Kerala is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a variety of outdoor experiences.
From lush greenery to serene trails, this Indian state is a gem that offers something for someone. One of its hidden treasures is Vagamon, a hill station in Kerala’s Idukki District. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it boasts hills, tea estates, valleys, and waterfalls. Its untouched beauty and greenery make it even more special, as it’s not crowded like other tourist spots.
If you’re seeking a peaceful weekend escape from the city, our blog covers everything about camping and trekking in Vagamon is perfect.
Imagine walking deep into the hills, surrounded by clouds and occasional rain showers. It’s a refreshing experience, a chance to reconnect with nature and create unforgettable memories.
So, grab your backpack and trekking shoes, and join us on this adventure.
Trekking and Camping Checklist: What to Bring
- Clothing: Pack clothes for 3 days, plus an extra set for emergencies.
- Footwear: Bring comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
- Light: Carry a flashlight with spare batteries.
- Bag: Use a small or medium-sized backpack.
- Water: Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Protection: Have a waterproof pouch for valuables in case of rain.
- Health: Carry pain relief spray, any necessary medicines, and a bedsheet.
- Extras (Optional): Consider a walking pole, power bank, camera, and snacks for energy.
I visited Vagamom with my colleagues in 2019 and our adventure began at 4 AM on December 28th when we a group of 10 travelled from Chennai in two cars. We estimated a 12-hour drive to reach the base camp in Kerala.
Despite the challenges of the journey, hearty conversations, delicious food, and endless fun, we enjoyed the trip thoroughly. We captured countless moments, took breaks along the way, and even dealt with a car breakdown. By 8 PM, tired and famished, we finally arrived at the serene Muthukora campsite at Vagamon.
Nestled amidst coffee plantations and surrounded by lush greenery, the campsite featured cosy cottage tents and well-maintained washrooms, a comfort amidst the rugged terrain. The atmosphere was tranquil, with a beautiful pond at the heart of the estate.
The campsite is ideal for nature enthusiasts, offering clean, comfortable, and airy tents accommodating 2 or 3 people.
Despite rain disrupting our planned campfire, we indulged in a delightful dinner featuring Chicken Curry, Vegetable Kurma, and Rotis which were simply divine. We also played many rounds of dumb charades and finally retired for the day at 1 p.m.
However, the change in surroundings due to the rain made it difficult for me to sleep that night, adding a new experience to our camping experience.
The next day we woke up to see a beautiful sunrise and clicked many pictures to our heart’s content.
During our camp, the highlight was the breathtaking hill views and the coffee plantations. We had a light breakfast of Idli and Sambar and our adventure continued with a jeep ride to the Thalayotti Para trekking point from the base camp.
Accompanied by two guides, we navigated challenging terrain, including slippery rocks, waterfalls, and dense forests.
Carrying hefty backpacks proved a challenge, especially on the rocky paths. Despite struggles and a few falls, the day trek remained manageable for us city-goers. We found that walking poles were unnecessary, and as we packed our lunches, we didn’t need additional snacks along the way.
The view from the top of the large rock was absolutely captivating. Halfway through the trek, some members of our group had refreshing stream baths, adding a lot of joy to the journey.
After a strenuous 4-hour climb, we reached the peak, utterly exhausted. We returned to the campsite for a hearty dinner and a well-deserved rest. The night was made memorable with a campfire.
This place is a fantastic destination for both friends and families seeking a short getaway. We must express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Manoj and Mr. Shino for their exceptional hospitality and service.
On our final day, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast before starting our descent to Vagamon Town.
Unfortunately, our paragliding plans were cancelled due to unfavourable winds. We began our journey back to Chennai, making several stops along the way to buy spices, tea, coffee, and honey from wholesale shops. Additionally, we explored the Pine forest and experienced a Zip Liner ride in Vagamon town.
Despite the excitement, sleep evaded us that night. We returned to Chennai safely, carrying a treasure trove of memories. For those interested, our wonderful host, Manoj, can be reached at 9995317073. While the waterfalls are dry in December, the best time to visit Vagamon is during August and November.
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