Vagamon

Vagamon is situated at an elevation of 1100 metres above sea level. Wagamon is called the trekker's paradise because it is an ideal place for trekking.

Vagamon, a vast spread of rolling meadows and green forests, is situated 3,500 ft. above sea level, in the green ocean of forest in the Sahyadri mountains.

Hardly 60 kms from Kottayam and 90 kms from Cochin, this scenic spot offers all that every tourist dreams about- a cool climate that’s just right for long treks, huge peaks that roll down to gentle grass valley, tempting paragliders; tranquil lakes that invite water sport enthusiasts. Little brooks which tease you to cross over to quiet woods. Wild game is abundant, with elephants, and wild buffalows forming a major part of the population.

Vagamon is also a perfect base camp for tourists to explore other exotic locations in the vicinity- such as Thekkady, Kurisumala, Thangalpara, Muruganmala and Kulamavu. Thanks to all these wonderful advantages, the location is widely sought after by the national, international touring population.

Adequate infrastructural support from the state tourism administration has added momentum to the development of the location. The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India has identified Vagamon as the best eco-tourist destination in India.

The other attraction of this place is Kurisumala, a sky-scraping mountain with a small church on its peak. There is also a monastery on this hill, called Kurisumala Ashramam, which has a small community of ascetics who follow Christian faith but combines with it the Indian spiritual traditions and Gandhian thoughts. People of all faith are welcome to visit this place

Kalyanathandu

Kalyanathandu is a paradise on earth. Forest rich in a variety of flora and fauna, silvery cascades down mossy slopes, vast watery expanses and the distant blue hills kissing the skies- Kalayanathandu offers all these and more.
Considered to be one of the tallest mountains in Idukki district, Kalyanathandu is 68 km from Thodupuzha. Board any bus to Idukki or Kattapana and alight at 10th Mile, better known as Calvary Mount (the name is derived from the presence of a wooden cross here). From here, a 30-minute trek will take you to the top of the mountain.

The trek through the lovely, dark and deep woods is quite an experience. The well-maintained serpentine path which is used even in the rainy season makes the trek less cumbersome and more exciting. From a top Kalyanathandu, the view across the land is breath taking.

Other excursions from Kalyanathandu are equally beautiful places like the Narakakkanam tunnel, Kathitheppu etc. On one side of kalyanathandu which falls in the protected forest area under Kattapana divisional forest, the remains of an ancient temple where local Adivasis worship can be found. At 10th mile stands a dilapidated board, a pointer to the fact that a major tourism project was once in the offing. Food and accommodation are available at Kattapana, about 13 km from here.

Thekkady

Thekkady in Kerala State , India 's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India . The 120 years old 'Surki' dam built across Peryiar, Poorna in Vedic parlance, is a major tourist attraction. This sanctuary is spread over an area of 777 Sq.Kms, surrounded by an artificial lake over an area of 25 Sq.Kms..

The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations

Thekkady is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places for viewing wild animals. The best time to visit animals is during the months of March, April and May. Thekkady offers facilities for Trekking, elephant riding and boating. Boating through the Placid Lake provides a rare opportunity to watch wild animals

Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu is a small village/hill station on the border between Kerala and TamilNadu. It is famous for the strong winds and the breathtaking views of Tamil Nadu villages from the hill top. If you are looking for a reason for buying a high end binoculars, plan a trip to Ramakkalmedu today!

The name Ramakkalmedu is derived from Rama-kal-medu (Rama’s foot on the rock). According to the folklore, Hindu god Rama had set foot on this rock while searching for his wife Sita abducted by Ravanan. Any way if someone needs to have a bird’s eye view of Tamilnadu, I don’t think there is a better place than Ramakkalmedu. According to local experts, on a clear day you can get a good view of 6 major towns of Tamilnadu!

Ramakkalmedu was a relatively unknown tourist destination till recently. Thanks to its location (between Munnar and Thekkady) and also due to wind energy farms setup recently, this place now attracts thousands of visitors every day.

How to reach Ramakkalmedu tourist destination?

Ramakkalmedu is located in Idukki district and can be reached from Thekkady-Munnar route. You can find some decent hotels in Nedungandam or Kattappana and both places are nearby. Ramakkalmedu is about 20kms from Kattappana town and the road is narrow but in good condition.

