Valparai, a picturesque hill station in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, is a nature lover’s paradise. With its lush green tea estates, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints, Valparai offers a plethora of sightseeing options for tourists. In this article, we will explore the top attractions in Valparai that you should not miss.
- Monkey Falls Monkey Falls is an excellent roadside stop located 65 kilometers (40 mi) from Coimbatore and 27 kilometers (18 mi) from Pollachi on the Coimbatore – Pollachi – Valparai main road. This popular tourism spot is a must-visit for its gushing waterfalls and lush green surroundings.
- Grass Hills National Park Grass Hills National Park is an ideal destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The park is part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and is home to a unique montane shola-grassland ecosystem. You can trek from Chinnar via Eravikulam National Park of Munnar to Konalar Kudil of Grass Hills.
- Chinnakallar Falls Chinnakallar Falls is a picturesque waterfall located 26 kilometers from Valparai. With its roaring waters and misty surroundings, this waterfall is a popular spot for tourists. The area receives the highest rainfall in South India after Cherrapunji, making it a lush green paradise.
- Sholayar Dam Sholayar Dam is the second deepest dam in Asia and is located 30 kilometers (18.6 mi) from Valparai. This majestic dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is an ideal spot for a picnic. The catchment area of the dam is spread across several kilometers and is a memorable travel experience.
- Aliyar Dam Aliyar Reservoir, located near Pollachi town in Coimbatore District, is a beautiful reservoir surrounded by mountains. The dam offers a park, garden, aquarium, play area, and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation for visitors’ enjoyment.
- Balaji Temple Balaji Temple, located in Karamalai, is a beautiful temple owned by the Peria Karamalai tea Industries. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and offers a serene atmosphere for meditation and prayer. A children’s park and a garden are also located adjacent to the temple.
- Nallamudi Poonjolai View Point Nallamudi Poonjolai Viewpoint is located in the Nallamudi estate, 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) from Valparai. This viewpoint offers a stunning view of the Anaimudi peak, several waterfalls, tribal settlements, and a valley that is over 1000 feet deep.
- Loam’s View Point Loam’s View Point is situated in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint is named after Mr. Loam, a British general officer who was appointed to lay this road in 1886.
- Koolangal River Koolangal River is a beautiful river situated in the Sirukundra estate, 1.8 kilometers (1.1 mi) from Valparai. The river offers a picturesque view, and the bridge across it is a popular spot for photography.
- Akkamalai Estate Akkamalai Estate is a beautiful tea estate located 45 minutes from Valparai. The estate is covered in grass, and the rainy season brings with it an abundance of leeches. The estate is home to the biggest factory of the PKT Group.
- Lower Nirar Lower Nirar Dam is a part of the hydroelectric power project that supplies water to various areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The dam is located 16 kilometers (9.9 mi) from Valparai and offers a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
- Chitti Vinayagar Temple Chitti Vinayagar Temple, also known as Sithi Vinayagar Temple, is a beautiful temple located about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) south of Valparai. The temple is managed by Jayashree Tea Industries and is dedicated to Lord Vinayagar.
- Tiger Valley Tiger Valley is located approximately 22 kilometers (13.7 mi) en route to Valparai and offers a spectacular view of Kadamparai and the upper Azhiyar projects. Windmills situated on the plains can be a feast to the eyes.
In conclusion, Valparai offers a plethora of sightseeing options for tourists. From cascading waterfalls to majestic dams and lush green tea estates, Valparai has something for everyone. So, plan your trip to Valparai and explore these top attractions to make your vacation truly memorable.
FAQs:
- What is the best time to visit Valparai? The best time to visit Valparai is from January to May and October to November. The weather during these months is pleasant, and you can enjoy the beauty of the hills without the hassle of heavy rainfall.
- How many hairpin bends are there on the Valparai Ghat Road? There are 40 hairpin bends on the Valparai Ghat Road, making the journey to Valparai an adventurous one.
- Are there any trekking opportunities in Valparai? Yes, there are trekking opportunities in Valparai, especially in the Grass Hills National Park and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Can I visit the Sholayar Dam? The Sholayar Dam is not open to the public, but you can view it from a distance.
- Are there any permits required to visit Valparai? No, there are no permits required to visit Valparai. However, special permission is required to visit the Sholayar Dam and Grass Hills National Park.
- What is the significance of Balaji Temple? Balaji Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is owned by the Peria Karamalai tea Industries. The temple offers a serene atmosphere for meditation and prayer.
- Are there any viewpoints in Valparai? Yes, there are several viewpoints in Valparai, including Loam’s View Point, Nallamudi Poonjolai View Point, and Tiger Valley.
- Can I visit Chinnakallar Falls during the monsoon season? Chinnakallar Falls receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, making it difficult to visit the falls. It is best to visit the falls during the dry season.
- Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in Valparai? Yes, there are several wildlife sanctuaries in Valparai, including Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Grass Hills National Park.
- How far is Valparai from Coimbatore? Valparai is located approximately 105 kilometers (65.2 mi) from Coimbatore and can be reached by road.
