A Wet Trek To Vagamon
Trekking from Ilaveezhapoonchira to Vagamon- Through the woods and dales, brooks and crags, a trail of adventure
Jungle path between Ilaveezhapoonchira - Vagamon is a scenic route, with lush green hillocks and waterfalls. Poonchira is in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Thodupuzha. During monsoon, the valley fills up to form a scenic lake.
Reached Ilaveezhapoonchira along with a 12-member gang from England for having trekking at this wonder, which is 3200 feet above sea level. The driver brought the jeep above the hill after having an arduous journey.
The ascending journey up to the Ilaveezhapoonchira is through Idukki district and would land in Kottayam. The Poonchira exists only during the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake. When looking from the police wireless station in the hill top, one can spot glimpses of Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. The Malankara dam and river channel through which water flows to Moolamttom were looking like in google map.
Ilaveezhapoonchira, means the 'valley where leaves don't fall' and is so named because the place has no trees. The trekking was organized by the Kalypso adventures in Kochi. Guides Amir from Fort Kochi and Jayan from Udumbanchola were waiting for us in the hilltop. Though there are resort facilities, the foreign group was seen residing in tents. Though Moolamattom powerhouse is nearer, there was no electricity in the resorts.
The group began journey early morning. Each carried bags weighting 10 to 15 kgs including the tent, food water etc. The first destination was Melukavu, which became famous after the film `Kathaparayumbol' was shot there. Next was Kolani and from there to Mechal. From Mechal to Pazhukkakanam near the Illikkamala. The team was mostly comprised of youth aged between 18 to 24 except environment scientist Tom and graphic designer Julia.
By noon everyone were tired of constant walking and that reflected in the speed too. The team had a sigh of relief when they reached the next camp, which was in the house of farmer Raghavan at Pazhukkakanam. Tents were set in his house premises. There was small canal running near the house and every one rushed to have bath in the cold water that is a tributary of Meenachil River. By evening there was heavy rain and all had a candle light dinner at the house verandah. There was no way to connect with outside world, as there was no electricity and range for mobiles.
The next day journey began at 5 am with the help of torchlight. Jack, the younger in the group was relishing the journey with headphone in his ears and ipad in his hands.
In this leeches began attack. The journey resumed after removing the leeches. Now its time to climb down through the slippery rocks and the team reached Kumbanganam. Then the journey proceeded through the Kanjar-Pullikkanam road, which is under repair all the time. The two sides of roads were decked up with tea plantations. After covering the hairpin roads, Ilikkal rock was visible from there.
Covering 8 km distance, the team reached Pullikkanam junction. The journey resumed to Vagamon after having some refreshments at a shop. When the team reached Vagamon, the time was 4 pm and team stayed at Ananya tourist home which is in the midst of lush green hills. Vaisalippara, which in the middle of Idukki dam was seen from here. The place shot to fame as some scenes of the film Vaishali was shot there. The night was spend in Vagamon and the next day after exchanging the e-mails and phone numbers, the team bid bye.
Travel Info
Location
District: Kottayam. It is located at height of 3200 ft. nearest junction is Kanjar (Idukki). Kottayam 55 km.
How to reach
By road: Proceed from Thodupuzha to Kanjar (15 km) along Moolamattom road (bus charge Rs 10).
From Kanjar only four wheeler drive. Jeeps will climb up to Poonchira (7km). Jeep charge Rs 750-800
By rail: Kottayam (55km)/ By air: Kochi (76km)
Contact
Kalypso adventures (conducts trekking) E-mail:vishal.kalypso@gmail.com, info@kalypsoadventures.com
Website: www.kalypsoadventures.com
Ameer (guide): 09539118002
Jayan(guide): 09961917293
Ratheesh (Jeep driver): 09645606676
Tourists info centre-0486-245519
Trekking fee
Rs 5000 per person, two nights, food included, minimum four persons needed.
Tips
No electricity connection in Poonchira resort
Take precautions against lightening
No hotels at Poonchira. Bring food items from Kanjar (7km)
Cell phone signals are rare in Poonchira and the entire trek route.
Tips for Monsoon trekkers
For safe trekking
The monsoon trekking is for those who are adventurous. The lush greenery of forest rivers and waterfalls attains scenic beauty during monsoon. But more precaution too is needed during monsoon.
Beware of leeches. Prior to the journey apply the mixture of tobacco leaves and mustard oil over legs and shoes. Keep tobacco and salt with you.
Don't try to forcibly remove if leech bite you. If one forcibly removes the creature, apply mixture of salt and mustard oil before bathing to avoid itching.
If there is moist causing problem from having a better view, continue trekking only after it clears.
Don't go alone for trekking. Accommodate guides who are well versed with the route. Begin the trekking early morning and rest during noon.