Ramakkalmedu distance chart

Please note that the distances given below are approximate. Also distance varies depending on the route you take.

Nearest railway station: Changanacherry (90km)
Nearest airport: Madurai (145km) and Cochin International Airport(Nedumbasery - 185km)

Thekkady - Ramakkalmedu - 40km
Kattappana - Ramakkalmedu - 20km
Nedunkandam - Ramakkalmedu -15km
Munnar - Ramakkalmedu - 70km
Trivandrum - Ramakkalmedu - 300km
Ernakulam - Ramakkalmedu - 150km

The Wind Factor

Ramakkalmedu-is an unique place to experience the wind effect. The wind gusts into the hills and recorded as maximum in Asia. The average wind speed is about 25 km/hour. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visits this place daily to feel light with the winds. It is very difficult to explain the wonderful effect of winds that fondles you on the hills. One must experience that feeling at Ranakkalmedu. Sometimes you have to seek shelter from the winds when you are about to fly with the winds. It’s an ideal place for paragliding.
The landscape, mountains and ravines have so much beauty and greenery that sooths your eyes. The panoramic view from the Ramakkal mount or the Kuravan mount must be felt to experience this beautiful hill station.

It’s still beholds the virginity of the mountains and forest as there is not much encroachments by the humans other than the few settlers who came just after the formation of the State.

Weather, except in monsoon ( June,July & August) and winter (November, December & January) it’s very pleasant with bright sunshine. Being high altitude and with gusting winds it is like heaven.. During Monsoon, it is mostly raining with strong winds and evenings are colder. Trecking becomes more adventurous and rain gives the forest and mountain more colour and beauty, it’s really marvelous to see the rain (probably to have a rain dance) on the mountains of Ramakkalmedu. From November to February it’s like a paradise with beautiful sunshine.

The altitude of Ramakkal is about 3560 feet from the sea level and about 1500 feet from the plain of land adjoining the mountains in Tamil Nadu.Presently (July 2008) no hotels in Ramakkalmedu-and One luxury resort is under construction in the foothills (Expected to open by Sept-2009). District Tourism Promotion council have some facilities on top of the mountain but yet to open for the public. You may stay in Tekkady or Munnar to Visit this beautiful hill station.

Thooval Waterfalls

With the rain subsiding, waterfalls in Idukki have become the favourite destination for visitors. Small and big water falls have formed in various streams and rivers providing a visual feast for visitors.
The district is endowed with the largest number of waterfalls of all sizes. The waterfalls become lively when the rain subside after a spell of heavy rains. The district has around 50 waterfalls including the famous Thommankuthu waterfalls.
Thooval falls, Ulakkayurutty, Aruvikkuzhy, Valara, Pookkulam and a number of falls in the Periyar river are being visited by scores of tourists especially during the off-season period.
The waterfalls till recently were less favoured by foreign tourists as proper information about the best falls and motorable roads were absent.
"Though Idukki has a number of waterfalls of great attraction, these are not included in the tourism itinerary for foreign visitors," said the manager of a travel agency here and added that if proper roads, guidelines, and facilities are provided foreign tourists especially off-beat travellers would be attracted. Though private tourism promoting agencies have added trekking in forest areas in the itinerary, waterfalls are not included, he said.
However, it does not dampen the spirit of internal tourists, especially youths who choose waterfalls to get away from the routine.
If proper care is not taken while visiting waterfalls, accidents may happen.
Divya K. M. a resident of the area said that each year more and more visitors come to Thooval falls, though a good road from Eettithoppu is still absent. It takes 15 minutes walk from Eettithoppu on the Kattappana-Melechinnar route to reach the bottom of the Thooval falls. Even before reaching the spot, one is spellbound by the mists produced by the falls.
The District Tourism Promotion Council is yet to devise a plan for showcasing the known waterfalls in the district. DTPC secretary M. Rajesh said that there was lack of facilities including motorable roads.
"However, it is possible to draw a list of safe waterfalls in the district and showcase them for tourists," she said and added that the DTPC has plans to make unknown destinations known to tourists and travel agencies.