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A Travel Guide to Valparai: A Hill Station in the Western Ghats

If you’re looking for a breathtaking, off-the-beaten-path destination to travel to in India, Valparai is a must-visit. This hidden gem located in the Western Ghats mountain range is teeming with natural beauty and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. You’ll love the stunning views of the Nilgiris mountain range and the lush green tea plantations that surround Valparai. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, be sure to add Valparai to your bucket list!

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About Valparai

Valparai is a hill station located in the Western Ghats mountain range in Tamil Nadu , India. It is located in the Annamalai Hills Range, near Coimbatore. The name ‘Valparai’ comes from the Tamil words ‘valu’ which means hills and ‘parai’ which means rope or cordon. This name was given because of the rings that were hung around the trees of the Annamalai hills to notify workers harvesting tea. Valparai is one of the highest tea-producing regions in India with tea plantations covering 12,500 hectares and a production rate of 1,800 tonnes per annum!

Weather in Valparai

Valparai is situated on the Annamalai Hills range at an elevation averaging around 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) above sea level. Valparai experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 17°C to 25 °C during winters and from 28 °C to 40 °C in summers, with rainfall ranging from 700 mm (28 in) to 1150 mm (45 in). The best season for tourism falls between November and February as the days are sunny and clear, with moderate rainfall and a pleasant climate. Nature lovers , however, will enjoy visiting in the monsoon season (June to September).

Tourist attractions in Valparai

There are plenty of tourist attractions and things to do in Valparai , including waterfalls, temples, trekking and wildlife sanctuaries. Valparai is a major tourist destination in south Tamil Nadu and attracts tourists from all over India. The town has been referred to as the “honeymoon capital of Coimbatore district” because of its temperate climate. British Raj era bungalows that house the central tea research station, Christian missions and old Planters’ bungalows are major architectural attractions. There are a number of exciting treks in Valparai that are very popular among trekkers.

Find out more about visiting Valparai in this detailed travel story .

A popular landmark in the town is the canopy road which runs across the Valparai range on top of Annamalai Hills; it provides panoramic views of the natural surroundings. The road remains closed for the most part of rainy season due to heavy mist and rains.

Here is a complete list of places to visit in Valparai .

Flora and Fauna

This place is abundant in flora and fauna. This place has a thick forest cover, which provides it with an everlasting supply of water from the rains. In Valparai, you can see many wild animals including tigers, elephants and bears. There is also a huge variety of birds in this region. The scenic beauty of Valparai is further enhanced by its landscape dotted with tea plantations.

Staying options in Valparai

Valparai is a town known for its breathtaking beauty, lush green landscapes and lovely weather. Hence, it’s no wonder that visiting this quaint little settlement has become all the rage in recent times! If you’re looking to spend some time here, you have plenty of options when it comes to accommodations.

Homestays in Valparai are the most popular staying options among travelers; these provide a great opportunity to mingle with the local populace and gain insight into their culture. One can also find quite a few tea bungalows offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. For those looking for indulgent luxury, there are exotic resorts sprinkled around Valparai offering a range of spa treatments and other on-site facilities.

For nature lovers and eco-conscious folks alike, there is no better choice than an eco-friendly accommodation that leaves minimum ecological impact while giving you all the comforts of home. Whichever option you choose, Valparai promises a memorable experience that will stay with you long after your vacation ends!

Restaurants and eating options

Valparais is a beautiful place, but in terms of restaurant and eating options, it is limited. For the most part, you will be preparing and eating your meals at your homestay or resort. However, near popular touristic visiting spots like Loams viewpoint and Sholayar Dam, you will find plenty of restaurants and small cafes that offer delectable local cuisine.

List of restaurants and cafe near Sholayar Dam

List of restaurants and cafe near Loams Viewpoint

Getting there

The nearest railway stations are Pollachi (65 km) to the north and Palakkad (110 km) to the west. The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (110 km). Here is the route . The best way to reach Valparai is by road. The road from Pollachi is more scenic and less steep. You can also travel using the State Transport Bus service (Mettupalayam Road Bus). The bus runs frequently between Pollachi and Valparai, with departures every 30 minutes.

Who knew one of the most beautiful hill stations in India was a few hours away from Bangalore? Well, now you do! If you’re looking for a place to escape this monsoon season or just want some fresh air, Valparai is it. It has everything – mountains, forests, hills and rivers. The people of Valparai are warm and welcoming, and they will be happy to show you around their beautiful town. If you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation, then Valparai is worth considering!

Visual stories from Tamil Nadu

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Wonderful article.

Where did you stay? What stay options are available?

Thanks for your comment. He stayed at Waterfall Tea Estate. You may find more details here .

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Top Things to Do in Valparai, India

Places to visit in valparai, tours in and around valparai.

Hill Station Tour from Coimbatore to Valparai

Adventurous Valparai trip from Kochi - 2 days trip

Half day trekking (munnar valley Trekking & Tours )

Wild Elephant Village( Anakulam) life tour ( By Munnar Info)

Wild Elephant Anakulam & Waterfalls Tour(munnar valley Trekking)

Mountain Hiking in Munnar (half day) By Munnar Info

Munnar Site-seeing Tour

Munnar Tea valley Tour ( By Munnar Info)

Munnar Tea Trail with Factory Experience ( By Munnar Info)

Full day in hiking in Munnar (By Munnar Info)

Top attractions in valparai.

Other Top Attractions around Valparai

What travellers are saying

• Sholayar Dam
• Nallamudi Viewpoint
• Loam’s View Point
• Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
• Koolangal River

Framing Adventures | One Click At A Time

10 Best Places To Visit In Valparai That’ll Take Your Breath Away

After driving for close to five hours, we reached our destination at noon. It was a hill station not very far from Coimbatore.

However, the first time I got out of our car to get a view of the landscapes in front of me, I had a deja vu moment. The tea gardens here, surrounded by tall mountains covered in fog, reminded me of Munnar (the famous hill station in Kerala).

Yet, this place was different. There was hardly any soul here, unlike Munnar, which has become commercialised over the years. Moreover, the weird shape of the trees inside the tea gardens and the surrounding lakes gave it a different vibe altogether.

That is how I would like to describe Valparai, the hill station that I fell in love with as soon as I landed there. It is an underrated tourist destination in South India that you must visit if you want to experience an alternate version of Munnar, without the crowds.

My friends and I travelled to this beautiful hill station and covered all the must-visit places in Valparai within two days. In this guide, I share the top 10 places to visit in Valparai that’ll make this trip worth your time and money.

6. Tunnel View Point (Vellamalai Tunnel River)

10. athirappilly waterfalls, 4. chinna kallar falls, which is the best time to visit valparai, where is valparai.

Valparai is a hill station in Tamil Nadu that lies close to the border of Kerala. It consists of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and lies perfectly between Munnar and Nelliyampathy Forest Reserve in Palakkad, another underrated tourist destination in Kerala.

In terms of the major nearby cities in Tamil Nadu, Valparai is close to 100 km from Coimbatore and 65 km from Pollachi.

When it comes to the major nearby towns in Kerala, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kochi are nearby as they’re within 100-150 km from Valparai.

Therefore, you can arrive at Valparai from different directions, giving you a lot of options to get here.

10 best places to visit in Valparai

We started our journey from Pollachi and reached Valparai. You can take this route as the roads are well maintained with less traffic. 

I’ve shared the list of the 10 best places to visit in Valparai below that I followed chronologically in two days with my friends. I hope it helps you plan your Valparai trip in a better way so that you get the best experience here.

We started our drive from Pollachi around 7 am. 

I had breakfast from Pollachi and you’ll get plenty of options to eat here. You can gorge on South Indian specialities like dosa and idli, made fresh in the morning.

After having breakfast, I continued on the journey with my friends. The roads were in perfect condition, and we could take our own time as the traffic was less. 

As we approached the route towards Valparai, the scenery started changing. Tall mountains surrounded by coconut trees welcomed us. The journey from here till Valparai is a complete ascent, and it will keep you hooked as the sceneries keep changing.

Soon enough, you’ll reach the Anamalai Tiger Reserve Entry Checkpost, which is the entry to Valparai. The check post opens at 7 am, and you’ve to pay a nominal fee here before continuing your journey further.

Now that you crossed this check post, let’s cover all the places one by one.

1. Aliyar Dam View Point

The Aliyar Dam is a reservoir at the foothills of Valparai that surrounds itself with tall mountains across all sides.