Follow the instruction of guides and don't get separate from the team
A bag with many pockets and which can carry all the needed goods for trekking must be used. The bags must have cushioned shoulders straps. Carry sleeping bags, tent, trekking rope with at least 50-meter length, rain coat.
Carry torch, cigarette lighter, knifes small and sharp, blanket, water bottle, cap, candles, and torch batteries in extra.
Avoid wearing dark colored outfits. Full sleeve shirts, which can cover the neck and cargo pants, are the best.
Use trekking shoes only with good grip. The canvas shoe covering the entire foot are good, but it would create problems if gets wet.
Soaks with good quality must be used and carry another 2 to 3 pairs.
Carry foods rich in carbohydrates. Don't use liquor and cigarette.
Before trekking ensure that you are medically fit. Those who are affected with high BP, heart diseases should not go for trekking.
Carry painkillers, first aid kit, sunscreen lotion and the medicines prescribed by doctor for headache, cough, medicines to curb accidental decline of body temperature.
Travel info
Stay
Ilaveezhapoonchira: DTPC rest house (six rooms):Rs 750 (one room three persons), Rs 2500 (6 rooms)
James Jacob - 09746395295, 04862-243273.
Pazhukkakanam camp: Raghavan-9526512022
Thodupuzha: 04862.
River Banks: Rs 2070-2875. Ph: 224942
The Mourya Monarch: Rs 539-1437.Ph: 222697.
Siciliya Hotels: Rs 545-1350. Ph: 222117
Vagamon:04869
Ananya tourist home: Rs 3000-3500.Ph: 9847148965
Vagamon hideout: Rs 7500. Ph: 216166, 9447156000.
Vagamon heights: Rs 2000-3400.Ph: 248206
Indo-American international Gurukulam: Rs 1500
Ph: 04822-289255
Traveler circuit
Thommankuthu waterfall situates near the Thodupuzha. If travelers though Moolamattom road from town, one can see Malankara dam. Turn to Kattappana route from Arakkulam, to see Nadukani, Kulamavu dam, Cheruthony dam, Kalayanthandu.
One can go to Thekkady from Kattappna via Elappara.
If one goes through the Vagamon route via Arakkulam to Pullikkanam they can see Elappilly waterfalls, Pullikkanm estate, Vagamon meadows, pine forest and Kolahalamedu.
Text: T J Sreejith
Photos: P Jayesh
Translation: Shamila KY
.
Jungle path between Ilaveezhapoonchira - Vagamon is a scenic route, with lush green hillocks and waterfalls. Poonchira is in the midst of the beautiful hillocks near Thodupuzha. During monsoon, the valley fills up to form a scenic lake.
Reached Ilaveezhapoonchira along with a 12-member gang from England for having trekking at this wonder, which is 3200 feet above sea level. The driver brought the jeep above the hill after having an arduous journey.
The ascending journey up to the Ilaveezhapoonchira is through Idukki district and would land in Kottayam. The Poonchira exists only during the monsoons when the valley fills up to form a scenic lake. When looking from the police wireless station in the hill top, one can spot glimpses of Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts. The Malankara dam and river channel through which water flows to Moolamttom were looking like in google map.
Ilaveezhapoonchira, means the 'valley where leaves don't fall' and is so named because the place has no trees. The trekking was organized by the Kalypso adventures in Kochi. Guides Amir from Fort Kochi and Jayan from Udumbanchola were waiting for us in the hilltop. Though there are resort facilities, the foreign group was seen residing in tents. Though Moolamattom powerhouse is nearer, there was no electricity in the resorts.
The group began journey early morning. Each carried bags weighting 10 to 15 kgs including the tent, food water etc. The first destination was Melukavu, which became famous after the film `Kathaparayumbol' was shot there. Next was Kolani and from there to Mechal. From Mechal to Pazhukkakanam near the Illikkamala. The team was mostly comprised of youth aged between 18 to 24 except environment scientist Tom and graphic designer Julia.
By noon everyone were tired of constant walking and that reflected in the speed too. The team had a sigh of relief when they reached the next camp, which was in the house of farmer Raghavan at Pazhukkakanam. Tents were set in his house premises. There was small canal running near the house and every one rushed to have bath in the cold water that is a tributary of Meenachil River. By evening there was heavy rain and all had a candle light dinner at the house verandah. There was no way to connect with outside world, as there was no electricity and range for mobiles.
The next day journey began at 5 am with the help of torchlight. Jack, the younger in the group was relishing the journey with headphone in his ears and ipad in his hands.
In this leeches began attack. The journey resumed after removing the leeches. Now its time to climb down through the slippery rocks and the team reached Kumbanganam. Then the journey proceeded through the Kanjar-Pullikkanam road, which is under repair all the time. The two sides of roads were decked up with tea plantations. After covering the hairpin roads, Ilikkal rock was visible from there.
