Top 9 things to do in Vagamon: An ideal day trip from Fort Kochi

Vagamon is a hidden subtropical paradise in the Idukki district of God's own country Kerala. Known for its amazing landscape topography, Vagamon is said to be a place where nature unveils its true beauty. With stunning landscapes of lush green meadows and endless green hues of tea plantations punctuated by clusters of pine forests and untamed allure of wildlife, Vagamon's beauty is reminiscent of a scene crafted straight from an ancient Indian fairy tale. After centuries of being unexplored, it is now time to finally unravel the hidden treasures of this mystical beauty.

But first, where to stay?

But before you start your journey to Vagamon, remember to check into The Hosteller Fort Kochi to experience the true spirit of backpacking adventure. Conveniently located just three and a half hours away from Vagamon, The Hosteller Fort Kochi offers a perfect starting point to explore the culture and beauty of Kerala.

Embark with us through the blog as we discuss the top 9 adventurous things you can do in Vagamon.

Top 9 things to do in Vagamon

1. Kick-off with a road trip from Fort Kochi to Vagamon

Road trips South India are quite popular due to the region’s diverse landscapes ranging from lush green hills to coastal plains. Vagamon is a countryside heaven in Kerala and one of the best things to do in Vagamon is a scenic road trip to this beautiful paradise. Located just three and a half hours away from Vagamon, nestled amidst the beautiful Fort Kochi beach, The Hosteller Fort Kochi is the perfect starting point for your road trip adventure.

As you leave the streets of Fort Kochi, you will pass by some beautiful quaint villages and tea plantations. The vibrant shades of green, along with the crisp air holding the tea aroma, will truly leave you in a moment of awe. While Passing by these winding roads, you will also get to experience occasional glimpses of South Indian temples and architecture paired with warm hospitality. And yes, for a more authentic experience do not forget to halt by a local restaurant and savor the taste of regional dishes.

Scenic drive from Fort Kochi to Vagamon (Credits: travelsetu)

2. Experience the thrill of Paragliding above the tea plantations

Vagamon is heaven for adventure buffs. One of the favorite and most popular adventure activities in Vagamon is Paragliding. Known for its lush green meadows and never-ending tea gardens, Vagamon serves as a playground for adventure amidst the picturesque surroundings of nature. As soon as you gather at the launch site (adventure zone), run towards the edge of the hills and burst into the crisp mountain air, you will be amazed to be treated with breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats painted in hues of green tea plantations beneath you. And while you descend, the soundtrack of the air will soften into the soothing rustle of tea leaves, leaving a sense of peace amidst the tranquil beauty of nature. This experience is, without a doubt, a must-do adventure activity in Vagamon.

Taking off amidst the lush green meadows (Credits: Wanderon)

3. Take on a wildlife excursion to Ulipooni wildlife sanctuary

If you want to witness the true beauty of regal wildlife, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. Located just half an hour from Vagamon Meadows lake, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the most rich ecosystem in India. And the best part? You can explore this entire sanctuary on an exhilarating trek. Quite adventurous, right?

You can also opt for other options like the jeep safari, a small nature hike, or just a boat ride along the transcendent beauty of the lake at the sanctuary. You can spot animals like tiger, leopard, sambar deer, bison, wild dogs and jungle cats. Also, if you plan to visit during the sunset, don't forget to encounter the iconic silhouette formed with the graceful curves of bison horns.

Sight of a tiger at Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary (Credits: whatsplan)

4. Go for a picnic outing at Vagamon meadows

Vagamon is also known as the "Mini Switzerland of Kerala" because of the lush green meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see. The soft grassy terrain, with its vast openness, caressing breeze and chattering of birds, evokes a sense of tranquility here. To fully enjoy this landscape of fluttering butterflies, you can carry a picnic blanket with you and pack some local delicacies.

To enhance this experience even more, try rolling down the hills and surrendering to nature's soft embrace. Moreover, don't forget to carry your binoculars, as you can spot some amazing bird species here. Vagamon is said to be a haven for birdwatchers and species like Indian Pitta, White-cheeked Barbet, Nilgiri flycatcher, Black Eagle, Orange Minivet can be easily spotted.

Beautiful sight of Vagamon meadows ( Credits: Orange valley Hills Resort)

5. Hike along a short trail to explore the pine forests

Pine forest exploration is one of the popular adventure activities in Vagamon if you want to witness the untouched beauty of God's own country in true sense. The branches of the towering Pine trees create a nice contour against the sky, filtering the rays of sunlight through the thick canopy. As you walk deeper into the forest, the air becomes more crisp, pervading the scent of pine all around.

When you navigate even further, this experience becomes more thrilling. The various sounds, like the rustling of leaves, the sudden call of a bird or the unexpected roar of a wild animal, can excite you. But don't worry, this haunting beauty with its gloomy atmosphere is highly safe to visit and definitely a magical escape for lovers of deep dark woods.