You’ll be passing right next to the dam when you make your way towards the Anamalai Tiger Reserve Entry Checkpost. If you’ve time, you can stop at the Aliyar Dam Park (before the check post) where you can go for a walk and spend some time beside the dam. We skipped it in the interest of time.

Even if you miss the Aliyar Dam Park, don’t worry. It’ll be with you throughout the ascent to Valparai. You’ll get multiple viewpoints of the dam throughout this ascent including one just before you reach Monkey Falls (our next stop).

At the highest point of the ascent, you’ll get the best view as you’ll see a panoramic view of the dam along with neighbouring mountains. As such, don’t forget to catch this view.

2. Monkey Falls

If you want to refresh your body and energise yourself, stop at Monkey Falls. You can stand below the gushing water here or simply chill at the mini pond nearby. It is one of the best places to visit in Valparai for a relaxing experience.

The Monkey Falls (also known as Valparai Waterfalls) is a natural waterfall that surrounds itself with rocky cliffs and evergreen forests. 

It is right next to the main road and there is ample space for parking your vehicle. There are changing rooms as well near the waterfall and you need to pay a nominal fee to visit the waterfall.

Beware of the monkeys that roam around this place and also, be careful of the slippery rocks near the waterfall. As this waterfall is on the main road, you can expect a good amount of crowd on any given day.

3. Loam’s View Point (Valparai View Point)

The hairpin curves (40 in total) that Valparai is famous for begins from Monkey Falls. It will be a fun and adventurous ride from now as you ascend completely till Valparai and witness changing landscapes with every ascent. For me, this was one of the highlights of Day 1.

While you go through one of the Valparai hairpin bends, you’ll see a demarcated place called Loam’s View Point (there’s also a signboard) from where you can see one of the hairpin bends below in all its glory with the Aliyar Dam in the background.

Make sure to stop here for some time and take in the scenery. Depending on your luck, you may not be allowed to park here as you may find police personnel at this stretch. In our case, we didn’t find anyone so we stopped here for some time.

4. Waterfall Tea Shop/Tea Estate

Somewhere between the 25th and 30th hairpin bend, you’ll get your first proper views of the vast tea plantations in Valparai that surround themselves with tall mountains. This was the moment when I felt I’d been transported to Munnar (a similar hill station in Kerala).

You can stop here for tea and have some snacks from the Waterfall tea shop at a nominal cost with the beautiful surroundings in front of you. They sell their tea leaves as well and you can also visit the Waterfall Tea Estate nearby. The Waterfall Tea Estate contains a small waterfall and a restroom inside.

This will be your last break before you reach Valparai which is less than an hour from here. 

We continued our journey thereafter and reached Valparai by 1 pm, checked into our accommodation, and then went to the town to have lunch.

5. Karumalai Balaji Temple

After having our lunch, we continued our journey to cover the tourist attractions in Valparai. By this time, the weather had become misty and wet which made the landscape around us even more spectacular.

Our first destination was Karumalai Balaji Temple, which was within half an hour from Valparai. More than the temple itself, you’ll enjoy the ride to the temple as it is located inside a tea estate called Karumalai Estate.

Hence, you’ll be driving through winding roads that surround themselves with tea plantations for close to half an hour. This time, it truly felt like we were driving around in Munnar as we could only see tea plantations everywhere. You can stop for some photos in between.

We finally reached our destination and parked our vehicle. From the parking spot, you have to walk for less than a kilometre to reach the temple. Although the temple is small, you can still feel complete silence and peace here as there is barely any noise.

The temple is managed by Karumalai Estate which is a private entity. For some reason, we were not allowed to take photos even outside the temple. 

The temple is open between 8 am-12 pm and 3 pm-6 pm so plan your trip accordingly. If not anything, you’ll enjoy the journey more than the destination.

On the way back, we went to Tunnel View Point, a hidden spot in Valparai. It is a slight deviation from the route we took from Valparai and just half an hour from Karumalai Balaji Temple. You’ll still be driving through the Karumalai Estate so the journey remains memorable.

As the name suggests, it is a small tunnel of 8 km cut through the mountains that transports freshwater between the mountains of Valparai and a dam nearby. It is located inside a tea plantation and there’s also a mini waterfall on one side where you can take a shower.

There are a couple of shops as well nearby where you can have a light snack. 

From Tunnel View Point, you can make your way back to Valparai through the Kuzhankal River. It is a popular tourist attraction in Valparai where the river flows through the tea gardens. As the waters are shallow, you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters here. 

There are plenty of small eateries as well besides this river. As we were running out of time, unfortunately, we couldn’t stop here. But if you’ve time, ensure that you stop here to chill for some time.

Our day 1 ends here and we went back to our homestay, had dinner and relaxed for the night.

For day 2, our goal was to go on a road trip to Thrissur, a neighbouring town in Kerala and see the tourist attractions on the way culminating in Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kerala’s most famous and largest waterfall. 

Just like Day 1, our entire journey on Day 2 was picturesque and engaging as we were driving through a reserved forest area throughout the day. 

We started our journey on Day 2 at 10 am. In hindsight, we could have started earlier because we came back to Valparai late at night. Hence, I would suggest you leave Valparai by 8 am or 9 am and have breakfast on the way.

Let me take you through the tourist attractions you’ll see when you drive through this amazing route from Valparai to Athirappilly Waterfalls.

7. Sholayar Dam (Upper Sholayar Dam)

Sholayar Dam is the first tourist attraction you’ll see when you drive towards Athirappilly Waterfalls on Day 2.

It is located 20 km from Valparai and is worth the visit, especially after monsoon season when the dam is full. The drive to Sholayar Dam is also very scenic as you traverse through tea plantations. 

There is a small park in front of the dam where you can spend some time. You can find plenty of photographic opportunities here. 

Unfortunately, as it was raining, we couldn’t get out of our car but we could still see the dam as it was right next to the road. 

By the way, there is another dam called Lower Sholayar Dam located in Kerala that you’ll be passing through on the way to Athirappilly Waterfalls.

8. Thottapura View Point

From Sholayar Dam, the Kerala border is less than 5 km. On the Kerala side, you’ll be reaching Malakkappara, a small hill station in Thrissur. From here till Athirappilly Waterfalls, you’ll be passing through a thick forest which is home to many birds and animals.

Hence, before you cross to Malakkappara, you’ll have to stop your vehicle at the Malakkappara Forest Check Post. Here, you’ll be given a slip with details of your vehicle number and the number of passengers. You’ll have to show this slip at the Vazhachal Check Post (which is just before Athirappilly Waterfalls) within two hours of entering Malakkappara.

Being a forest area, you can only enter Malakkappara between 6 am to 6 pm. You also cannot stop your vehicles inside the forest due to obvious reasons.

The drive through this particular forest was the highlight of our trip. As we went after the monsoon season, the fog and the light rains gave the forest a mystic feel.

Throughout this entire journey to Athirappilly Waterfalls, you’ll be inside this forest only and if you’re lucky, you might even see some animals. There is no traffic as well and the only sounds you hear are those of the birds and animals.

Thottapura View Point is our first destination inside this forest. It is the only viewpoint in this forest and is less than an hour away from Malakkappara.

While technically you’re not allowed to stop your vehicle in the forest, this is a great place to relax after a long drive. You can see the reservoir/lake here created by the Lower Sholayar Dam. It is surrounded by thick forests and mountains in the background.

Don’t break here for a long time because the forest officials are always patrolling this place.

9. Vazhachal Waterfalls

From Thottapura View Point, we continue our journey to Vazhachal. It takes another hour to reach the Vazhachal Waterfalls from Thottapura and the forest starts becoming denser.

Before you reach Vazhachal Waterfalls, you’ll need to stop at the Vazhachal Check Post before it and show the slip you received at the Malakkappara Check Post. Hence, ensure that you don’t lose this slip.

Vazhachal Waterfalls is our next stop.

It is a flat and cascading waterfall that flows through rocks inside a park. You cannot visit the waterfalls as it is steep and the water keeps flowing but you can see it clearly beside the park.  

You can spend some time here, have some snacks and use the washrooms at the park before making your way to Athirappilly Waterfalls. The ticket that you get here can also be used for Athirappilly Falls.

We reached Athirappilly Waterfalls by 3 pm, our final destination, only 5 km from Vazhachal Waterfalls. Known as the Niagara Falls of South India, it draws a lot of tourists from all across India and several Mollywood films have been shot here.

