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{{original research|date=April 2019}}
{{Short description|Hill station in Kerala, India}}
{{Original research|date=April 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Vagamon
| name               = Vagamon
| other_name                     =  
| other_name         = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
<!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| nickname           = Scotland of Asia
| nickname                       = Scotland of Kerala
| settlement_type   = [[Hill station]]
| settlement_type                 = [[Hill station]]
| image_skyline     = {{multiple image
| image_skyline                   = [[File:Vagamon Meadow 1.jpg|250px|Vagamon Meadow 1]]
| border                  = infobox
| image_alt                      =
| total_width             = 300
| image_caption                  = Vagamon meadow
| image_style             =  
| pushpin_map                    = India Kerala#India
| perrow                  = 1/2/2/1
| pushpin_label_position          = right
| image1 = Vagamon meadows.JPG
| pushpin_map_alt                =
| image2 = Pain Forest, Vagamon - panoramio.jpg
| pushpin_map_caption            = Location in Kerala, India
| image3 = Vagamon - വാഗമൺ 02.jpg
| coordinates                    = {{coord|9.6862|N|76.9052|E|display=inline,title}}
| image4 = Route to Vagamon.JPG
| subdivision_type                = Country
| image5 = Vagamon HS-4910.jpg
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|India}}
| image6 =  
| subdivision_type1              = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1              = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2              = [[Idukki]]
| subdivision_type3              = [[Taluks of Kerala|Taluk]]
| subdivision_name3              = [[Peerumedu taluk|Peerumedu]]
| established_title              = <!-- Established -->
| established_date                =
| founder                        =
| named_for                      =
| government_type                = [[Panchayati raj (India)]]
| governing_body                  =
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| area_footnotes                  =
| area_rank                      =
| area_total_km2                  = 78.3
| elevation_footnotes            =
| elevation_m                    = 1200
| population_total                = 14,641
| population_as_of                = 2011
| population_rank                =  
| population_density_km2          = auto
| population_demonym             =  
| population_footnotes            =
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| demographics1_title1            = Official
| demographics1_info1            = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English<ref>{{cite web |title=The Kerala Official Language (Legislation) Act, 1969 |url=http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/kerala/1969/1969KERALA7.pdf}}</ref>
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| postal_code_type                = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                    = 685503
| registration_plate              = KL-37
| blank1_name_sec1                = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1                =  [[Kattappana]], [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]], [[Thodupuzha]]
| blank2_name_sec2                = Nearest Railway Station
| blank2_info_sec1                = [[Kottayam]]
| blank3_name_sec1                = Nearest airport
| blank3_info_sec1                =[[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]]
| website                        =
| footnotes                      =
| official_name                  =  
}}
}}
{{OSM Location map
| image_alt          =
|lat = 9.577
| image_caption      = ''From left to right'': Vagamon meadows, Vagamon pine forest, Vagamon lake, Erattupetta - Vagamon road, Vagamon town
|lon = 76.904
| pushpin_map        = India Kerala#India
|zoom = 9
| pushpin_label_position = right
|width = 275
| pushpin_map_alt    =
|height = 400
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates        = {{coord|9|41|16|N|76|54|25|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type  = Country
| subdivision_name  = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Government of Kerala Logo.svg}} [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Kottayam]], [[Idukki]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Taluks of Kerala|Taluk]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Peerumedu taluk|Peerumedu]], [[Meenachil taluk|Meenachil]], [[Kanjirapally taluk|Kanjirapally]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date  =
| founder            =
| named_for          =
| government_type    = [[Panchayati raj (India)|Panchayat]]
| governing_body    = Elappara Grama Panchyat
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes    =
| area_rank          =
| area_total_km2    = 78.3
| elevation_footnotes =  
| elevation_m        = 1200
| population_total  = 14,641
| population_as_of  = 2011
| population_rank    =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English<ref>{{cite web |title=The Kerala Official Language (Legislation) Act, 1969 |url=http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/kerala/1969/1969KERALA7.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911111246/http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/kerala/1969/1969KERALA7.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 September 2014}}</ref>
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type  = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 685503
| registration_plate = KL-37
| blank1_name_sec1  = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1  = [[Erattupetta]], [[Kattappana]], [[Thodupuzha]], [[Pala, Kerala|Pala]], [[Elappara]]
| blank2_name_sec2  = Nearest Railway Station
| blank2_info_sec1  = [[Kottayam]]
| blank3_name_sec1  = Nearest airport
| blank3_info_sec1  = [[Cochin International Airport|Kochi]]
| website            =
| footnotes          =  
| official_name      =  
}}
 
