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Our journey began with one mission — to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Vagamon and Parunthumpara, two iconic hill destinations in Kerala known for misty hills, rolling meadows, pine forests, and dramatic sunsets.
This trip was planned mainly to capture nature landscapes, cloud movements, and cinematic frames, and it truly turned out to be an unforgettable visual experience.
First Stop: Vagamon – Where Wind Meets Mountains
We reached Vagamon around 3 PM after lunch. The moment we stepped out, we were welcomed by cold winds sweeping across the hills. Unlike the regular tourist spots, we chose to explore a private hilltop viewpoint instead of the government-maintained locations. Why?
Because it’s peaceful, crowd-free, and gives the freedom to create the kind of shots we love.
What We Experienced
- Open landscapes with continuous layers of mountains
- Fast-moving clouds perfect for time-lapse
- Kids playing around, adding life to the frames
- Absolutely no disturbance from wildlife — occasional monkeys at most
- A refreshing blend of wind, mist, and total calmness
I captured a beautiful time-lapse cinematic stroy on my GoPro Hero 7, and it turned out exactly as I envisioned.
Vagamon Pine Forest – Moody, Cinematic, and Peacefully Dark
After spending two hours at the hills, we drove to the Vagamon Pine Forest — a place that instantly shifts the mood.
The Forest Atmosphere
- Tall, brown pine trees standing like giant pillars
- The forest floor covered with dry brown pine leaves
- A natural moody color tone — perfect for portrait and cinematic shots
- Light rays breaking through trees (if you’re lucky!)
Even though it was raining, the thick pine canopy protected us, allowing us to shoot peacefully. After the rain, the nearby farmlands transformed into a dreamy landscape covered in mist.
I captured one of my favorite smartphone shots here — a moment so fleeting that if I went back to grab my DSLR, I would’ve missed it completely.
Next Stop: Parunthumpara – A Landscape Straight Out of a Movie
From the pine forest, we continued our drive to Parunthumpara
This was my first visit, and I instantly fell in love with the place.
What Makes Parunthumpara Special?
- Misty cliffs and deep valleys
- The iconic Tagore Head rock formation
- A dramatic landscape that genuinely feels like a movie set
- Cool winds and fast-changing weather
I shot several wide-angle landscapes here, including the signature Tagore Head and the surrounding mist-covered mountains.
Around 6 PM, the weather turned darker and foggier. Just then, we witnessed one of the most cinematic moments of the day — a line of Mahindra Thars with all fog lights ON, driving through the curving hill road.
It felt like a perfect action sequence from my movie.
Travel Photography Tips for Vagamon & Parunthumpara
- Carry a wide-angle lens (18–55mm / 10–20mm)
- Perfect time for landscape shots: 3 PM – 6 PM
- Use ND filters for smooth cinematic shots
- GoPro or action cameras work amazingly for cloud time-lapses
- Keep your phone ready — many magical frames happen unexpectedly
- Always protect your gear from sudden rain
Best Time to Visit
- October to February – Misty views & cool weather
- June to August – Monsoon greenery (but expect heavy fog & rain)
How to Reach Vagamon & Parunthumpara
From Kerala (Ernakulam / Kochi)
- Ernakulam → Thodupuzha → Moolamattom → Vagamon
- Drive time: ~3.5 hours
- Roads are scenic but curvy near Vagamon
From Kottayam
- Kottayam → Erattupetta → Vagamon
- Shorter and popular route
From Tamil Nadu
- Theni → Kumily → Kuttikkanam → Vagamon
Parunthumpara is just a 40–45 minute drive from Vagamon.
Final Thoughts
This Vagamon–Parunthumpara trip was all about:
- chasing clouds
- capturing cinematic frames
- exploring peaceful viewpoints
- and enjoying nature without rush
Whether you are a photographer, filmmaker, or someone who just loves misty hills — this route will give you unforgettable memories.
If you’d like to see the shots and time-lapses, check out my:
📸 Instagram: @flickerspot.in
🎥 YouTube: FlickerSpot