You can go to the top first from where you can see the river flowing in front of you and falling down the rocks ultimately into the forest in front of it. Like Vazhachal Falls, you cannot go inside the water when the river is full.

Once you’re done, you can hike down the hill (from the side) to see Athirappilly Falls gushing from a height in all its glory.

The best time to visit Athirappilly Waterfalls is after the monsoon season when the river is full of water. Also, expect a lot of crowds here during this time.

You could easily spend a couple of hours here at the falls. You can also have snacks or meals outside the falls where you’ll find plenty of restaurants.

After visiting the falls, we went back to Valparai and reached at night before making our way back to our respective homes.

4 bonus places to visit in Valparai (if you’ve time)

As mentioned before, our Valparai trip was only planned for two days. For the second (and final day), we planned an epic road trip to Athirappilly Waterfalls.

But if you’ve another day to kill in Valparai, there are four other places in Valparai that you can explore. We would have included them in our itinerary had it been a 3-day Valparai trip. 

To make it easier for you, I’ve included them in a chronological order that would make it easier for you to cover all these places in optimal time. Given below are the 4 bonus places you can visit in Valparai if you have a spare day: 

1. Birala Waterfalls (Birla Waterfalls)

It is a small, cascading waterfall that flows through the Sholayar Tea Estate in a tiny village in Valparai. To reach the falls, you’ve to walk through the tea estate. 

2. Nallamudi View Point

It is a viewpoint located inside the Nallamudi tea estate which has sweeping views of the mountains, valleys and waterfalls neighbouring the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. You need to walk through the tea estate for a kilometre to reach the top.

3. Lower Nirar Dam

It is a small dam located inside a forest area surrounded by tea plantations and calm waters. You can also visit one of the tunnels here when the water is less. The last stretch of the road to reach this place is not properly tarred so be prepared for that.

This area is known as the Cherrapunjee of South India as it receives a lot of rainfall. It is located in a remote forest that you need to trek through for half an hour. You have to take a pass from the Forest Check Post and one of the officers will be guiding you all the way.

How to reach Valparai?

As Valparai is located close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, there are different ways of going to Valparai.

Palakkad, Thrissur, Kochi and Pollachi are the neighbouring towns from where you can get access to Valparai. You can even combine your Munnar trip with Valparai as it is on the Southern border of Valparai.

At an approximate distance of 110 km, both the Kochi and Coimbatore airports are the nearest airports to Valparai. 

Pollachi is the nearest railway station to Valparai at a distance of 64 km. Depending on where you’re coming from, you can also get trains to Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad and Coimbatore, all of which are nearby.

You can get frequent buses from Pollachi to Valparai. Coimbatore also has buses to Valparai but the frequency is less. From the Kerala side, you can get buses at fixed timings from the Chalakudi bus stand in Thrissur to go to Valparai.

Where to stay in Valparai?

We stayed in a homestay called Mary Land homestay which had clean rooms and a balcony with a view of the tea plantations. You’ll find plenty of such homestays and hotels in Valparai. There are a couple more homestays in Valparai I can recommend if you’re on a budget:

1. Green Mount Homestay

2. Bison Valley Estate by Happy Homes

Best places to eat in Valparai

For all the meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), I recommend Sri Lakshmi Chettinadu Mess in Valparai. They prepare homely food, have a proper sitting area and the prices are reasonable.

They specialize in South Indian dishes like dosa, vada, pongal and even serve non-vegetarian food if that is your thing. There are plenty of options on the menu so you won’t be disappointed.

When you are on the road covering different destinations, you may find lesser restaurants but you can always rely on the roadside dhabas from where you can get home-cooked food at dirt cheap prices.

If you plan to go to Athirappilly Falls, you can find plenty of restaurants outside the falls there.

Best time to visit Valparai

The best time to visit Valparai is from September to March, which is after the monsoon season. During this time, the dams, lakes and rivers are full of water which makes them worth the visit. The weather in Valparai is also cool and pleasant.

If you go during September, you might face light showers but not enough to sabotage your trip.

You can avoid the months of April and May as the weather becomes humid and the water in the lakes and rivers is less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is valparai worth visiting.

Valparai is worth visiting if you love to visit a hill station that is full of tea gardens, waterfalls and dams. If road trips are your thing, Valparai is an amazing destination in South India as you’ll be travelling through roads surrounded by tea gardens, thick forests and tall mountains.

How many days do you need in Valparai?

If you want to cover all the places within Valparai, two days should be enough. Alternatively, if you want to cover the other awesome destinations around Valparai leading to Athirappilly Waterfalls, you need another day i.e. three days in total to cover all the places.

Which are the places to visit in Valaparai in 2 days?

The following are the places to visit in Valaparai in two days: 1. Aliyar Dam View Point 2. Monkey Falls 3. Loam’s View Point 4. Karumalai Balaji Temple 5. Tunnel View Point (Vellamalai Tunnel River) 6. Birala Waterfalls 7. Nallamudi View Point 8. Lower Nirar Dam 9. Chinna Kallar Falls

The best time to visit Valparai is after the monsoon season when all the rivers and lakes are full of water, the landscape is greener and the weather is ideal for you to explore Valparai. These months range from September to March. You can avoid the summer months when the water is less and the weather is humid.

We had an amazing time in Valparai covering all the places in and around this less-explored hill station in Tamil Nadu. Valparai is one of the few destinations in South India where both the journey and the destinations are equally engaging and beautiful.

Decide your starting point for the Valparai trip based on where you’re coming from. You can decide between Coimbatore, Pollachi, Palakkad, Thrissur and Munnar. If you’re visiting Munnar , you can also club Valparai with your trip and cover both the hill stations in one go.

In any case, having your vehicle is preferred as you can cover all the places in Valparai at your leisure. If not, you can hire a cab from Valparai or ask your homestay for help.

If you want to explore all the places in and around Valparai, keep at least three days for Valparai. If you’re short on time, I highly recommend the Valparai to Athirappilly circuit for Day 2.  If you don’t want to travel much, you can explore the 4 bonus places in Valparai.

With that said, I hope you found this guide to the ’10 best places to visit in Valparai’ useful. If you have any questions, drop them down in the comments and I’ll be happy to help.

Jerry quit his 9-5 job to become a digital nomad and travel the world. Through Framedventures, he helps people have experiential and immersive travel adventures across India. He has travelled to 15+ states/UTs in India so far. Besides travelling, he's also passionate about landscape photography. Connect with him on his social media channels to get his latest travel updates!

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I read your trip details to Valparai. I must say you write in a conversational informal way which makes the reader compelled to read on with pleasure! I currently live in Coimbatore. Would feel obliged if you lead me through your writing places like Valparai in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Also suggest lodges or hotels – not very luxurious or very cheap- but medium and comfortable. Interested in nature and famous Hindu temples, rivers, vegetarian hygienic food. Thanks for sharing your travel experience- why don’t you make your hobby a business, claiming referral fees from lodging houses or hotels!

Hey Balan! Thank you very much for the feedback! Much appreciated. 😃

I always recommend homestays that are value-for-money accommodations rather than cheap or expensive. I have suggested a few in this article as well.

I have travelled extensively across South India so you can find articles related to Tamil Nadu and Kerala on my website. I also plan to write more about such places in future.

In terms of experiences, I cover nature, food, important religious places, monuments, etc. on my travels. ✌️

As you mentioned, I plan to convert this hobby into a full-time business in future. For now, I want to focus on giving as much value as I can so that people like you can travel and explore India to the fullest. 😇

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Poonachimalai

"the seventh heaven", valparai tourism.

Situated at 1500m above sea level in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, Valparai is an offbeat yet tranquil hill station in the Anamalai Hills. Its alluring picturesque sights entice tourists from all over the country making it one of the sought-after destinations in the south of Western Ghats.

It is the haven of those who yearn to visit similar hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Coorg but are discouraged by the eruption of vacation-footfall in those places. Everyone -- from corporate workers or students seeking respite from the noise of their urban lives to nature-loving souls and trekking-enthusiasts -- can gain something worthwhile from travelling to and staying at Valparai. It truly is the 'seventh heaven'.  Propelled by an economy that comprises largely of coffee and tea estates, this idyllic hill station also flourishes because of its thriving tourism industry. Yet it also inheres a rich heritage for those with an appreciation for history and culture. Its monuments and temples stand out as major attractions in this regard.

