Trek to Vagamon

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)