Vagamon - Scotland of Asia

By the time you finish reading this blog and scrolling through the pictures will surely agree with me why I said Vagamon is Scotland of Asia.

Almost a year back joined to a club of Royal Enfield bullet which started by my friend called REM or Royal Enfield Mania. Prime reason to join was to explore new places and to develop my passion for photography and off course to feel the THUMP of Royal Enfield Bullet. We have done 7 rides so far (missed two of it, which was Athirappilly and Munnar) however Vagamon trip was an awesome one and Sixth ride of the club. But 7th ride to Valparai was terrific and longest I have done which will come into my blog soon.

02.10.14 @ 0800 Hrs

As planned, we started the ride from Cochin to Vagamon with 12 bulls and another 5 more joined from Muvattupuzha (41 Km from Kaloor International stadium - our starting point) till Thodupuzha another 24 Km from Muvattupuzha (main towns between Cochin to Vagamon). We stopped for breakfast wherein another 12 bullets more joined which made total of 27 riding up to the hill and back. 

@ 1030 Hrs

We went through Moolamattom (Hydal Project run by Kerala State Electricity Board) and covered another 50 Km to reach vagamon. Total distance covered 115 Km and reached finally around 1300 Hrs. Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock lined with pine forests. 

Pics @ 1230 Hrs to 1300 Hrs

Vagamon is a hill station located in Kottayam - Idukki border of Kerala. With a never ending line of lush green hills, breathtaking views makes it a perfect tourist place especially for day trip. It is situated 1200 meters above the sea level and have lot of tea gardens, Pine forest. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10-23°C during a summer midday.

Pics @ 1300 Hrs to 1400 Hrs

National Geographic Traveller has listed Vagamon on their directory of the 50 most attractive places to visit in India, may be because it is untouched by commercialisation and it is a sleepy town with its beautiful valleys,mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls with the overall greenery is really striking. The landscape is mostly hilly bald with green meadows. Vagamon is also home to a large variety of flowers and orchids. 

Pics @ 1400 Hrs to 1500 Hrs

It consists of three striking hills Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills which are the representation of the main religions in Kerala - Hindu, Muslim and Christian which represent the cultural harmony. 

I have been told by my fellow riders that it has amenities for trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing but couldn't experience the same as time doesn't permits. 

Pics @ 1500 Hrs to 1600 Hrs

When we were there on hill top clouds were just touched and passed through it was so cold and nice to feel the fresh air. So visit Vagamon hill station to experience relaxation and peace of mind. The Vagamon hill station offers you a unique and different atmosphere in comparison to other hill stations of Kerala. Besides, being abundant in natural beauty, the place also offers space for spiritual activities. The peaceful surroundings with cool and soft breeze blowing across the valley makes it a perfect place for meditation.

Pics after 1600 Hrs 

It was almost getting dark by 1615 Hrs and we felt that it is the time to return back. We took the route of Muttom, Kanjar and Thodupuzha to return back. I always thought it is just going to be normal (riding back) but that was the ultimate feel of everything and it was just more than perfect. Bulls started from thodupuzha had a Mahindra Jeep as pilot where in it had two yellow halogen at the back for to show us the route and their friend with camera could able to capture lot of shots. Since I was riding in the front I could see in my mirror the glimpse of bulls with headlight through clouds. Even though the pics are not mine and not so clear but I am sure you or the owner of the pic wouldn't blame me for the same.

Morning when the ride tarted the ride it was bright sunny, riding through pleasant afternoon, and riding back through cloudy and rainy evening made it an awesome one. 

Since I haven't stayed and experienced, no recommendation of activities and hotels. Looking forward to come back here with family and to stay overnight.

Distance from Cochin Airport is also 100 Km. 

My Bull and SLR helped me to travel and capture this moments and resulted this blog.

Until Next Blog...