Vagamon

Hill station in Kerala, India

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Hill station in Kerala, India

Vagamon

Hill station

From left to right: Vagamon meadows, Vagamon pine forest, Vagamon lake, Erattupetta - Vagamon road, Vagamon town

Nickname:

Scotland of Asia

Vagamon

Location in Kerala, India

Show map of Kerala

Vagamon

Vagamon (India)

Show map of India

Coordinates: 9°41′16″N 76°54′25″E﻿ / ﻿9.68778°N 76.90694°E﻿ / 9.68778; 76.90694
Country|  India
State|  Kerala
District| Kottayam, Idukki
Taluk| Peerumedu, Meenachil, Kanjirapally
Government

• Type| Panchayat
• Body| Elappara Grama Panchyat
Area

• Total

| 78.3 km2 (30.2 sq mi)
Elevation

| 1,200 m (3,900 ft)
Population

(2011)

• Total

| 14,641
• Density| 190/km2 (480/sq mi)
Languages

• Official| Malayalam, English[1]
Time zone| UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN|

685503

Vehicle registration| KL-37
Nearest city| Erattupetta, Kattappana, Thodupuzha, Pala, Elappara
Nearest airport| Kochi

Vagamon (Malayalam: [ʋaːɡɐmɐɳ]) is an Indian hill station and a revenue village located in Peerumedu Taluk of Idukki district, and also Meenachil taluk and Kanjirappally taluk of Kottayam district in the state of Kerala, India.[2][3] Located in the Western Ghats 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of Erattupetta on the border of Kottayam-Idukki districts, Vagamon is known for its natural environment.[4] The Vagamon glass bridge is the longest cantilever glass bridge in India.[5]

## History

[edit]

Vagamon remained largely unexplored for centuries. Though the British had plantations here, it was only in 1926, when Walter Duncan and Company started their tea plantations, that it became well known. In the 1930s, more tea plantations were set up in the area.[3] After 1940, people from Travancore, and Madras (Tamil Nadu), migrated to Vagamon. Later, after the formation of Kerala State, people from various parts of Kerala migrated there.[citation needed]

In 1955, the Trappist monastery Kurisumala Ashram was founded in Vagamon.[6]

## Geography

[edit]

Vagamon is located in the Western Ghats at 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) above sea level.[4] It has a cool climate with summer temperatures reaching 10–23 °C (50–73 °F)10-23 °C at midday.[7]

Neighbouring cities & towns

* v
* t
* e

Destinations from Vagamon

| Thodupuzha | Idukki | Kattappana, Nedumkandam

|
|

|  |
Erattupetta |

Vagamon

| Ayyappancoil
|  |
Kanjirapally | Kuttikkanam | Kumily

## Demographics

[edit]

As of 2011 Census, Vagamon had a population of 14,641 with 7,212 males and 7,429 females. Vagamon village has an area of 78.3 km2 (30.2 sq mi) with 3,816 families residing in it. The average sex ratio was 1030 lower than the state average of 1084. In Vagamon, 9% of the population was under 6 years of age. Vagamon had an average literacy of 90.9%. higher than the national average of 74%, and lower than the state average of 94%.[8]

## Economy

[edit]

The primary economy is ecotourism including hiking to explore the many waterfalls, rock climbing and paragliding.[7] National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon in their directory of the "50 most attractive places to visit in India".[4] In addition, many people work in as laborers in tea and coffee plantations.[7]

## Education

[edit]

Vagamon has two colleges: DC School of Management and Technology (DCSMAT) and DC School Of Architecture And Design, both promoted by DC Kizhakemuri Foundation and co-promoted by DC Books. One of the leading management colleges in Kerala, DCSMAT has an additional campus in Thiruvananthapuram.[9] DCSMAT offer programs such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Business Administrati (BBA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). DC School Of Architecture And Design provides courses such as Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design (BA Interior Design) and Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). The College of Dairy Sciences kolahalamedu Vagamon, offering courses for the B Tech Dairy Sciences, affiliated to Veterinary University.[10]

## Issues

[edit]

In August 2008, the Kerala Police began investigations into a training camp organized in December 2007 by the banned SIMI activists.[11]