'''Vagamon''' ({{ipa|ml|ʋaːɡɐmɐɳ|lang}}) is an Indian [[hill station]] and a [[Revenue Village|revenue village]]  located in [[Peerumedu taluk|Peerumedu Taluk]] of [[Idukki district]], and also [[Meenachil|Meenachil taluk]] and [[Kanjirappally|Kanjirappally taluk]] of [[Kottayam district]] in the state of [[Kerala]], [[India]].<ref name="censusindia">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |title=Census of India: Villages with population 5000 & above |others=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=2008-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208044522/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |archive-date=2008-12-08 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-16 |title=Explore Vagamon |url=https://vagamon.org/,%20https://vagamon.org/ |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=Vagamon Destination Maker |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Located in the [[Western Ghats]] {{Convert|25|km|mi}} east of [[Erattupetta]] on the border of Kottayam-Idukki districts, Vagamon is known for its natural environment.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |last=Pal |first=Pradip Kumar |date=21 January 2010 |title=Vagamon - Scotland of Asia Visit |url=http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/103305-Vagamon-Scotland-Asia.aspx |website=India Study Channel}}</ref> The [[Vagamon Glass Bridge|Vagamon glass bridge]] is the longest cantilever glass bridge in India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valsalan |first=Anson |date=2023-08-25 |title=Enjoy a thrilling walk on India's longest glass bridge at Vagamon |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/kerala/2023/08/24/vagamon-longest-cantilever-glass-bridge-kolahalamedu.html |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=OnManorama}}</ref>


|minimap = yes
==History==
|mini-width=
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.<ref name=":0" /> 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|date=September 2023}}
|mini-height=
|minipog-x=
|minipog-y=
|scalemark =180


|mark-lat = 9.687
In 1955, the [[Trappists|Trappist]] monastery [[Kurisumala Ashram]] was founded in Vagamon.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Bose |first=Abhish |date=2017-04-22 |title=Kurisumala ashram at Vagamon rejuvenates the visitors |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/230417/kurisumala-ashram-at-vagamon-rejuvenates-the-visitors.html |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
|mark-lon = 76.904
|mark-title = Vagamon
|label = Vagamon
|label-pos = bottom


|mark-lat1 = 9.577
In 1963,Dr. Elizabeth Baker and Architect [[Padma Shri]] [[Laurie Baker]] established a hospital and rural service centre at Kurishumala, Vagamon to serve tea-plantation workers and rural communities in the Idukki hills. Often referred to as the Mitraniketan, it is widely noted as Baker’s first project in Kerala and as an early exemplar of his cost-effective, climate-sensitive building approach using local materials.<ref>https://thefederal.com/the-eighth-column/a-journey-through-laurie-bakers-earliest-projects-in-kerala</ref><ref>https://lauriebaker.net/index.php/life/rural-kerala-vagamon</ref><ref>https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/laurie-bakers-buildings-that-showcase-the-architecture-he-championed-are-living-museums-of-his-philosophy/article68124734.ece</ref>
|mark-lon1 = 77.18
|mark-title1 = Thekkady
|label1 = Thekkady
|label-pos1 = left


|mark-lat2 = 9.847
== Geography ==
|mark-lon2 = 76.942
Vagamon is located in the [[Western Ghats]] at {{Convert|1100|m}} above sea level.<ref name=":1" /> It has a cool climate with summer temperatures reaching {{Convert|10-23|C|F}}10-23&nbsp;°C at midday.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Vagamon Village Office |url=https://village.kerala.gov.in/Office_websites/about_village.php?nm=270270Vagamonvillageoffice#:~:text=Geography,1,100%20metres%20above%20sea%20level. |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=Government of Kerala Revenue Department}}</ref>
|mark-title2 = Painav, Idukki
|label2 = Painav, Idukki
|label-pos2 = top