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This beautiful, hilly hamlet of Valparai is the ultimate choice for those who wish to spend a quiet memorable time away from all the hustle. The lavish green spread, tea plantations and winding paths serve up a lot to explore.

Located at 3500 feet height from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range of the Western Ghats, Valparai prides itself as one of the first choice tourist destinations. Even with its rustic charm, the place is well connected. Enjoy the drive to Valparai along the hairpin curves and marveling at the hilly ranges filled with greenery. Hemmed in by forests, the tea plantations and coffee estates at Valparai make for a spectacular sight. Halt for pictures of a lifetime, take a stroll along the plantations and relax yourself in the calmness of the place. Upper Sholayar Dam,Nirar Dam, Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls , Balaji temple (Karimalai), Velankanni Church (Karimalai), Pancha Mugha Vinayagar Koil (Near Sholayar) are a few of the landmarks you would love to explore.  For trekkers, Valparai offers a unique experience. The Valparai range is also the habitat of Nilgiri Tahr.

Pay a visit to the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the most famous attractions of Valparai.  Lion-tailed macaques, barking deer, wild boar, the Nilgiri and the common langur can be spotted here. Valparai is also a most loved place for bird watchers The Great Hornbill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Grey Malabar Hornbill are often spotted here.

Head to Chinna Kallar and be awed at the mesmerizing beauty of nature. Blanketed by forest, a narrow, winding path leads to Chinnakallar falls.  Immerse yourself in the scenic splendor. This place owns the distinction of receiving the third highest rainfall. Cloaked in mist owing to the showers, Chinnakallar is blessed with greenery so appealing that you love to spend as much time as you can

• How to Reach
• Best Time to Visit

Valparai New Bus Station, about 1 km away

Coimbatore International airport, about 119 km away

Pollachi Railway Station, about 64 km away

December to January

Nearby Destinations

Monkey Waterfalls

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Amaravathi Reservoir

Explore Coimbatore District

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Valparai is a pleasant and beautiful hill station in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Anamalai hills on the Western Ghats, the hill station is mostly covered with tea and coffee plantation surrounded by evergreen forests. The town of Valparai is home to some rare animals and birds along with pristine streams, waterfalls and sublime highlands. The nearest airport to Valparai is Coimbatore International Airport approximately 120 kilometres away. 

Rankings & Ratings

#20 in 33 Destinations in & around Kerala #3 in 8 Wildlife Sanctuaries in & around Kerala #9 in 10 Hill Stations in & around Kerala

Editor's Review

Valparai is a good place to visit if you want to see colourful animals along with some endangered species. The natural attractions, especially the waterfalls and the grass hills are very beautiful. Although you might have to travel in crowded buses, the view can make the ride interesting.

• The ride to Valparai is a great experience in itself.
• The climate is always cool and pleasant.
• The waterfalls and dams are lovely.
• The place is home to some endangered species. 
• Vegetarians can have trouble finding good food.
• The town is not very developed.
• The buses to Valparai are mostly very crowded.
• Not many activities available for tourists.

Itinerary Tips

• The town experiences very heavy rainfall during the monsoon. This season is not a great time to visit the place.
• It is best to take the bus from Pollachi because you get to see many interesting attractions en route. But these buses are usually crowded.
• You can take a taxi to reach Valparai so that you have the freedom to stop, admire and take pictures of the scenic locations.
•  Aaliyar dam has a small theme park and an aquarium close to it.
• Monkey falls is on the road from Pollachi to Valparai. You can visit the waterfalls if entry is not restricted.
• Loam's View Point and Tiger Valley provide best views of the Aaliyar Dam.
• Sholayar Dam, the second deepest dam in the continent is also a beautiful tourist attraction.
• The Grass Hills in the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is simply breathtaking. The park is home to some rare animals like Nilgiri Tahr.
• Nallamudi Poonjolai and Number Parai are fanatastic view points.
• Chinnakallar has roaring waterfalls and forests with tall and majestic trees.

Detailed Info

Valparai is a cool and breezy hill station lying in the Anamalai hills of the Western Ghats. The town belongs to the district of Coimbatore.  It is believed that a person named Ramasamy Mudaliyar started planting coffee here in 1846. Today, coffee and tea plantations cover most of Valparai making the place look extremely beautiful and scenic. The hill station is home to many elephants, quite a few leopards and also endangered species like The Nilgiri Tahr.

Valparai is one of the few hill stations that have so many dams. Some of the famous dams in the town are Aaliyar dam, Sholayar Dam and Nirar dam. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park is a well known park near Valparai which has a place called Grass Hills, a spectacular site having mountain slopes covered with lush green grass. Since Valparai is one of the wettest places in India, the waterfalls like Monkey falls and Chinnakallar falls located in the region are wonderful to look at. 

The altitude of Valparai is 1100 metres(3500 ft) above mean sea level.

The hill station is cool and pleasant throughtout the year but experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season.

Best Time to Visit?

Between the months of September and March.

How to Get There?

The nearest airport to Valparai is Coimbatore International Airport which is at a distance of about 120 kilometres from the town. The airport is well-connected to other major cities in India and some cities abroad too. From the airport, you can book a cab to reach Valparai.

By Train  

The nearest railway station to Valparai is Coimbatore Junction Railway Station which is at a distance of about 105 kilometres from the town. The station is well-connected to major cities in India. From the station, you have to hire a taxi to reach Valparai.

Private tourist buses are available to Valparai from Pollachi and Chalakudy bus stations which are at a distance of 64 and 80 kilometres from the town respectively. Since no direct buses are available, you have to go to one of these towns to reach Valparai.  

Local Cuisines

Typical Tamil Nadu style Non-vegetarian delicacies of Chicken and Rabbit are popular in the restaurants near Valparai.

Traveller Reviews & Comments

Hidden Gems – 11 Places to visit at Valparai

Table of Contents

If you google ‘hill stations in South India’, you’ll probably book a hotel in Coorg , Ooty , Coonoor , Munnar or Chikmagalur. Considering how famous these destinations have become over the last decade or so, we don’t blame the tourists for thronging these places. But wait, there’s more. For years tourists have frequented hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor for their lush green meadows and tea estates. But over the last few years, the population has boomed in these destinations thanks to over-commercialization because of an influx of tourists. They no longer have the appeal of a quaint hill station. This is where Valparai beats all these other hill stations and you must explore all the great places to visit at Valparai.

We chanced upon Valparai on the internet while looking for a weekend getaway and were taken aback by its natural beauty. Valparai is a newly explored tourist spot located in the Anamalai Hills that falls in Tamil Nadu. The drive up to Valparai takes you through the forest, perfectly landscaped tea gardens and sometimes an encounter with elephants, leopards or other wildlife! 

The beautiful hill station shares its boundary with Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, and Vazhachal Forest Division and as a result, it’s a haven for animals such as elephants, wild boars, mountain goats, black monkeys, and leopards.

Valparai is different from other tourist spots in the South because of some of its unique nature and ecotourism is given more importance than the regular form of tourism. And we highlight the most stunning places to visit at Valparai and nearby.

Places to visit at Valparai

Annamalai wildlife sanctuary

Annamalai wildlife sanctuary is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters and is full of wildlife such as pangolins, sloth bear, panther, elephant, tiger, gaur, deer, etc.

Aaliyar Dam

Located at Aliyar in the foothills of Valparai, is a famous picnic spot near the dam. The park opens at 8.30 am and closes at 5.30 pm, with a very minimum entry charge. With very few visitors during the week days, this is easily one of the best places to visit at Valparai.

Birla Falls

Your journey to Birla falls will take you 2 km away from Valparai and the path is surrounded by tea fields. Watching the waterfall in the mid-green tea fields is a pleasant view for the eyes.

Manompally forest

This reserve forest has adventurous treks and a high probability to sight some of the endangered species. There is a trekking shed( rest house) on the banks of Manompally river which doubles up as a base camp for those bent on adventure. Prior permission from the Forest Department required.

Grass Hills

It probably is one of the most secluded, most beautiful, most enchanting and the most peaceful place on earth. The shola grasslands are a unique ecosystem that hosts species like the Nilgiri tahr and Nilgiri Pipit which are not found anywhere else in the world. Nature lovers would love to explore this spot and prior permission from the Forest Department is required.

Sighted the elusive Black Panther yet?

Almost everybody knows that a  black panther  had long made the dense forests of  Kabini  its abode. And the best way to spot them is to spend a few nights in the gorgeous wildlife reserve.