On 18 August 2014, two tourists from Kozhikode died in Vagamon, after lightning struck them. Others who were with them sustained minor injuries. The incident happened at around 4:30 PM when the tourists were hanging around the barren hilltops. Both fell after the lightning hit them and their clothes were burned. Though both were taken to hospital, they died by the time they arrived.[12]

## Biodiversity

[edit]

Vagamon, due to its elevation and climate, has a unique ecosystem, leading to the emergence of rich natural vegetation, plant species, shola forests etc. From the early 20th century plantation grew crops like tea and coffee. Vagamon hills are home to less explored flora and fauna.[citation needed] A diversity study conducted by Dr Pratheesh Mathew recorded 112 species of moths from 16 families under eight superfamilies and has become the prominent faunal diversity study in this area. The author also recorded sightings of many species of insects, annelids, amphibians, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals. A wide variety of flowering and non-flowering plants, including rare Cycas species, has also been noted. The ongoing faunal and floral surveys are expected to shed light on the richness of biodiversity at this location. The flourishing tourism and related developments are predicted to have a negative impact on the flora and fauna of this region.[13]

## Culture

[edit]

Vagamon has a rich history of religious diversity with Hindu, Christian and Muslim populations.[4] There are several religious buildings to visit including:

* Kurisumala Ashram, Vagamon, Indian-Catholic monastery[6]
* St Sebastian's RC Church Vagamon[citation needed]
* St Antony's Church Vagamon[citation needed]
* Emmanuel CSI Church Vagamon[citation needed]
* Peniel Worship Center Vagamon
* Zion worship centre BBA Church Paarakattu
* Bible Believers Assembly Kottamala 3rd DIV
* Thangal para, a Muslim pilgrimage center 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) outside of Vagamon.[14][15]
* Sree Arundhathi Vasishta Temple, Vasishtagiry, Vagamon.[citation needed]
* Sree Subramanya Swami Temple[16]

## Books

[edit]

* The Story of Peermade by George Thengummoottil (ISBN 9788192888606)

## Gallery

[edit]

* Vagamon meadows, Kerala, India

* Western Ghats as seen from Vagamon View Point

* Pine Forest at Kolahalamedu

* Glamping in a resort at Vagamon

## See also

[edit]

Kattappana

* India portal

Kalvari Mount Kottamala

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "The Kerala Official Language (Legislation) Act, 1969" (PDF). Archived from the original on 11 September 2014.
2. ^ "Census of India: Villages with population 5000 & above". Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2008.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: others (link)
3. ^ a b "Explore Vagamon". Vagamon Destination Maker. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
4. ^ a b c d Pal, Pradip Kumar (21 January 2010). "Vagamon - Scotland of Asia Visit". India Study Channel.
5. ^ Valsalan, Anson (25 August 2023). "Enjoy a thrilling walk on India's longest glass bridge at Vagamon". OnManorama. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
6. ^ a b Bose, Abhish (22 April 2017). "Kurisumala ashram at Vagamon rejuvenates the visitors". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
7. ^ a b c "Vagamon Village Office". Government of Kerala Revenue Department. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
8. ^ Kerala, Directorate of Census Operations. District Census Handbook, Idukki (PDF). Thiruvananthapuram: Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala. p. 70,71. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
9. ^ "INDIAN BUSINESS SCHOOL TO FEATURE AT GHEDEX FROM APRIL 20 TO 22 – Muscat Daily".
10. ^ "Vagamon Destination Residential Campus". DCSMAT Institutions.
11. ^ "'SIMI's camp in Kerela, not ultra's training ground'". The Deccan herald.[dead link‍]
12. ^ "മിന്നലേറ്റ് വാഗമണില്‍ രണ്ട് കോഴിക്കോട് സ്വദേശികള്‍ മരിച്ചു - Latest News - Mathrubhumi" [Two natives of Kozhikode died in Vagamon due to lightning]. www.mathrubhumi.com (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 18 August 2014.
13. ^ Mathew, Pratheesh; Anand, Sekar; Kuppusamy, Sivasankaran; Ignacimuthi, Savarimuthu (1 March 2018). "The moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) of vagamon hills (Western Ghats), Idukki district, Kerala, India". researchgate.net. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
14. ^ "Thangalpara, Vagamon - Timings, History, Pooja & Aarti schedule". Trawell.in. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
15. ^ "A trek up the mythical Thangal Para". OnManorama. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
16. ^ "Vagamon Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple". iPrarthana. Retrieved 29 September 2023.

