The paradisiacal Vagamon, which is one of the 10 best summer holiday spots in India, is stunning when the sun is shining bright but its beauty goes a notch or two higher when the heavens open. And that’s why tourists flock to this mountain village during monsoon season. Earlier, the drive to Vagamon was marred by the pathetic condition of the road leading to the hill station but now the journey to Vagamon and Kuttikanam is a wonderful road trip.
Many backpackers holidaying in Vagamon prefer staying in places that are unique with extraordinary features. Though there are many hotels and resorts in Vagamon, let’s take a ringside view of a facility that is rather quirky and gives ample opportunity to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature.
Willmount Geodesic Domes' 'white bubble’ amidst cardamom plantation
If you want to sip a piping hot coffee or tea sitting on the lap of nature, then head to this amazing spot, which also gives a distinctive feel of wilderness, in Vagamon. The spot in question is the Willmount Geodesic Domes, nestled amid a huge cardamom plantation in the mist-enveloped hill in Elappara town. The dome stay is just 3 km from Elappara town.
The Elappara town is on the way from Vagamon to Kuttikanam and tourists coming from Kottayam can reach the town via Kuttikanam. No matter which route you take, you are assured of some mesmerizing sights of expansive tea plantations and mist-covered hills. The 14 acres of cardamom plantations provide a raw feel of wilderness. This facility has many one-of-its-kind hallmarks that can blow tourists away.
Enjoy the magic of sunrise and sunset
The white domes have been designed in such a way that they provide the utmost privacy to the guests. Nature rolls out the best vistas in front of the domes and the sight of floating white mist caressing the hills at a distance is astounding. It is noteworthy that travellers can spend quality time at the nine domes any time of the year. While tourists staying in domes on one side can enjoy the sunrise, the opposite side is best to soak in the charm of the sunset. The different hues that are sprinkled on the sky during sunrise and sunset are a treat for the eyes.
Premium all-around
The domes that provide an out-of-the-world experience to travellers come under the premium category. One question that might crop up about the domes is the availability of toilet facilities. You don’t have to worry about it as Willmount, the company that owns the domes, has put in place superlative toilets and bathrooms that are at par with the facilities offered by the resorts.
The lighting arrangements and quality toiletries, including Willmount exclusives such as bamboo-made brush, body wash and body lotion, will make your stay comfortable.
The furniture used inside the dome definitely needs special mention as king-size beds and extra beds that look like bunk beds make the interiors remarkable. Two chairs are placed inside each dome in such a way that the guests can view the magic of the skies.
The wooden flooring inside the domes gives a premium finish to the ‘white bubbles’. Moreover, visitors can walk on the wooden floors around the dome and relish the beauty of nature. Chairs are also arranged outside the domes where you can sit and sip a piping hot cup of tea or coffee or read a book. Another attraction is the hammocks and those attached to the domes can give a jaw-dropping view of the valley that is awash in natural green.
Restaurant stands out
The Willmount Restaurant, which has a befitting ambience, serves yummy vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to the delight of the travellers. As the eating outlet doesn’t use plastic products, the drinking water comes in glass bottles.
Cycling and trekking
If you are into cycling, then you have the opportunity to pedal through the thick tea plantations that dot the region. Trekking enthusiasts can also have a whale of a time as the hill behind the domes will give them the perfect dose of adrenaline rush. Trekking expeditions are conducted early in the morning and evening with the help of a guide. One can reach the hilltop in one hour and if the weather is clear, you can see the Kumily town and the Idukki dam from the top of the hill. The campfire gives a robust twist to the night as the guests can sit or dance around the fire when there is a nip in the air.
You can reserve the domes by writing to reservations@willmount.com or contacting 75588 00222.