Scenic trails amidst the towering pine trees in Vagamon (Credits: tripnic)

6. Unveil the art of tea making at Masco Tea Factory

Are you a fan of tea? Then this place in Vagamon is definitely for you. Located in the tranquil hills of Vagamon, the Masco tea factory takes you through tea culture in Kerala. The process helps you dive deeper into the evolution of tea gardens, taking you through the journey of tea from medicinal use to commercialization by the British over the years. You will also get a chance to stroll alongside the tea plantations Kerala, learn about the differences, pluck them and learn the transition of processing it from the leaf to a drink.

You can also taste different types of tea such as black tea, green tea, herbal tea, blended infusions and Oolong tea and learn their benefits. This place is definitely a fascinating destination and one of the not-to-miss things to do in Vagamon for those who genuinely love tea.

Beautiful lady working in tea gardens of Vagamon (Credits: dreamcoconutvillaresort)

7. Go for a swim at Thommankuthu waterfalls

Located just an hour's distance from Vagamon Lake Meadow, Thommankuthu waterfall in Vagamon descends gracefully from a height, creating a series of 7 picturesque pools and rapids along its course. One of the experiences to not miss here is swimming in crystal clear water. The water is generally cool during the day and swimming here can give you a sense of floating through the enchanting forests of Indian fairy tales.

What makes this experience even more remarkable is the range of thrilling activities that you can experience amidst the unspoiled wilderness. Out of the seven different pools, a few also have boating and fishing and fishing facilities. Moreover, you can also indulge in different activities like trekking and birdwatching.

8. Embark on a trekking adventure to the three hills of Vagamon

Vagamon is famous for the trio of three hills - Thangalpara, Muruganpara, and Kurisumala. Each of these hills depict the major religions of Kerala i.e Hindu, Muslim and Christianity. The first in the line is the Thangal Hill, dedicated to a Muslim saint, Sheikh Farihuddin. The Murunganpara consists of a rock-cut temple that's dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Kurisumala is home to St Thomas Mount Church.

Trekking in these three hills allows you to witness breathtaking views of mist-covered valleys and cascading waterfalls. Moreover the sub-tropical and temperate vegetation here blooms the place into a picturesque landscape. Vagamon is also home to several wild orchids that bloom in different colors. You can also find them while trekking through the scenic trails.

A beautiful sight of Muruganmala Hill (Kerala Tourism)

9. Learn about the process of milking at a dairy farm

Discover the craftsmanship involved in dairy farms and experience the rural charm of Kerala. Modern Bull Mother farm and Kurisumala dairy farm are the two places where you can see the milking parlors and passionate skills of farmers. Moreover, these dairy farms are situated in some amazing landscapes of Vagamon. The sprawling fields and views of cows grazing further enhance the scenic beauty and rustic charm of these places.

As you stroll through the farm, you will see dairy production's mystic beauty and aroma. Visiting these farms is definitely an offbeat and different experience as you get to connect with nature and rejuvenate your senses.

Frequently asked questions:

1) Vagamon or Munnar? What is better? Your answer is Vagamon.This is a countryside place in Kerala and has been unexplored for many centuries. Unlike Munnar you will find less crowd here and since hardly any tourists visit here, the beauty of this place is pristine unfolding several wonders of nature in front of you.

2) Which station is closest to Vagamon? Vagamon nearby railway station is Kottayam which is located at a distance of just 2 hours from Vagamon. From the station you can take a taxi to Vagamon or there are KSRTC buses available that take you to Allapuzzha and from there you can take a cab to reach Vagamon.

3) What is the best time to visit Vagamon? Vagamon weather stays pleasant throughout the year making it an all season destination. However, if you want to witness the lush greenery then monsoons are the best time to witness the beauty of this unexplored heaven of Kerala.

4) What is Vagamon famous for? Vagamon is actually famous for its lush green meadows and towering pine trees. However, in recent times people also come to Vagamon to enjoy different adventure activities like Paraglidinng, Rock climbing, trekking etc.

5) How far is Vagamon from Fort Kochi? Fort Kochi is around 3 hours away from Vagamon. You can take a direct cab or for a more affordable option you can take a direct bus of KSRTC from Fort Kochi to Vagamon. KSRTC takes you through some picturesque roads of Western Ghats.

6) Does Vagamon have a railway station? No, Vagamon is located in the countryside of Kerala and does not have a railway station of its own. However, Vagamon nearby railway station is Kottayam which is around 64 kms from Vagamon.

7) Which is the nearest airport to Vagamon? Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Vagamon which is approximately 100 kms away. You can hire a cab from here or take a direct bus to Vagamon.

8) Where can I stay in Vagamon? We don’t have a hostel in Vagamon but you can experience the backpacking spirit at our hostel in Fort Koch, just three hours away from Vagamon.

9) How many days should I spend at Vagamon? Vagamon is a perfect destination for a day’s adventure from Fort Kochi. You can check into The Hosteller Fort Kochi, located just three hours drive from Vagamon.