* v
* t
* e

Cities and towns in Kottayam district

Kottayam|

* Changanassery
* Perunnai
* Karukachal
* Kangazha
* Vazhoor
* Pampady
* Puthupally
* Manarkadu
* Kottayam
* Perumbaikad
* Peruva
* Kumarakam
* Ettumanoor
* Kuravilangad
* Palai
* Erattupetta
* Poonjar
* Ponkunnam
* Kanjirappally
* Erumeli
* Mundakayam
* Kaduthuruthy
* Vaikom
* Vazhappally

* v
* t
* e

Tourism in Kerala

Organisations|

* Kerala Tourism Development Corporation
* Department of Tourism (Kerala)
* Gandhi Seva Sadan

Informative articles|

* Chinese fishing nets
* God's Own Country
* Chundan Vallam
* Jatayu Earth’s Center
* Kerala backwaters
* Pooram
* Puli Kali
* Temple Festivals of Kerala
* Tourist Resorts (Kerala)
* Vallam kali
* Wildlife of Kerala

Airports|

* Calicut International Airport
* Cochin International Airport
* Kannur International Airport
* Kollam Airport(Defunct)
* Trivandrum International Airport

Amusement parks|

* Fantasy Park
* Flora Fantasia
* Kottakkunnu
* Vismaya
* Wonderla

Archaeological sites|

* Anchuthengu
* Ariyannur Umbrellas
* Cheraman Parambu
* Kadavallur
* Kandanissery
* Kudakkallu Parambu
* Pattanam
* Tangasseri
* Thovarimala Ezhuthupara

Beaches|

* Alappuzha Beach
* Azheekal beach
* Bekal beach
* Chavakkad Beach
* Cherai Beach
* Fort Kochi beach
* Kappad
* Kappil, Thiruvananthapuram
* Kappkadavu
* Kollam Beach
* Kovalam
* Kozhikode Beach
* Mappila Bay
* Marari Beach
* Meenkunnu Beach
* Munakkal Beach
* Mundakkal Beach
* Muzhappilangad Beach
* Muziris beach
* Padinjarekkara beach
* Paravanna beach
* Payyambalam Beach
* Ponnani
* Poovar
* Shankumugham Beach
* Snehatheeram Beach
* Paravur Thekkumbhagam
* Thirumullavaram Beach
* Tanur beach
* Thottada Beach
* Vadakara Sandbank
* Kadalundi Nagaram beach
* Varkala Beach

Boat races|

* Aranmula Boat Race
* Biyyam Kayal Boat Race
* Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
* Indira Gandhi Boat Race
* Kallada Boat Race
* Kandassankadavu Boat Race
* Nehru Trophy Boat Race
* Payippadu Vallam Kali
* President's Trophy Boat Race
* Sree Narayana Jayanthi Boat Race
* Triprayar Boat Race

Caves|

* Chovvanur burial cave
* Edakkal Caves
* Kottukal cave temple
* Nedumala caves, Piralimattam
* Vizhinjam rock caves

Dams|

* Banasura Sagar Dam
* Bhoothathankettu
* Cheruthoni Dam
* Chimmony Dam
* Idamalayar Dam
* Idukki Dam
* Kakki Reservoir
* Kanjirapuzha Dam
* Karapuzha Dam
* Malampuzha Dam
* Malankara Dam
* Mangalam Dam
* Mattupetty Dam
* Meenkara Dam
* Mullaperiyar Dam
* Neyyar Dam
* Parambikulam Dam
* Pazhassi Dam
* Peechi Dam
* Peringalkuthu Dam
* Peruvaripallam Dam
* Ponmudi Dam
* Poomala Dam
* Pothundi Dam
* Sholayar Dam
* Siruvani Dam
* Thanneermukkom Bund
* Thenmala Dam
* Thunakkadavu Dam
* Vazhani Dam
* Walayar Dam