Athirapally falls

An 80 km drive from Valparai through one of the thickest evergreen forests in India simulates the canopied rainforests of Amazon and Central Africa. Popularly known as ‘Punnagai Mannan falls’ or ‘the Indian Niagara’, Athirapally falls has been the backdrop for many south Indian movies. On the way, there are two other falls Charpa and Vazachal.

Nallamudi- Pooncholai

People can reach the Nallamudi valley viewpoint through a gateway in the tea garden. From here you can spot an excellent view Anaimudi peak, the highest peak in south India. There are few falls on the valley one of which appears as streaks. This is truly a sight to behold. The nearby tribal settlements provide ample opportunity to satisfy the explorer in you.

Monkey falls

One of nature’s finest and purest sources of minerals and ayurvedic formulations, these falls truly rejuvenate your body and mind.

Loams viewpoint

This gives a panoramic view of the Azhiyar dam. Consider yourself lucky if you spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the State animal of Tamil Nadu.

Tiger Valley

It provides a spectacular view of Kadamparai and the upper Azhiyar projects. Windmills situated on the plains can be a feast to the eyes, try zooming-in your binoculars for a couple.

Chinna Kallar

Considered to be one of the wettest places in India at par with Mawsymram, Cherrapunji, and Agumbe. You can reach the waterfalls in this area by a trek through a hanging bridge, a legacy of the British.

Best Time to visit Valparai

Sitting pretty at 3,500 feet, Valparai might not be perched on towering mountains like the Himalayas but the weather here is pleasant throughout the year. Located amidst lush greenery and picturesque tea garden, the quaint hill station is a nature lover’s abode and can be explore during any of the season. 

However, the best time to be there is post monsoons, when the rain gods bless the hill station with magnificent shades of green and small rivulets flowing through the terrain. If you are looking to explore all the places to visit at Valparai then September to January are the best months for you. Avoid going there during monsoons, as the torrential mountain rains might limit your outdoor time.

How to reach Valparai

Coimbatore airport is the nearest international airport to Valparai – approximately 124 km (the journey up winding roads towards the end means that you should budget 3-4 hours to get there by car from Coimbatore airport). International flights to Singapore and Sharjah are provided by Silk Air (A subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) and Air Arabia respectively. Domestic airlines fly to Coimbatore as well.

Pollachi To Valparai – Public buses are available every 30 minutes from Pollachi Bus Terminal. Because people use this a lot, it may take more than 4 hours to cover the distance of about 64 km. Visitors arriving via Coimbatore must-visit Pollachi and then catch a bus to the Valparai bus from there.

Coimbatore Junction is the nearest railway station. The distance is 105 km from Valparai and is connected to all major cities in India.

Where to stay in Valparai

Valparai is yet to get commercialized and therefore there aren’t a lot of stay options available. Therefore the ones that are there, will provide you with an excellent experience! Our favourite hotel chain is the  Briar Tea bungalows   that have  Monica  and  Sirukundra  estates where people can book luxury tents or cottages. These are the most premium properties in Valparai that have amazing locales, great food, and unmatched services. You can also explore upscale properties like Sinna Dorai Bungalows and Great Mount Coco Lagoon.

For homestays and other hotels, you can check out your favourite online booking site and plan your vacation there!

Head down from the mountains to the uber cool beach destinations in Karnataka

With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes,  Gokarna  is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies.

Liked this article? Don’t forget to leave your comment below and share it with your friends! If you would like to travel the way we do, then join us on our tours through our boutique travel company,  Moto Overlanders .  

We also recommend our section on  Food ,  Reviews , and  International  destinations in our blog. If you like our pictures, do check out our  Instagram  and  Facebook  page as well.

This article and the pictures in it belong to  Travelmynation  and usage without prior permission is prohibited. If you would like to use any of our content, pls feel free to  reach out to us .

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Pictures are mind blowing. More than all other hill stations in South India, My most favorite one is Valparai. Whenever we plan for the ride to hill station, We give first preferences to Valparai.

Thanks for reading. Yes it’s an amazing place. But there are more like Valparai and you can see them on our insta feed. Look for travelmynation

name if this accommodation plz?

Hi Namita. Thanks for reading the blog. Do share it as well. The stay is by Briar Bungalows and this particular one is called Sirukundra

This is Sirukundra Bungalow in Valparai…its part of Briar Bungalows.

[…] One of the most gorgeous tea plantations in the country and hands down beating destinations like Munnar, Kodaikanal, and Ooty with its perfectly landscaped terrain, cloudy mountains, and green environment. The man-made tea and coffee plantations are full of wildlife such as elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, red-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc. You can see Valparai in pictures here. […]

wowww Valparai looks so much mesmerizing… Cant wait to explore the place. You’re blog is definitely going to help alot

Thanks a lot for reading. Go there during or post monsoons

I never heard about this place, but while reading the article I really liked the place and pictures are really stunning. I will surely make a plan to visit this beautiful place.

Oh u didn’t? Then u should definitely go there

So loved the photos… and wondering how much more the place must have become after lockdown. And yes you very rightly said that pelple from outside Southern India know only of Ooty, Coorg and Munnar. Thanks for introducing us to Valparai

Ur welcome. Glad you liked it

Valparai looks so amazing place to visit with family and friends. You clicked some outstanding pictures would love to visit this place. Thanks for detailed information about the place

Ur welcome Sundeep. Hope u get to go here soon

Just like other people, I also visited various commercial and famous places of South India. Valparai is new to me and trust me I am really mesmerized by its beauty and serenity. I will surely recommend it to my friends and will visit for sure if get a chance next time. Pictures and detailing here is amazing.

Wow am so glad to hear that. And when u do go there lemme know if u need any help

I am adding Valpari to my list even though I have been to Annamalai wildlife sanctuary for a short period of time. I would love to visit this place again and see the places with a different perspective. Thanks for this, I will save this post so I can use it when I plan.

I did know a bit about Valparai but looking at the pictures, all I can say is “Wow”. That’s natural beauty at its best.

Thanks. Glad u liked it

Valparai looks amazing. But this is one offbeat. Not in the famous listy ones. Good you listed the stays. Since Coimbatore is the neatest, I wonder if shared cars are available.

Yes u can get taxis from there. Not sure about shared transportation

Vidur this is amazing, I am amazed how much beauty India contains? Honestly before reading your blog, I never heard about Valparai. Due to the description and photos I definitely want to visit it sometime.

Thanks for reading and hope u make it there soon

Those pictures are absolutely mesmerising… I really wish to start travelling as soon as the lockdown is lifted.

Yeah we r waiting to travel too

Seems like a perfect plan for a roadtrip from Bangalore once this pandemic gets over!

Yes we r waiting to go there too

I had read about Valparai a couple of years back and since then I wanted to visit there. Somehow, a trip to teh southern part of India did not happen in these times. Valparai looks breathtakingly beautiful and I see that there are a number of waterfalls there. The place looks a lovely combination of green and blue! Would love to visit this place when we start travelling again.

All greens n blues there. Lovely place for photos

Woah – so many cool places, so much time! I have hardly explored South India, it’s been on my list for the longest time. Thanks for this guide – will definitely bookmark it for later!

Then u should plan a southern trip once things get normal ??

I will be visiting first week of June Almost monsoons Is it recommended?

Yes u can go but it might be a little hot at the time. However Valparai is a year round destination

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Top 5 Places to Visit in Valparai

The Anamalai Hill Ranges is known for its pristine environment, accommodating large varieties of flora and fauna. Famed for its numerous coffee and tea plantations, Valparai is a little piece of heaven tucked away in the cradle of the Western Ghats. The entire area is surrounded by evergreen deciduous forests loaded with lakes, waterfalls, mountain peaks and lush green valleys. Here is our list of top five places to visit in Valparai .

1. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

A safe haven for numerous plant and animal species unique to the Western Ghats regions, the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is an unparalleled experience . Majority of the species of animal life in the park is endangered like the Bengal tiger, Asiatic wild dog, rusty-spotted cat and sambar deer. Watch beauty in its most pristine and rugged form, unpolluted by the touch of mankind.

2. Sholayar Dam

Encapsulating beauty and majesty within its folds, Sholayar Dam is a prestigious hydroelectric power project of the state of Tamil Nadu . Unrivalled in beauty and picturesque scenic opulence, the Sholayar Dam stores gallons of water, symbolising the sheer force of nature and mankind coupled in unique harmony.