<!-- you can repeat landmarks up to 9 with this template -->
{| style="margin:0;"


|+'''Neighbouring cities & towns'''
|
{{Geographic Location
|title = '''Destinations from Vagamon'''
|Northwest = [[Thodupuzha]]
|North    = [[Idukki township|Idukki]]
|Northeast = [[Kattappana]], [[Nedumkandam]]
|West      = [[Erattupetta]]
|Centre    = Vagamon
|East      = [[Ayyappancoil]]
|Southwest = [[Kanjirapally]]
|South    = [[Kuttikkanam]]
|Southeast = [[Kumily]]
}}
}}
|}


'''Vagamon''' ({{lang-ml|വാഗമൺ}}) is an Indian [[hill station]] and a revenue village primarily located in [[Peerumedu taluk]] of [[Idukki district]] (majority area including Vagamon town), and also [[Meenachil|Meenachil taluk]] and [[Kanjirappally|Kanjirappally taluk]] of [[Kottayam district]] in the state of [[Kerala]], India... Gifted with magnificent hill formations, natural attractions and panoramic views Vagamon has emerged as a major tourist destination in the recent times comparable with places like Munnar and Kumarakam in popularity.<ref name="censusindia">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |title=Census of India: Villages with population 5000 & above |others=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=2008-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208044522/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |archive-date=2008-12-08 }}</ref><ref>https://www.vagamon.com/</ref>
==Demographics==
 
As of [[2011 Census of India|2011 Census]], Vagamon had a population of 14,641 with 7,212 males and 7,429 females. Vagamon village has an area of {{cvt|78.3|km2}} 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%.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kerala |first1=Directorate of Census Operations |title=District Census Handbook, Idukki |publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala |location=Thiruvananthapuram |page=70,71 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3209_PART_B_IDUKKI.pdf |access-date=14 July 2020}}</ref>
==History==
Vagamon does not have a long history to boast of as it had remained unexplored for centuries. Though the British had plantations here, it was only in 1926, when Walter Duncan and Company started their tea plantations here, that it became well-known. In the 1930s, more tea plantations were set up in the area. In the 1950s, the famed Kurisumala Ashram was set up here and that was the turning point in its development into a well-known place.
 
[[National Geographic Traveler]] has listed Vagamon on their directory of the "50 most attractive places to visit in India".<ref>http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/103305-Vagamon-Scotland-Asia.aspx</ref>


==Demographics==
== Economy ==
As of [[2011 Census of India|2011 Census]], Vagamon had a population of 14,641 with 7,212 males and 7,429 females. Vagamon village has an area of {{cvt|78.3|km2}} 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%.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kerala |first1=Directorate of Census Operations |title=District Census Handbook, Idukki |publisher=Directorateof Census Operations,Kerala |location=Thiruvananthapuram |page=70,71 |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/3209_PART_B_IDUKKI.pdf |access-date=14 July 2020}}</ref>
The primary economy is [[ecotourism]] including hiking to explore the many waterfalls, [[rock climbing]] and [[paragliding]].<ref name=":3" /> [[National Geographic Traveler]] has listed Vagamon in their directory of the "50 most attractive places to visit in India".<ref name=":1" /> In addition, many people work in as laborers in tea and coffee plantations.<ref name=":3" />


