Thangal Hill, Kottayam Overview

Popular for its cascading waterfalls, blue mountains, meandering rivers, clear waters and misty environment, Vagamon is a quaint little hilltown bordering the districts of Kottayam and Idukki. Three mighty hills known as Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala form the essence of the town. Colloquially known as Thangal Para, Thangal Hills are an important pilgrimage spot of the Muslims, located barely 5 kms from Vagamon. The whopping boulder at the top of the hill houses the mausoleum of Sheikh Fariduddin (mazaar/ dargaah of Sheikh Fariduddin) and is visited by thousands of Muslim pilgrims annually during the festival of Urs. Just below the rock boulder at the bottom of the hill, is a mosque used by the devotees and the locals to offer their prayers.

Surrounded by emerald green meadows and verdant tea- plantations, the hilltop also provides some awe-striking panoramic vistas of the valley below lined with trees of pepper, vanilla, rubber and coffee. Thangal Para makes for an ideal weekend getaway for couples and families alike, hushed in the serenity and quietude of nature’s bliss. Besides, the summit is also popular amidst the mountaineers, trekkers and adventure seekers as the hill provides some wonderful trekking opportunities both for the beginners and experts. The crevices and crannies in the terrain enable both novices and pros to try out their luck here. All in all, Thangal Para is a beautiful tourist spot in Vagamon and we recommend you to definitely visit it if in the area.

Legend of Thangal Para

Legend goes to say that about 800 years ago, Husrat Sheikh Fariduddin Baba- a sufi saint visited this place along with his 40 followers. After reaching the hill, he decided to stay here and preach to the locals. His teachings became widely popular and he stayed on till he took his last breath at the same place.

He was buried at the hilltop and a mausoleum was constructed in his memory by his followers. The stone boulder is supposedly the place where he used to grind his paan. Since then, the spot has become a pilgrimage centre of the Muslims who come here every year to pay respect and homage to the great saint.

Festivals at Thangal Para

The Islamic festival of Urs, celebrated by the Muslims is the main festival here. The area lights up at the time with buntings and ribbons and clay diyas. A special sweet dish called Ganjusakkar is prepared and served to all the guests. The pilgrims gather at the mosque and offer prayers to God.

Best Time To Visit Thangal Hill

Any time to visit the hill is a good time except monsoons. Rainy Season can get slippery and risky in the mountains. April is the preferred month when the Urs festival is celebrated. However, the festival dates keep changing due to the variation in the Muslim calendar. If you plan to visit at the time of the festival, we advise you to check the latest calendar for exact dates.

How To Reach Thangal Hill

Thangal Para is around 5 kms from Vagamon and can be reached in a private taxi cab or auto. You have to take the deviation on the Elappara route to reach the dargah. Alternatively, you can also drive down to the spot.