3. Chinnakallar Waterfalls

In a sentence, the Chinnakallar Waterfalls is a haven for trekkers and those who crave for some scenic abundance. Encapsulated by forests and narrow windy paths the Chinnakallar is located 25kms away from Valparai and is known for its wild scenic beauty. It is also quite dangerous at times, because it is a natural habitat of wild elephants which you may have to encounter on your way to the waterfalls. So, it is best if you pick up a proper time to visit the place along with the companion of a local guide.

4. Birla Falls

Cradled by beautiful green tea plantations, a historical legacy of the Sholayar Ranges, the Birla Falls is beauty is all its majesty. With water gushing down the mountain peaks, dropping from one rock to the other the Birla Falls is a beautiful waterfall encapsulated by surrounding green valleys and high peaks. The sight of the waters cascading down high peaks to flow freely along with the river is in itself a sight which fascinated you. The very first peek at the Birla Falls is enough to instigate awe in people.

5. Manampalli forest

Manampalli is a favourite trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts. Embedded with lush green valleys and beautiful peaks, a typical feature of the Sholayar Forest Ranges, Manampalli is even more beautiful with the rugged terrains and untouched Manampalli Lake. The lake is a beautiful pearl embedded in the midst of scenic abundance . For all those trekkers out there, Manampalli also have a cute little rest house at its foothills, which can serve the purpose of a base camp.

Take a break from your mundane existence and escape to the beauty of this hill station kept hidden from human touch; still lush and beautiful with evergreen trees and grasslands.

Other Interesting Places In Tamil Nadu:

• Do-Not-Miss Destinations In Coimbatore
• Do-Not-Miss Destinations In Vellore
• Do-Not-Miss Destinations In Tiruchirappalli

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Valparai – Top Things to Know About This Hill Station Near Coimbatore

Valparai is a scenic hill station located about 110 km from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the lush Annamalai hills and covered with dense plantation forests, it makes for an ideal nature getaway from the surrounding industrial towns. This place is liked by bike travelers quite a lot due to the beautiful scenic routes.

It is near Pollachi with a distance of approximately 70 km from Pollachi town. You can plan your vacation or trip to places in Pollachi on your way so you can cover more places on your trip.

How to Reach Valparai

This place is easily accessible from Coimbatore, Pollachi, Erode, Tirupur, and all other nearby cities. If you are visiting from elsewhere, you can travel to Coimbatore/Tirupur and then plan your journey to Valparai from there.

Throughout the day, frequent government and private buses run between Coimbatore/Pollachi and Valparai. If you are traveling from Coimbatore, you can board the bus at either Ukkadam Bus Stand or Gandhipuram Bus Stand. As far as I know, many buses depart from the Ukkadam bus station. The entire journey takes about 3 hours from there.

If you’re planning to take a bus from Pollachi, you may find buses at the Pollachi bus stand. There are several buses that also run from Erode, Tirupur, and Salem.

Pollachi Junction, located 2 kilometers from Pollachi bus stand, is the nearest railway station. You can take a bus or rent a car/travel accordingly from Pollachi to Valparai.

Coimbatore Junction, about 2 kilometers from the Ukkadam bus stand, is the other nearest railway station. You can take a local bus from Coimbatore Junction to Ukkadam bus stand and then board a bus to Valparai from here.

This place is well-connected by road; you can drive yourself or book a car from Coimbatore, Pollachi, or Udhagamandalam. You can plan a road trip from anywhere, and I would recommend taking the National highway wherever it is available to avoid city traffic jams. The exquisite trip through forests and plantations is an unforgettable experience itself.

The closest airports to Valparai are Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), which is about 120 kilometers away, Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 117 kilometers away, and Kozhikode/Calicut International Airport (CCJ), which is about 210 kilometers away.

You can fly into one of these airports and then take trains, buses, or cabs as needed.

Best Time to Visit

Because of its elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level, Valparai offers beautiful weather all year. However, the best time to visit is from March to June, when summer is in full swing in the plains below. Spending a day in nature is refreshing, thanks to the clear skies, gentle wind, and abundant greenery.

Traveling during the monsoon season is extremely dangerous since the rain makes the roads unsafe. If you plan to travel during the monsoon season, take the required precautions before leaving and drive safely if you are driving your vehicle.

Places to Visit in Valparai

Chinnakallar falls.

It is about 15 kilometers from the Valparai bus stand. Chinnakallar Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Valparai, flows down a steep hill into a peaceful pool. The difficult 600-step downhill offers incredible views of the Western Ghats. If you want to enjoy the scenery, visit early to avoid crowds.

Balaji Temple

This temple is 10 kilometers from Valparai. It is well-known for its tranquil atmosphere and architecture. Spend 30 minutes to an hour touring the temple and its surrounding areas. The temple’s architecture is notable, and it creates a peaceful environment for relaxation and meditation.

Sholayar Dam

Drive 23 kilometers from Valparai to the Sholayar Dam, one of the biggest dams and an excellent scenic location in Valparai. Enjoy the stunning views of the dam as well as the mountains that surround it and forests. You can spend approximately 1-1.5 hours here.

Valparai Viewpoint

Again, Valparai Viewpoint, also known as Loam’s Viewpoint, is a must-see attraction located 10 kilometers from the Valparai bus stand. It provides breathtaking views of the neighboring hills and tea estates. The view is especially stunning around sunset, so plan your visit accordingly.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in Anaimalai Hills which lies South of the Southern Western Ghats, also known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. One of the most popular tiger reserves in India and the best place to visit with family. Valparai is at a distance of 57 Km from Anaimalai Tiger Reserve & you can reach this place from Pollachi (Pollachi – Anamalai – Sethumadai – Topslip) which is at a distance of 40 Km covered in about 2.5 ~ 3 hours.

Tea Plantations

Valparai is surrounded by breathtaking tea estates that provide a refreshing to ourselves. Explore the tea-making industry as you walk over cultivated hills full of vibrant green plants.

Malakkappara Tea Gardens, located approximately 25 kilometers from Valparai, is famous for its tea farms, and these gardens offer a glimpse into the region’s tea cultivation. The hilly landscape covered in tea plantations is a beautiful sight.

Places to visit nearby Valparai

Some of the other places to visit near Valparai are:

It is located 65 kilometers from Valparai and is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions. Aliyar Dam, Winner Shooting Spot, Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple, and Thirumoorthi Falls are the few major attractions.

Coimbatore is 110 kilometers from Valparai. Being an educational hub and industrial center for many around the city, it has numerous places to visit like Maruthamalai temple, Isha Yoga Center, Perur temple, Vellingiri hills, Kovai kutralam, Valaiyar and so on.

It is located 190 kilometers from Valparai, called the Queen of Hill Stations . Botanical gardens, boat houses, tea plantations, tea manufacturing firms, Kateri Park, and other attractions are must-sees.

Kotagiri is quite a calmer spot than Ooty, with fewer tourists, yet it is a great destination not to miss on your vacation. This is approximately 170 kilometers from Valparai.

Athirapally Waterfalls

Athirapally Waterfalls, which is about a 2-hour drive from Valparai are often referred to as the “Niagara of India” and are known for their stunning beauty and lush surroundings.

Vazhachal Waterfalls

After visiting Athirapally, you can visit Vazhachal Waterfalls, which is located nearby. These waterfalls are equally impressive and offer a serene natural setting. You can take a walk around the area and enjoy the scenery.

Things to Do in Valparai

– Trekking to viewpoints, off-beat trails, and surrounding scenic hills.

– Rural sightseeing through plantations spotting rare birds and wildlife.

– Homestays overlooking valleys, tea estates, or forest areas.

– Photography tours capturing the natural rustic beauty.

– Don’t forget to savor some local cuisine while in Valparai. Try dishes like dosa, idli, and various South Indian specialties at local eateries or restaurants.

Key Takeaways

As seen above, the environs of Valparai overflow with scenic natural beauty. From thundering waterfalls and winding plantations to misty hills and vibrant jungles – there’s plenty to satiate nature lovers and photographers. Proper planning helps you experience this picturesque locale and its diverse attractions to the fullest.

FAQs about Places to Visit in & around Valparai

Q. What is the best time to visit different attractions?

The winter season from January to May sees pleasant weather. Summer can be hot while monsoon rains may affect access to some destinations.

Q. What are the key things to carry?

Light clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, sunscreen, rain gear, first-aid, cameras, binoculars, and drinking water as essentials. Cash for spot payments like entry tickets.