==Education==
==Education==
[[DC School of Management and Technology|¤ DC School of Management and Technology]] (DCSMAT) and DC School Of Architecture And Design are the two institutions, promoted by [[DC Kizhakemuri Foundation]] and co-promoted by [[DC Books]], located in [[Pullikkanam]] near Vagamon. DCSMAT, one of the leading management colleges in Kerala, has two campuses located in [[Thiruvananthapuram]] and Vagamon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Indian-business-school-to-feature-at-Ghedex-from-April-20-to-22-3zl6|title=INDIAN BUSINESS SCHOOL TO FEATURE AT GHEDEX FROM APRIL 20 TO 22 – Muscat Daily}}</ref> DCSMAT offer courses such as [[Master of Business Administration]] ([[MBA]]), [[Bachelor of Commerce]] ([[B.Com]]), [[Bachelor of Business Administration]] ([[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]]).
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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Indian-business-school-to-feature-at-Ghedex-from-April-20-to-22-3zl6|title=INDIAN BUSINESS SCHOOL TO FEATURE AT GHEDEX FROM APRIL 20 TO 22 – Muscat Daily|access-date=17 April 2017|archive-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915222452/http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Indian-business-school-to-feature-at-Ghedex-from-April-20-to-22-3zl6|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vagamon Destination Residential Campus |url=https://dcschool.net/vagamon/ |publisher=DCSMAT Institutions}}</ref>
 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>College of Dairy Sciences kolahalamedu Vagamon,
 
offering courses for the B Tech Dairy Sciences, affiliated to Veterinary University.


== Issues ==
== Issues ==
In August 2008, the [[Kerala Police]] said it had begun investigations two months back into a training camp organized in December 2007 by the banned [[Students Islamic Movement of India|SIMI]] activist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Aug172008/national2008081785077.asp?section=updatenews |title='SIMI's camp in Kerela, not ultra's training ground' |publisher=The Deccan herald}}</ref>
In August 2008, the [[Kerala Police]] began investigations into a training camp organized in December 2007 by the banned [[Students Islamic Movement of India|SIMI]] activists.<ref>{{cite web |title='SIMI's camp in Kerela, not ultra's training ground' |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Aug172008/national2008081785077.asp?section=updatenews |publisher=The Deccan herald}}{{dead link|date=September 2023}}</ref>


On 18 August 2014, two tourists from Kozhikode died in Vagamon, after lightning struck them. Others who were with them sustained minor injuries.
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=മിന്നലേറ്റ് വാഗമണില്‍ രണ്ട് കോഴിക്കോട് സ്വദേശികള്‍ മരിച്ചു - Latest News - Mathrubhumi |trans-title=Two natives of Kozhikode died in Vagamon due to lightning |url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/story.php?id=477741 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818210613/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/story.php?id=477741 |archive-date=2014-08-18 |website=www.mathrubhumi.com |language=ml}}</ref>
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 dresses had burnt out. Though both were taken to hospital, they died by the time they arrived.<ref>http://kaumudiglobal.com/innerpage1.php?newsid=54064</ref><ref>http://www.mathrubhumi.com/story.php?id=477741</ref>


==Biodiversity==
==Biodiversity==
Vagamon due to the influence of it's elevation and climate has unique ecosystem..leading to the emergence of rich natural vegetation,plant species, shola forests etc.. from early 20th century started plantation crops like tea, coffee.. Vagamon hills are home to less explored flora and fauna. A faunal diversity study conducted by Dr Pratheesh Mathew has recorded about 112 species of moths from 16 families under eight superfamilies that have become the prominent faunal diversity study in this area. The author has also recorded sitings of many species of insects, annelids, amphibians, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals. Wide variety of flowering and non-flowering plants including rare Cycas species have 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 create a negative impact on the flora and fauna of this region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324194880 |title=The moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) of vagamon hills (Western Ghats), Idukki district, Kerala, India |website=researchgate.net |access-date=2021-06-10}}</ref>
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|date=September 2023}} 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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mathew |first1=Pratheesh |last2=Anand |first2=Sekar |last3=Kuppusamy |first3=Sivasankaran |last4=Ignacimuthi |first4=Savarimuthu |date=2018-03-01 |title=The moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) of vagamon hills (Western Ghats), Idukki district, Kerala, India |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324194880 |access-date=2021-06-10 |website=researchgate.net}}</ref>