Covering 8 km distance, the team reached Pullikkanam junction. The journey resumed to Vagamon after having some refreshments at a shop. When the team reached Vagamon, the time was 4 pm and team stayed at Ananya tourist home which is in the midst of lush green hills. Vaisalippara, which in the middle of Idukki dam was seen from here. The place shot to fame as some scenes of the film Vaishali was shot there. The night was spend in Vagamon and the next day after exchanging the e-mails and phone numbers, the team bid bye.
Travel Info
Location
District: Kottayam. It is located at height of 3200 ft. nearest junction is Kanjar (Idukki). Kottayam 55 km.
How to reach
By road: Proceed from Thodupuzha to Kanjar (15 km) along Moolamattom road (bus charge Rs 10).
From Kanjar only four wheeler drive. Jeeps will climb up to Poonchira (7km). Jeep charge Rs 750-800
By rail: Kottayam (55km)/ By air: Kochi (76km)
Contact
Kalypso adventures (conducts trekking) E-mail:vishal.kalypso@gmail.com, info@kalypsoadventures.com
Website: www.kalypsoadventures.com
Ameer (guide): 09539118002
Jayan(guide): 09961917293
Ratheesh (Jeep driver): 09645606676
Tourists info centre-0486-245519
Trekking fee
Rs 5000 per person, two nights, food included, minimum four persons needed.
Tips
No electricity connection in Poonchira resort
Take precautions against lightening
No hotels at Poonchira. Bring food items from Kanjar (7km)
Cell phone signals are rare in Poonchira and the entire trek route.
Tips for Monsoon trekkers
For safe trekkingThe monsoon trekking is for those who are adventurous. The lush greenery of forest rivers and waterfalls attains scenic beauty during monsoon. But more precaution too is needed during monsoon.
Beware of leeches. Prior to the journey apply the mixture of tobacco leaves and mustard oil over legs and shoes. Keep tobacco and salt with you.
Don't try to forcibly remove if leech bite you. If one forcibly removes the creature, apply mixture of salt and mustard oil before bathing to avoid itching.
If there is moist causing problem from having a better view, continue trekking only after it clears.
Don't go alone for trekking. Accommodate guides who are well versed with the route. Begin the trekking early morning and rest during noon.
Follow the instruction of guides and don't get separate from the team
A bag with many pockets and which can carry all the needed goods for trekking must be used. The bags must have cushioned shoulders straps. Carry sleeping bags, tent, trekking rope with at least 50-meter length, rain coat.
Carry torch, cigarette lighter, knifes small and sharp, blanket, water bottle, cap, candles, and torch batteries in extra.
Avoid wearing dark colored outfits. Full sleeve shirts, which can cover the neck and cargo pants, are the best.
Use trekking shoes only with good grip. The canvas shoe covering the entire foot are good, but it would create problems if gets wet.
Soaks with good quality must be used and carry another 2 to 3 pairs.
Carry foods rich in carbohydrates. Don't use liquor and cigarette.
Before trekking ensure that you are medically fit. Those who are affected with high BP, heart diseases should not go for trekking.
Carry painkillers, first aid kit, sunscreen lotion and the medicines prescribed by doctor for headache, cough, medicines to curb accidental decline of body temperature.
Travel info
Stay
Ilaveezhapoonchira: DTPC rest house (six rooms):Rs 750 (one room three persons), Rs 2500 (6 rooms)
James Jacob - 09746395295, 04862-243273.
Pazhukkakanam camp: Raghavan-9526512022
Thodupuzha: 04862.
River Banks: Rs 2070-2875. Ph: 224942
The Mourya Monarch: Rs 539-1437.Ph: 222697.
Siciliya Hotels: Rs 545-1350. Ph: 222117
Vagamon:04869
Ananya tourist home: Rs 3000-3500.Ph: 9847148965
Vagamon hideout: Rs 7500. Ph: 216166, 9447156000.
Vagamon heights: Rs 2000-3400.Ph: 248206
Indo-American international Gurukulam: Rs 1500
Ph: 04822-289255
Traveler circuit
Thommankuthu waterfall situates near the Thodupuzha. If travelers though Moolamattom road from town, one can see Malankara dam. Turn to Kattappana route from Arakkulam, to see Nadukani, Kulamavu dam, Cheruthony dam, Kalayanthandu.
One can go to Thekkady from Kattappna via Elappara.
If one goes through the Vagamon route via Arakkulam to Pullikkanam they can see Elappilly waterfalls, Pullikkanm estate, Vagamon meadows, pine forest and Kolahalamedu.
Text: T J Sreejith
Photos: P Jayesh
Translation: Shamila KY
.
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