Q. How to commute between places?

Public transport like buses connects most. Car/bike rentals are available too. Taxis can be hired from major towns for outstation trips to reserves like Mudumalai.

Q. Are guides necessary for any destinations?

Guided tours are recommended for wildlife spots within tiger reserves to spot animals safely as per protocols. Some waterfalls may also need local assistance for tricky routes.

In conclusion, Valparai has plenty of extraordinary attractions to keep everyone entertained. Its stunning scenery, mild climate, and numerous options of tourist attractions make it a perfect destination at any time of year.

Also, check the opening hours of the attractions you plan to visit, as they may differ. While this article provides you with an overview of Valparai, spending more time in this beautiful place will allow you to explore it a bit more and enjoy its natural beauty to the fullest.

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Places to Visit in Valparai

• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Valparai

Here are some of the best places to visit in valparai:, solaiyar dam.

Tea Estate Garden

Wild Woods Cottages

Best of Coorg

Monkey Falls

Best of Chikmagalur

Vellamalai Tunnel River

Best of Ooty

Birala Waterfalls

Best of Kodaikanal

Chinna Kallar Falls

Best of Yelagiri

Balaji Temple

Top Experiences To Do in Balaji Temple

Best of Yercaud

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary And National Park

Best of Mudumalai

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Valparai 3 – Spectacular Sceneries and Macaques!

Last updated on August 14th, 2023 at 06:22 pm

Valparai in western ghats in South India is an unexplored wonder. The first two parts of our travel to Valparai was covered under Valparai – An Unexplored Wonder and Valparai 2 – Charms of Sinnadorai Bungalow

Sleeping late in the midnight means no chance of getting up very early. Since there is no sun rise to be seen here, there is no need to get up at 5.30 either. But the best time to do some bird watching is early in the morning. When we open our eyes in the morning, it is 6.30. We come out of the room and stand in front of the valley and is mesmerised by the scene of clouds floating low in the valley. Or is it mist? (Please click on the pictures to see them in enlarged size)

We freshen up fast, take the camera, binos and step out to savour the morning. It is mildly chill and pleasurable as we set out on the roads to see if we can capture any birds. The rays of early morning sun were caressing the leaves of tea plants tenderly.

We are able to spot some birds and capture it in the camera. We come back and Murugan brings us the best tea again served in china. We discuss the plan for the day with Murugan and decide to visit Lower Nerar dam and Sholayar dam after breakfast.

We get ready and hog an excellent breakfast of Pongal, Ediappam, and Omelette along with fruits. Murugan joins us as we leave to Nerar dam and then to Sholayar. We come down the hills and hit the highway and move towards Valparai. As we hit highway, I notice two men having a placard “ Wild animals, drive slow”. Poorna asks Murugan what it is. Murugan says that they are members of a Nature Conservation Foundation, the Mysore based award winning and pioneering NGO working in wild life conservation and keep a watch of endangered Lion Tailed Macaque (LTM) which move in the area and if they spot any on the road, cautions motorists to slow down. He chats up with them to check if they sighted any LTM in the morning. They answer in negative. Murugan who knows them well, request them to give him a call if they spot any LTMs. We too are excited as these endangered animals generally don’t come down and live in the tall trees of forests in Western Ghats. We had in fact noticed a notice board on LTMs when we stopped at Sharavathi valley view point during our trip to Goa earlier this year.

We reach Valparai town which is a single street town and move towards Lower Nerar dam. The drive to Nerar should rank as one of the prettiest. The previous day’s showers have brought down the mercury levels and the road virtually goes through series of verdant tea gardens. We go down the hills to the dam site. This is again a small dam but surrounded by forests. The setting is lovely and we spend few minutes and start driving back.

Panoramic view of Nerar dam from the top

Few kilometres of driving and I notice a large space at a curve and sights from there look nice. I ask Murugan whether we can stop here, get down and take a look around. By all means, replies Murugan. I park the Scorpio and what we see now is just spellbinding. Two local boys come to us and I chat up them asking if their holidays have started and what do they play etc. The boys say that the view from another point is stunning. I ask them the distance to it and they say it is ten minutes walk and we follow the boys. They are correct. You can see it in the pictures below. The views are just stunning.

Nerar dam done, we are now on the way to Sholayar dam. Road condition is fantastic. Again the terrain is so picturesque that we stop at couple of places to capture it on the camera. Few KMs of driving, we notice red coloured dried beds . Murugan says they are backwaters of Sholayar dam but have dried up due to lack of rain. We continue driving. Sholayar must be having one of longest backwaters. Finally we reach a place where there is water and click some nice pictures of the place. This drive should be most beautiful after the rains.

Else, we could have left early in the morning and visited it. But now it is too late as it will be dark to go and come back. This road has high concentration of elephants and two day back a woman was killed by an elephant. We return back with sunken hearts. We miss an excellent chance. I call up my friend HV Kumar and he also confirms that Athirapally is closer from Sholayar and we should have done that. He also confirms that the road from Sholayar to Athirapally is very picturesque and goes through dense forests. Possibly next time we should do this.

I stop in Valparai for drawing cash from ATM – there are SBI, Indian Bank and Union Bank ATMs – and start driving back. Few KMs from the town we see the volunteer displaying the placard “Wild animals, Drive Slow” and asking us to get down. We get excited and Murugan talks to them and confirms that a group of Lion Tailed Macaque have come down!! What luck!! We park the car on the side and Brinda gets ready to click and I focus through my binos. Here is a group of ten LTMs hanging around a jack fruit tree – LTMs love jack fruits. Brinda goes on clicking spree.

These are lovely animals and are not harmful. Couple of other cars also stop by. The volunteers are guiding us and asking us not to feed them. Satiated, we move towards the car.

Since the LTMs cross over the road, NCF has built monkey bridges to help them cross the road. There have been many accidents on this road involving LTMs and it is for this reason Nature Conservation Foundation has appointed two volunteers to caution motorists of presence of these animals.

We reach bungalow around 3 PM and looking forward to the lunch. We are hungry and not disappointed at all. Excellent south Indian vegetarian lunch. While coming into the bungalow, I notice Grassland hills basking in afternoon sun and shadow play looks interesting. While having lunch, i ask Brinda whether she is game to take a walk in the estate to capture Grassland hills in late afternoon sunlight. She is game and I ask Murugan if he can accompany us which he obliges.

We return back to the room, pick up the camera and follow Murugan. It is a short walk from the bungalow unlike the previous day hike. He takes us to a vantage point where we can see the beauty of Grassland hills in the afternoon sun. Here is what we saw……

Driving down and reaching Pollachi is a breeze. As i reach Pollachi, Poorna call up H V Kumar to confirm the route via Palladam to reach Avinashi there by avoiding Coimbatore. He confirms that is the best option. The boy filling diesel in the petrol bunk also confirms that the complete stretch has been relaid two months back and is excellent. How true it turns out to be as we have a peaceful drive – except for diversion in Mangalam where they are building a railway bridge – to reach Avinashi. From Avinashi, it is the good old road and we reach Salem by 3 PM. We stop at Salem for lunch in Sharavana Bhavan and are back in Bangalore by 6.30 PM.

Valparai is an unexplored and unspoilt beauty. Hope it remains so for some time. But i am doubtful. The opportunities here is huge unlike at other places. This place is more like Chikkamagalur or Coorg or Malnad – hills, waterfalls, wild life, treks etc…. Valparai can also be a gateway to explore Parambikulam as well. Of course a great place for drives.

We had a wonderful experience in Sinna Dorai Bungalow. If you want to have a typical “Planter’s bungalow experience” in all its glory, this is the place. We will definitely return after monsoons.

Travel Information Getting there

• Valparai is at a distance of 100 KMs from Coimbatore which is a major city in the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Coimbatore is well connected by Train and Air to all major cities in India
• 8 hours of drive from Bangalore. Road condition is excellent.
• 8 hours from Chennai
• 5 hours from Kochi
• By Train – Coimbatore is well connected to other cities in the country and the hire a cab from Coimbatore to Valparai.
• By Bus – There are no direct buses to Valparai. It is recommended to take bus to Pollachi either from Chennai, Bangalore and then change over to buses to Valparai. If coming from Kochi, one can look for buses to Pollachi which pass through Valparai.