==Religion==
==Culture==
In Vagamon there are Hindu, Christian and Muslim populations.
Vagamon has a rich history of religious diversity with Hindu, Christian and Muslim populations.<ref name=":1" /> There are several religious buildings to visit including:
*Kurisumala, Vagamon, most prominent Christian pilgrim center.
* [[Kurisumala Ashram]], Vagamon, Indian-Catholic monastery<ref name=":2" />
*Thangal para Dargha sheriff, Vagamon
* St Sebastian's RC Church Vagamon{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}
*Sree Arundhathi Vasishta Temple, Vasishtagiry, Vagamon.
* St Antony's Church Vagamon{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}
*Sree Subramanya Swami Temple Vagamon
* Emmanuel CSI Church Vagamon{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}
*St Sebastian's RC Church Vagamon
* Peniel Worship Center Vagamon
*St Antony's Church Vagamon
* Zion worship centre BBA Church Paarakattu
*Emmanuel CSI Church Vagamon
* Bible Believers Assembly Kottamala 3rd DIV
* Thangal para, a Muslim pilgrimage center {{Convert|5|km|mi}} outside of Vagamon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thangalpara, Vagamon - Timings, History, Pooja & Aarti schedule |url=https://www.trawell.in/kerala/vagamon/thangalpara |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=Trawell.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-07-27 |title=A trek up the mythical Thangal Para |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/kerala/2017/07/27/thangal-para-religion-vagamon.html |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=OnManorama}}</ref>
* Sree Arundhathi Vasishta Temple, Vasishtagiry, Vagamon.{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}
* Sree Subramanya Swami Temple<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vagamon Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple |url=https://iprarthana.net/TempleSelect/68550301/#! |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=iPrarthana}}</ref>


==Notable people==
==Books==
* [[Francis Acharya]]
* The Story of Peermade by [[George Thengummoottil]] ({{ISBN|9788192888606}})
* [[Laurie Baker]]
* [[Alina Cattani]]
* [[Dr. Hildegard Sina]]
*[[K. Radhakrishnan (politician)|K Radhakrishnan]] (former speaker and Minister at kerala assembly)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Speaker - KLA|url=https://legislativebodiesinindia.nic.in/States/kerala/speaker.htm|access-date=2021-03-11|website=legislativebodiesinindia.nic.in}}</ref>


==Books==
* [[The Story of Peermade]] by [[George Thengummoottil]] ({{ISBN|9788192888606}})
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Line 148: Line 141:


File:VagamonPineForest.jpg|Pine Forest at Kolahalamedu
File:VagamonPineForest.jpg|Pine Forest at Kolahalamedu
File:Glamping in Vagamon.jpg|Glamping in a resort at Vagamon
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
 
[[Kattappana]]{{Portal|India}}
[[Kalvari Mount]]
[[Kottamala ]]


==References==
==References==
Line 166: Line 163:
[[Category:Geography of Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Geography of Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Kerala]]
[[Category:Tourism in Kerala]]https://www.kpmtourism.com/post/best-time-to-visit-vagamon
[[Category:Tourism in Idukki district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Idukki district]]
==External links==
*[https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/vagamon-idukki/324/ Vagamon official Kerala tourism]

Latest revision as of 02:41, 4 October 2025


Vagamon
Hill station
From left to right: Vagamon meadows, Vagamon pine forest, Vagamon lake, Erattupetta - Vagamon road, Vagamon town
Nickname: 
Scotland of Asia
Vagamon is located in Kerala
Vagamon
Vagamon
Location in Kerala, India
Vagamon is located in India
Vagamon
Vagamon
Vagamon (India)
Coordinates: 9°41′16″N 76°54′25″E / 9.68778°N 76.90694°E / 9.68778; 76.90694
Country India
State Kerala
DistrictKottayam, Idukki
TalukPeerumedu, Meenachil, Kanjirapally
Government
 • TypePanchayat
 • BodyElappara Grama Panchyat
Area
 • Total78.3 km2 (30.2 sq mi)
Elevation
1,200 m (3,900 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total14,641
 • Density190/km2 (480/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam, English[1]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
685503
Vehicle registrationKL-37
Nearest cityErattupetta, Kattappana, Thodupuzha, Pala, Elappara
Nearest airportKochi

