Valparai – the name exudes chillness, serenity, and the sublimity of picturesque mountains. Standing majestically with flora and fauna all around, Valparai is the lesser-known hill station in India. For those who want to take a break from the monotonous, mundane life and the overcrowded hill stations like Kodaikanal and Ooty, Valparai comes as a huge relief.
Originally known as Poonachimalai, it is located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Valparai’s height is 1400m above sea level and is situated on the Anaimalai hill range of The Western Ghats. The journey starts exactly from Monkey falls situated 38 kilometers down Valparai. Malakkappara, the Kerala state border town is at a distance of 26 miles. The route on either side is scenic and picturesque. The weather and the imageries make it even more beautiful.
Travel from both sides
You can enter Valparai from both sides of the two states. Valparai shares its boundaries with Parambikulam tiger reserve, Eravikulam national park, and Vazhacahl forest division. Therefore, the journey from Pollachi (Tamil Nadu side) and Chalakkudi (Kerala side) give memories of a lifetime. Buses ply every 30 minutes from Pollachi. Adventure lovers can try their luck in one of these public transport buses as they will be crowded most often. Those who are coming from Kerala can get into KSRTC buses starting from Chalakkudi.
Don't miss these attractions
- Coffee and tea plantations: Valparai tourist places' map is incomplete without the coffee and tea plantations. The moment you enter the hairpin curves (not just 2 or 3, but 44 of them!) you are in for a treat of greenery of these gardens.
- Aaliyar Dam: An ideal picnic spot en route to Valparai from Pollachi side finds a special place on the Valparai tourist places' map. It has an aquarium and a mini theme park to enthrall the tourists.
- Monkey Falls: Located at 29th Km junction on Pollachi – Valparai road is serene and adds well to your Valparai itinerary.
- Sholayar dam: Helmed as the second deepest dam in Asia, it is ideal for get-togethers and parties. Surrounded by the majestic Anamalai hills, the sight of roaring waterfalls is something to behold.
- Loam's viewpoint: As you reach the 9th hairpin bend, you will be greeted by a cozy spot, where you get an aerial view of the Aaliyar dam and the greenery. This is called Loam's viewpoint. Get down here, click pictures, and breathe some fresh air.
- Chinnakkallar: Lauded as the second-highest rainfall area in India, Chinnakkallar is situated at a distance of 15 km from Valparai. Lined with tall and majestic trees, it is the perfect place to unwind. An added beauty is a beautiful waterfall that sounds like a roaring lion.
- NallamudiPoonjola: If you are interested in a stroll through the tea estates, then NallamudiPoonjola is your thing. Located around 1 km inside the tea estate on Sangili Road, it is picturesque and a must-watch place.
- Grass hills: One of the most awe-inspiring places in Valaparai, Grass hills is located 16 kilometers from the Valparai bus stand. It is part of the Anamalai tiger reserve, which shares its boundary with Eravikulam national park in Kerala. One should not miss the sunset experience from the Grass hills.
Wildlife spotting
Valparai is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests. And guess what, this region is an elephant tract and even leopards pass through this place. Villagers have been constantly spotting various wild animals here for a long time. If you are lucky enough you could spot Bengal tiger, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Sambar deer, or even giant squirrels. Valparai is also a haven for birds like the great hornbill and various other seasonal birds. Valparai is also one of the prime habitats to NilgiriTahr, Generally, these mountain goats are confined to 1200 to 2600 meters in The Western Ghats.
Much more to see
Valparai offers much more than this. It offers ample places to stay and innumerable options to eat as well. For those who want to relax, this is the ideal place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of touristy hill stations. Take your time, enjoy a stroll among the tea and coffee plantations (spot a wild animal, if you are the lucky one), or even watch a sunrise amidst woods.
Valparai is all about exploring the unexplored!
It's all about the long-lost trails!
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