Festivals|

* Aanayoottu
* Aaraattu
* Aluva Sivarathri festival
* Arattupuzha Pooram
* Edakkunni Uthram Vilakku
* Feast of Saint Raphael, Ollur
* Gandharvanpattu
* Ilanjithara Melam
* India International Boat Show
* International Film Festival of Kerala
* Kadavallur Anyonyam
* Kanyarkali
* Karivela
* Kerala Adventure Carnival
* Keralotsavam
* Kollam Pooram
* Kottakkal pooram
* Kottankulangara Festival
* Machad Mamangam
* Nalukulangara Pooram
* Kalpathi Ratholsavam
* Nenmara Vallanghy Vela
* Onam
* Onathallu or Avittathallu
* Peruvanam Pooram
* Tattamangalam Kuthira Vela
* Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram
* Thrissur Pooram
* Uthralikavu Pooram

Forts|

* Arikady Fort
* Anchuthengu Fort
* Bekal Fort
* Chandragiri Fort, Kerala
* Cranganore Fort
* East Fort
* Fort Emmanuel
* Hosdurg Fort
* Nedumkotta
* Overbury's Folly
* Palakkad Fort
* Paloor Kotta
* Pallipuram Fort
* St Thomas Fort, Tangasseri
* St. Angelo Fort
* Tellicherry Fort
* William Fort

Islands|

* Dharmadam Island
* Ezhumanthuruthu
* Gundu Island
* Islands of Kollam
* Kavvayi
* Kuruvadweep
* Munroe Island
* Parumala
* Pizhala
* Pulinkunnoo
* Ramanthuruthu
* Valiyaparamba
* Vallarpadam
* Balathiruthi Islands
* Vypin
* Willingdon Island

Lakes|

* Ashtamudi Lake
* Biyyam Lake
* Enamakkal Lake
* Mananchira
* Oranju Poika
* Padinjarechira
* Paravur Lake
* Pookode Lake
* Sasthamcotta Lake
* Veeranpuzha
* Vellayani Lake
* Vadakkechira
* Vanchikulam
* Vembanad

Lighthouses|

* Vizhinjam
* Tangasseri
* Kovilthottam
* Alappuzha
* Manakkodam
* Vypin
* Azhikode
* Chetwai
* Ponnani
* Beypore
* Kozhikode
* Kannur

Mountains|

* Aathanad
* Agastya Mala
* Ambanad Hills
* Ambukuthi mala
* Anamudi
* Anginda peak
* Arimbra hills
* Attappadi
* Banasura Hill
* Chekkunnu Mala
* Chembra Peak
* Cheriyam hill
* Elivai Malai
* Ilaveezha Poonchira
* Illickal Kallu
* Kodikuthimala
* Kunnathoor Padi
* Marayur
* Meenuliyan Para
* Mukurthi
* Nelliampathi
* Paithalmala
* Pandallur hills
* Ponmudi
* Poomala
* Urakam Hill
* Vagamon
* Vagavurrai
* Vavul Mala
* Vellarimala

Museums|

* 8 Point Gallery Cafe, Kollam
* Arakkal Museum
* Archaeological Museum, Thrissur
* Indian Business Museum
* Indo-Portuguese Museum
* Kerala Science and Technology Museum
* Kerala Soil Museum
* Lockhart Tea Museum
* Munnar Tea Museum
* Napier Museum
* Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum
* Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum, Kollam
* Teak Museum, Nilambur
* Wayanad Heritage Museum

Palaces|

* Arakkal Palace
* Aranmula Kottaram
* Bolgatty Palace
* British Residency
* Cheena Kottaram
* Halcyon Castle
* Hill Palace, Tripunithura
* Kanakakkunnu Palace
* Karimpuzha Kovilakam
* Kilimanoor Palace
* Kodungallur Kovilakam
* Kollengode Palace
* Kowdiar Palace
* Koyikkal Palace
* Krishnapuram Palace
* Kuthira Malika
* Lakshmipuram Palace
* Maipady Palace
* Mattancherry Palace
* Merry Lodge Palace
* Nilambur Kovilakam
* Paliam Kovilakam
* Pandalam Palace
* Punnathurkotta
* Puthen Kovilakam
* Shakthan Thampuran Palace
* Sri Moolam Thirunal Palace
* Thevally Palace