Vagamon (Template:Ipa) 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 | edit source]

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]

In 1963,Dr. Elizabeth Baker and Architect Padma Shri Laurie Baker established a hospital and rural service centre at Kurishumala, Vagamon to serve tea-plantation workers and rural communities in the Idukki hills. Often referred to as the Mitraniketan, it is widely noted as Baker’s first project in Kerala and as an early exemplar of his cost-effective, climate-sensitive building approach using local materials.[7][8][9]

Geography[edit | edit source]

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.[10]

Neighbouring cities & towns

Demographics[edit | edit source]

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%.[11]

Economy[edit | edit source]

The primary economy is ecotourism including hiking to explore the many waterfalls, rock climbing and paragliding.[10] 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.[10]

Education[edit | edit source]

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.[12] 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.[13]

Issues[edit | edit source]

In August 2008, the Kerala Police began investigations into a training camp organized in December 2007 by the banned SIMI activists.[14]

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.[15]

Biodiversity[edit | edit source]

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.[16]

Culture[edit | edit source]

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.[17][18]
  • Sree Arundhathi Vasishta Temple, Vasishtagiry, Vagamon.[citation needed]
  • Sree Subramanya Swami Temple[19]

Books[edit | edit source]

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

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Vagamon meadows, Kerala, India
    Vagamon meadows, Kerala, India
  • Western Ghats as seen from Vagamon View Point
    Western Ghats as seen from Vagamon View Point
  • Pine Forest at Kolahalamedu
    Pine Forest at Kolahalamedu
  • Glamping in a resort at Vagamon
    Glamping in a resort at Vagamon

See also[edit | edit source]

Kattappana

Kalvari Mount Kottamala

References[edit | edit source]

  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. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Explore Vagamon". Vagamon Destination Maker. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2023.[dead link]
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 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. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Bose, Abhish (22 April 2017). "Kurisumala ashram at Vagamon rejuvenates the visitors". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  7. ↑ https://thefederal.com/the-eighth-column/a-journey-through-laurie-bakers-earliest-projects-in-kerala
  8. ↑ https://lauriebaker.net/index.php/life/rural-kerala-vagamon
  9. ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/laurie-bakers-buildings-that-showcase-the-architecture-he-championed-are-living-museums-of-his-philosophy/article68124734.ece
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Vagamon Village Office". Government of Kerala Revenue Department. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  11. ↑ Kerala, Directorate of Census Operations. District Census Handbook, Idukki (PDF). Thiruvananthapuram: Directorate of Census Operations, Kerala. p. 70,71. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  12. ↑ "INDIAN BUSINESS SCHOOL TO FEATURE AT GHEDEX FROM APRIL 20 TO 22 – Muscat Daily". Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2017.
  13. ↑ "Vagamon Destination Residential Campus". DCSMAT Institutions.
  14. ↑ "'SIMI's camp in Kerela, not ultra's training ground'". The Deccan herald.[dead link]
  15. ↑ "മിന്നലേറ്റ് വാഗമണില്‍ രണ്ട് കോഴിക്കോട് സ്വദേശികള്‍ മരിച്ചു - Latest News - Mathrubhumi" [Two natives of Kozhikode died in Vagamon due to lightning]. www.mathrubhumi.com (in മലയാളം). Archived from the original on 18 August 2014.
  16. ↑ 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.
  17. ↑ "Thangalpara, Vagamon - Timings, History, Pooja & Aarti schedule". Trawell.in. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  18. ↑ "A trek up the mythical Thangal Para". OnManorama. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  19. ↑ "Vagamon Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple". iPrarthana. Retrieved 29 September 2023.

https://www.kpmtourism.com/post/best-time-to-visit-vagamon

External links[edit | edit source]

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