed. In order to bring them back to life, the senior member of the vanara sena named Jambavan prescribed to bring four medicinal herbs from the Himalayas. Hanuman was sent in search of it. On reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman could not recognize the medicinal herbs and so he plucked the whole mountain and flew back to the war land. On the way a piece of the mountain fell into the sea and that was Ezhimala. It is the belief of the local people here and so they think that Ezhimala still possess those medicinal values.

How to reach

Nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode which is 150 km

Nearest railway station is at Payyanur which is 8 km

Nearest town is Ramanthali which is about 2 km.

Anamudi

Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats in India, having an elevation of 2,695 metres (8,842 ft). Anamudi is also the highest point in South India,located  near munnar and also one of the the highest point in India outside the Himalaya-Karakoram mountain range. 

 The peak is not exceptionally dramatic in terms of steepness or local relief and is a Fault-block mountain.It is located in the southern region of Eravikulam National Park at the junction of the Cardamom Hills, the Anamala Hills and the Palni Hills. The nearest town is Munnar, 13 kilometres (8.1 mi). The easiest route to the summit of Anamudi is a technically easy hike on grass slopes, starting from a rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). The north and south slopes are gentle, while the east and west slopes are steeper, with more difficult rock faces. The heavy evergreen forests are present with bamboos, black-wood (Dalbergia latifolia), and teak growing in abundance. The heavy forest with which the range is clothed is the source of the most valuable of the rivers which traverse the drier country to the east, namely the Vaigai, and Thamirabarani ; and the waters of the Periyar, which flows into the Arabian Sea.

 Anamudi and the Eravikulam National Park surrounding it is home to the largest surviving population of Asian Elephants, Gaur, Bengal tigers, and the Nilgiri tahr, which not found elsewhere in India.The summit of the Anamudi is vegetated with patches of stunted Arundinaria densifolia and Gaultheria fragrantissima (wintergreen), Anaphalis sp., Impatiens and some species of Eriocaulon.

How to Reach:

Munnar located in south india,kerala state,idukki district

Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam(south & north) Railway Station (5 Hrs from Munnar)

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (4 hours 30 minutes from Munnar)

Nearest Bus Station:Munnar KSRTC bus station

Attappady

Attappady  is Located 38 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, north Kerala. Situated on the northeastern side of the district and spread over an area of 827 sq km. Attappady is one of the largest tribal settlements in the State. The grandiloquence of this great symphony of forests, rivers and mountains is awe inspiring. Many tribals like the Irulas and the Mudugas live here, though the density of their population is very low. The tribals worship the mountain peak "Malleeswaran' as a huge 'Sivalinga' (the Linga is the venerated image of Lord Siva) and Sivarathri at the Malleeswaran temple is the most important festival celebrated by the tribals. The Malleeswaran peak and the river Bhavani have a tremendous influence on the lives of the tribals.

Attappady Reserve Forest - a protected area in Palakkad district of Kerala is the scenic spot which Bhavani River flows. Bhavani River, nestled below the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats, is the second largest river in the State of Tamil Nadu, India. A long perennial river, Bhavani, is a major tributary of the Kaveri River, the longest river in Tamil Nadu. It also flows through the beautiful land of Kerala. The gurgling sound of the river awakes the sleeping minds to be in a rather different green world.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station : Palakkad about 40 km from Mannarkkad.

Nearest Airport : Coimbatore Airport in neighbouring city State of Tamilnadu about 55 km from Palakkad.

Vagamon

Vagamon is located 39 km from Thodupuzha, 33 km away from Palai, 45 km from Kumily, 22 km from Kuttikanam and about 65 km from Kottayam  of the state Kerala. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10-23°C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,200 metres above sea level.

Vagamon is a perfect tourist place situated 1200 meters above the sea level surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens, fresh cool air, murmuring Pine forest, small waterfalls inviting you to Vagamon. It has been an incredible experience whenever I went there and I still want to go there once again. The hill station has a chain of 3 beautiful hills called Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala that give an enchanting feel to this beautiful hill station. So visit Vagamon hill station to experience eternal bliss and peace of mind. 

Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. And as you wind your way through green capped hills, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you.This tourist place also has to offer Thangal Para, the Indo-Swiss Project and Kurisumala Ashram. Welcome to a land which would make you come back again and again. So that you could rejuvenate yourself and cherish memories of this enchantingly beautiful land.

Vagamon hill station is comprised of a beautiful series of hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls that make it the ideal getaway for tourists. Take a walk along the narrow, mist covered zigzag roads that wind up the hills and experience true bliss. For adventure seekers, there is an option of trekking, para gliding or rock climbing.

How to reach:

Nearest railway station: Kottayam

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport

Thrissanku hills

Thrissanku hills Located 4 km from Peermede, half a km from Kuttikanam.The landscape here is breathtaking with rolling hills and a gentle breeze caressing. A perfect spot to un wind and to go for long walks.. The spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise from these hills is simply awesome.

Best Season: September to May

Transport Terminals: Kuttikanam (1/2 km away), Peermede (4 km away)

How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam, about 75 kms away
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 180 kms away

Peermade hills

 

 Peermade, situated 915 mts above sea level 85 kilometers from Kottayam, is a common name to those who stays in South India. Even people who might have ventured to the famous the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary might be able to recollect Peermade as this beautiful hill station falls on the way to Periyar. It was the summer retreat of the Travancore Royal family.

The famous plantation town, takes its name from Peer Mohammed - Sulfi saint and close associate of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore. Wide vistas of Tea, cardamom, rubber and coffee plantation interspersed with silver cascades, sculptural rocks, meadows and mist-cloaked hilltops make Peermede an unforgettable experience. The most delightful trekking trials complement the panoramic landscape. Monuments like the summer residence of the royal family add to the splendour of the land. The summer residence is converted in to the government guesthouses under the Department of Tourism, offers comfortable accommodation.

Best Season: September to May
Transport Terminals: Kuttikanam (1 km away),IdukkiLocation: 4 km from Peermede,IdukkiHow to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam, about 75 kms away
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 180 kms away

Rajamala

Rajamala is place that gives shelter to the extremely endangered species of Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragas bylocres). Infact, the place is home to nearly half the population of this mountain goat species in the entire world. Rajamala is situated at a distance of 15 km from Munnar and at a height of 2695 m above sea level. Half the world's population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Nilgiri tahr in Rajamalai are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

 A wildlife safari into Rajamala is a great opportunity to come up close with the timorous Tahrs and observe their habits and habitats.Watch these endangered species in their natural habitat, behold the breathtaking mountain scenery, and look-out for exotic flora unique to the region. This tour definitely takes some bit of walking, so you are advised to put on your walking shoes and carry a bottle of drinking water. Rajamala is a unique wildlife experience offering endless photo opportunities, not to mention a great chance to commune with nature.

Best Season: October - March(Visitors are not allowed during the monsoon.)

Transport Terminals: Munnar (15kms away)
By road: Distance from Munnar to some tourist centres
Goa: 930 km; Chennai: 600 km; Malampuzha: 230 km, Kodaikkanal: 195 km, Kumarakom: 160 km, Top station: 34 km, Anamudi: 20 km.How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam railway station, 142 km away
Nearest Airport: Cochin international airport, 130 km away and in neighboring Tamil Nadu, Madhurai airport, 142 km away