Ancient residences|

* Azhvanchery Mana
* Olappamanna Mana
* Poonthanam Illam
* Thunchan Samarakam
* Varikkasseri Mana

Waterfalls|

* Adyanpara Falls
* Aripara Falls
* Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
* Athirappilly Falls
* Ayyapanov Waterfalls
* Charpa Falls
* Cheeyappara
* Dhoni Waterfalls
* Kollam Kolli Falls
* Kozhippara Waterfalls
* Kudamutti Falls
* Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls
* Lakkom Water Falls
* Manalar Waterfalls
* Marmala waterfall
* Meenmutty Falls, Thiruvananthapuram
* Meenmutty Falls, Wayanad
* Meenvallam Waterfalls
* Oliyarik Waterfalls
* Palaruvi Falls
* Paloor Kotta Falls
* Panieli Poru waterfalls
* Pattathippara Falls
* Perunthenaruvi
* Perunthenaruvi Falls
* Siruvani Waterfalls
* Soochipara Falls
* Thommankuthu
* Thusharagiri Falls
* Thoovanam Waterfalls
* Vazhachal Falls
* Vazhvanthol waterfalls

Wildlife sanctuaries|

* Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
* Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
* Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
* Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
* Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary
* Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
* Kurinjimala Sanctuary
* Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary
* Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
* Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
* Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
* Pathiramanal
* Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
* Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
* Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
* Periyar Tiger Reserve
* Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
* Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
* Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Zoos|

* Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre
* Parassinikkadavu Snake Park
* Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
* Thrissur Zoo
* Thrissur Zoological Park Wildlife Conservation & Research Centre

* Templates
* Category
* WikiProject
* India portal

* v
* t
* e

Travancore region

Districts|

* Kanyakumari (Part)
* Thiruvananthapuram
* Kollam
* Pathanamthitta
* Alappuzha
* Kottayam
* Idukki
* Ernakulam (Part)

Towns and
cities|

* Nagarcoil
* Kanyakumari
* Thovala
* Suchindram
* Manavalakurichy
* Kaliyakkavilai
* Mandaikadu
* Marthandam
* Neyyoor
* Thiruvithancode
* Kolachal
* Thiruvananthapuram
* Parassala
* Neyyattinkara
* Nedumangadu
* Venjaramoodu
* Aryanad
* Vembayam
* Chirayinkeezhu
* Attingal
* Varkala
* Avanavancherry
* Kallambalam
* Kilimanoor
* Kottarakkara
* Neduvathoor
* Ayoor
* Anchal
* Edamulackal
* Chadayamangalam
* Chathannoor
* Kalluvathukkal
* Kottiyam
* Kollam
* Paravur
* Parippally
* Munroethuruth
* Mayyanad
* Punalur
* Pathanapuram
* Manchalloor
* Pidavoor
* Adoor
* Konni
* Pathanamthitta
* Kozhencherry
* Aranmula
* Kumbanad
* Ranni
* Vadasserikkara
* Mallapally
* Tiruvalla
* Parumala
* Mannar
* Edathua
* Chengannur
* Mavelikkara
* Padanilam
* Nilakkal
* Chettikulangara
* Kayamkulam
* Haripad
* Ambalappuzha
* Alappuzha
* Mankombu
* Mararikulam
* Cherthala
* Aroor
* Changanacherry
* Vazhoor
* Karukachal
* Kottayam
* Kumarakam
* Pambadi
* Ettumanoor
* Vaikom
* Kaduthuruthy
* Thalayolaparambu
* Kuravilangad
* Palai
* Uzhavoor
* Poonjar
* Erattupetta
* Kanjirappally
* Ponkunnam
* Erumely
* Mundakayam
* Vagamon
* Peermade
* Kumily
* Kattappana
* Adimali
* Vechoor
* North Paravur
* Alengad
* Angamaly
* Kalady
* Aluva
* Perumbavoor
* Muvattupuzha
* Kothamangalam
* Arakuzha
* Koothattukulam
* Piravom
* Kolenchery
* Kizhakkambalam
* Idukki
* Thodupuzha
* Painavu
* Munnar
* Devikulam
* Kannan Devan Hills
* Marayur
* Adimali
* Udumbanchola
* Nedumkandam
* Kattappana
* Rajakkad

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