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Wagamon, a picturesque hill station tucked away in Kerala's Idukki district, has unveiled an exciting new attraction: India's longest cantilever glass bridge. Stretching 120 feet in length and soaring 150 feet above the ground, this bridge, inaugurated recently at the Adventure Park near Kolahalamedu, offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush hills, valleys, villages, and the wildlife that call this region home.
Note: representational image
A Collaborative Feat: Constructing the Glass Bridge
This remarkable glass bridge is the result of a partnership between the Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and Bharat Mata Ventures Private Limited, a company based in Perumbavoor. Under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, this project came to life with a budget of approximately Rs 3 crore. The bridge's glass panels were imported from Germany, and its sturdy support comes from steel ropes. It's designed to hold up to six people at once, offering a thrilling experience for adventurers. To access the bridge, visitors pay an entry fee of Rs 500 per person.
An Adventure Oasis: Wagamon's Adventure Park
The cantilever glass bridge is just one gem in Wagamon's Adventure Park. This park is a treasure trove of thrilling activities, including a rocket ejector, giant swing, zipline, sky cycling, skyroller, free fall, bungee trampoline, 360-degree cycling, and aqua zorbing. For those seeking tranquility, there's also a serene lake perfect for boating. The Adventure Park is designed not only to offer excitement but also to do so in an eco-friendly manner, adding to the allure for tourists exploring Wagamon.
Wagamon's Charms: More Than Just a Bridge
Wagamon is renowned for its captivating natural beauty, featuring verdant meadows, pine forests, tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and a climate veiled in mist. This locale is also celebrated as a setting in Rudyard Kipling's beloved novel, "The Jungle Book." Consequently, it draws tourists in droves from across India and the world. In 2022, over 6.45 lakh tourists explored Wagamon, and from January to July this year, more than 68 lakh visitors made their way to this enchanting destination.
A Boost for Tourism: The Glass Bridge's Impact
The introduction of the cantilever glass bridge is expected to breathe new life into tourism in Wagamon and the broader Idukki district. These areas have faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the floods experienced in 2018 and 2019. The DTPC officials assure that comprehensive safety measures are in place to guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors. Furthermore, plans are underway to introduce additional attractions and amenities at the Adventure Park in the near future.
Getting to Wagamon Hill Station
For travelers, reaching Wagamon Hill Station is a straightforward process, depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation. Here are some options:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, roughly 120 km away. You can book a flight to Cochin from various domestic and international locations, then hire a taxi or take a bus to Wagamon.
- By Train: Kottayam Railway Station is the closest rail hub, situated approximately 64 km away. You can catch a train to Kottayam from major cities in India and afterward, hire a taxi or board a bus to Wagamon.
- By Road: The most convenient approach is by road. Numerous buses operate from Cochin, Munnar, Madurai, Trivandrum, and Kottayam to Wagamon. You can also drive your personal vehicle or rent a taxi or cab. The road journey from Cochin to Wagamon covers about 98 km, while the distance from Kottayam to Wagamon is around 65 km.
