Second Semester B.Ed. Field Trip Travelogue @ Vagamon

- June 11, 2025

The field trip for the second semester of the B.Ed. Curriculum was a visit to Vagamon and Paruthumpara on 12th June 2025, organised by the Pedagogiezz (B.Ed. Batch 2024-2026) of the Peet Memorial Training College, Mavelikara. The journey started at 05:25 am from the college. Sefon Sanu Mathew and Joyal Joseph were the trip coordinators, and Dr Sony Mary Varghese, Dr. Mumtas S., and Dr. Velayudhan T. Nair are the escorting teachers for this field trip. The field trip package was arranged by Thrilok Holidays & Packages, Komalloor, Chunakara. The trip started with a prayer by Joyal Joseph (batch representative of the Dyuthi College Union) after taking attendance. Some students joined the trip on the way at Mamkamkuzhy, Pandalam, Kaipattoor, and Peerumede. The trip was travelled via the Tharakara-Mamkamkuzhy-Pandalam-Kaipattoor-Pathanamthitta-Ranni-Erumeli-Mundakayam-Kuttikanam-Peerumede route on the way to Paruthumpara. The breakfast was served on the way at Rani Family Restaurant, Mundakayam, from 07:18 am to 08:12 am.

The Pine Valley, Kolahalamedu, Vagamon, is the third spot for a field trip, arriving at 12:45 pm. Vagamon Pine Forest is a popular tourist spot in Kerala, known for its serene ambience and majestic pine trees. The forest, situated on steep slopes, provides a cool refuge from the heat and is ideal for nature walks and enjoying the fresh air. It's a unique landscape in Kerala, contrasting with the typical tropical vegetation. Students explored the pine forests and bought various goods from there. Students and teachers explored the area and captured various angles of Pine Valley, departing at 1:55 pm. The lunch was served on the way at Anoki Restaurant and Resorts, Vagamon, from 02:26 pm to 03:00 pmVagamon Kurishumala was the fourth spot on the field trip, where we arrived at 3:20 pm, and students and teachers started trekking. Vagamon Kurisumala (the Hill of the Cross) is located at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet (900 meters) above sea level. The hill itself is situated within the Vagamon area of Kerala, known for its elevation of 1,100 meters (3,600 ft.). The Vagamon Kurishumala was also known as 'Kondaketty Mala.' Kurisumala is a popular Christian pilgrimage site, situated amidst lush vegetation and dotted with tea gardens. The serene, misty, and verdant surroundings greatly contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of Kurisumala. It is a space that encourages introspection for every spiritual seeker and also satisfies those who seek adventure. The trek to the Kurisumala Church involves climbing a 1.2 km rocky trail with 14 cross stations representing stages of Christ's journey. The climb is considered relatively easy for most people with average fitness levels, but it can be challenging due to the elevation and the fact that the path can become foggy. Around 13 students crossed 14 stations in the Vagamon Kurishumala, and others paused their trek in between due to time constraints and difficulty climbing. Students explored the site and captured pictures without compromising their safety. The students and teacher came back to the lower station and departed from Kurishumala at 04:45 pm. Vagamon Meadows is the last spot of the field trip, arriving at 05:14 pm. Vagamon Meadows, also known as Barren Hills or Mottakkunnu, is a collection of small meadows spread over a large area in Vagamon, Kerala. It is one of the popular scenic places to visit in Vagamon during a Vagamon trip. Located on the Vagamon-Elappara route, Vagamon Meadows is the most popular place in Vagamon. The meadows are unique for their vastness and beauty. Here, one will also find interlocked small ponds in the valley of several meadows. This is one of the major spots for film shooting in Vagamon. Different in each season, the hills change from lush to bare as the cycle of the season rolls on. This is one place to be if you want to experience all four seasons in Kerala. These large, grass-covered meadows are ideal for a long or short walk and being with nature. The lush greenery and scenic views of Vagamon Meadows will leave you spellbound. The misty hills with a charm of their own offer peace amidst it all. The sunset view that it offers draws people in large numbers. Because of its terrain, the hills are famous for trekking, paragliding, and rock climbing, making it a perfect attraction for adventure seekers. Students and teachers started to view the various angles and captured pictures in various parts of the Vagamon meadows, especially the yellow colour frame. Students and teachers holding hands in a circle during this time, are they running in a circular form. The team departed at 06:07 pm. The return journey started from Vagamon at 06:07 pm, and the return journey passed through the Theekoy-Erattupetta-Tidanad-Anakkal-Kanjirappally-Erumeli-Ranni-Pathanamthitta-Kaipattoor-Pandalam-Mamgamkuzhy-Thazhakara route. The dinner had been eaten at the Hotel Embassy at Erumeli from 08:27 pm to 09:20 pm. The teachers and some students were left from the trip in Kaipattoor, Pandalam, and Mamkamkuzhy. Dr. Sony Mary Varghese remarked on the vote of thanks for the field trip when the bus arrived at Pandalam. The field trip ended at 11:04 pm after reaching the college, and the final instructions and closing prayer were done by Joyal Joseph.