Stay options

Apart from Sinnadorai, there are only two other decent places to stay

a) Waterfalls Bungalow Waterfall Bungalow

b) Stanmore Bungalow Stanmore Bungalow

Travel Tips

a) Anytime is good time for Valparai. If you want to see waterfalls then rainy season is the best. The best time will be between Oct – Feb.

b) Jungle safaris and treks are possible in Anaimalai Wild life sanctuary. Safaris and treks will not be permitted in summer due to forest fires. Check for latest details from forest office in Pollachi.

Anaimalai Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National_Park in Wikipedia

Tamil Nadu Forest Department Website

c) Good shoe, good binoculars and camera is a must.

d) Go for drives amidst the tea plantations. It is a treat to eyes.

e) Plan a trip to Athirapally falls in Kerala which is a two hour drive from Valparai. The drive to Athirapally is supposed to be very scenic.

Google map to Athirapally falls

Athirappilly in Wikipedia

f) If you have time stretch and visit Parambikulam Wild life sanctuary in Kerala and go for Tramway trek on the British built unused tracks of the tram which were used to haul timer from the Forest of the region during British times.

g) Always be accompanied by someone who is aware of the area while going on treks or walks.

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• Valparai to Kochi (Cochin) drive
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A ride to the scenic Valparai; nothing thrills Malayali bikers more!

The scenic Valparai is located in the Coimbatore district of neighbouring Tamil Nadu, and it's one of the most sought-after destinations for travel buffs from Kerala.

With rich wildlife, verdant tea plantations, and winding forest paths, it boasts of sceneries typical of most of the popular hill stations.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAPTURE GALLERY (@capture_gallery__)

The roads that lead to Valparai, both through the Athirappilly-Vazhachal route or via Pollachi, offer an unforgettable experience.

For most tourism centers, the end destination remains more important than the roads that take to it. But in the case of Valparai, it’s the other way around. There are two main routes that lead to this hill station, and on the comparison, each can be found different and better than the other.

Through a long forest road The first one takes the Athirappilly-Vazhachal-Malakkappara route, one of the longest forest roads in Kerala. The primary attractions along this route are the waterfalls at Athirappilly and Vazhachal.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ente Yathra | എന്റെ യാത്ര (@ente.yathra)

Athirappilly is located some 25 kms away from Chalakudy. Visitors en route to Valparai may take a stopover here and enjoy a view of the waterfalls. It is important to note that you will need to spend at least two to three hours at this location to fully get engrossed by its beauty. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by We Luv Coimbatore (@weluvcoimbatore)

Proceeding ahead from here, you will get to see a frothy stream of Vazhachal coursing downwards on one side of the road. Travellers and their vehicles will be subjected to strict inspections by the forest department at this point.

Note the rules The passengers will have to give a count of the plastic bottles in their possession, as also those inside their vehicles, at the check post here. In return, a slip registering the number of plastic bottles and the time of departure will be handed to them.

Passengers will be imposed a fine at the Malakkappara check post upstream if the actual number of plastic bottles in their possession does not match the number as recorded in the slip.

The rationale behind recording the departure time at the Vazhachal check post is to ensure that the trip through the forest road to Malakkappara is completed within two hours. The road passes through clusters of lush, green bamboo and reed forests, which often tempt the travellers to take stops en route and take a closer look.

The Forest Department, however, has issued a strict warning against it as the location is prone to wildlife attacks, and venturing into the forests may invite trouble.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vishnu Viswambharan (@vishnuviswambharan.r)

The registering of departure time thus helps the department to know whether a vehicle has stopped in the forest areas or not. If a vehicle takes more than two hours to reach Malakkappara, it will be regarded to have taken a stop-over inside the forest.

Ideally, travellers should drive their vehicles with the windows up at a regulated speed right from Athirappilly so as to enjoy the ride through the forests. Also, it’s advisable to drive your vehicle along with a group of other vehicles passing through the same route while covering the section.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KP Prasanth (@artandtravelvlog)

Malakkappara, the final point of the road via Athirappilly, also serves as the gateway to the Valparai hill station. Visitors will be treated to an unending expanse of tea plantations from this point onwards. 

Wildlife sightings, including that of elephants and bison, are common here, even during the day hours. Travellers may opt for a stay at any of the resorts here before returning the next day morning after making a brief visit to the various local attractions such as Nallamudi viewpoint, Sholayar dam, the Balaji temple, etc.

A different route to return Instead of returning via the same route, travellers can take the road that passes through Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, to reach Palakkad. The scenic road, with 40 hairpin bends, offers breathtaking views of the Aliyar dam from above at different points. The passengers also stand a chance to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahrs en route.

Valparai is a destination where one can go for a drive along with their friends or family to spend the vacation days. The long road through the forests, which leads to the destination, is a rarity even in Kerala. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by valparai nature shoot (@valparai_nature_shoot)

Whether it is to reach Valparai or to return from there, make sure that the journey starts before 3 pm. Though the forest route remains open to vehicles from 6 am to 6 pm, the likelihood of troubles remains higher during the evening hours. Ideally, one should take some rest by spending a night at Valparai to fully enjoy most of the scenic beauties peacefully.

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• Best of Valparai with Parambikulam (from Coimbatore)

BEST OF VALPARAI WITH PARAMBIKULAM (FROM COIMBATORE)

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Parambikulam (1n) - valparai (1n), day 1 : travel to parambikulam & sightseeing day 2 : travel to valparai & sightseeing day 3 : valparai sightseeing & travel to coimbatore, trip starts from: coimbatore, mode of travel: car (or cab), trip ends at: coimbatore, total places visited: 9, trip starting point: coimbatore city, total distance (round trip): 400, travel time (round trip): 15 hr, trip duration: 3 days, ideal start time: 7 am (day 1), 9 am (day 2) & 9 am (day 3), sightseeing time: %%itinerary_sightseeing_time%%.

DAY 1 : TRAVEL TO PARAMBIKULAM & SIGHTSEEING

Travel from coimbatore to parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, 1 parambikulam wildlife sanctuary.

At a distance of 5 km from Topslip , 40 km from Pollachi, 80 km from Palakkad, and 82 km from Coimbatore, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected tiger reserve located in Palakkad district of Kerala. Situated on Tamil Nadu - Kerala Border, it is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala , and among the top places to visit near Pollachi . Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 391 Sq. km protected area in Chittur taluk of Palakkad district of Kerala. The wildlife sanctuary, which had an area of 285 sq. km was established in 1973. It is in the Sungam range of hills between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills. The sanctuary was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2010. Including the buffer zone, the tiger reserve has a span of 643.66 Sq. km. The .....

Overnight Stay in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Day 2 : travel to valparai & sightseeing, travel from parambikulam wildlife sanctuary to valparai, 1 aliyar dam.

At a distance of 24 km from Pollachi and 43 km from Valparai, Aliyar Dam is an earthen dam located at Aliyar village in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular dams in the Coimbatore district and among the prime places to visit in Valparai. Built across the Aliyar River, the Aliyar Dam was constructed during 1959-1969 mainly for irrigation purposes. Azhiyar Dam was inaugurated on 2nd October 1962 by then Prime minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and was commissioned in 2002 to generate Hydro Electric Power. The dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats. The height of the dam is 81 m. There is a well-maintained park built at bottom of the Dam along with an aquarium, a mini Themed - Park and play area maintained by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation. The view of the Anamalai range around the reservoir is a feast for the eyes and the view of the coconut groves from the top of the dam is amazing. One can also .....

2 Monkey Falls

At a distance of 5 km from Aliyar Dam, 27 km from Pollachi, and 38 km from Valparai Bus Station, Monkey Falls is a natural waterfall situated in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Situated on the Pollachi-Valparai road in the Anamalai Hills range, it is one of the magnificent waterfalls near Coimbatore , and among the best places to visit as part of Pollachi packages . Situated near Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls is cascading down from a height of about 60 feet into a pool. Enveloped between evergreen forests and rocky cliffs, this enchanting waterfall brings together the entire scenery. It is one of the best places to visit in Pollachi . Take a dip in the falls is refreshing though it is a bit dangerous during monsoons when the water flow is high. As the name suggests, the place has several monkeys. .....

3 Loams Viewpoint

At a distance of 7 km from Monkey Falls, 12 km from Aliyar Dam, 31 km from Valparai and 35 km from Pollachi, Loam's View Point is a beautiful vantage point located on Valparai-Pollachi Road in Tamilnadu. Situated in the Anamalai Hills of Western Ghats, it is one of the popular viewpoints in Valparai and among the must-visit places as part of Valparai Tour Packages. The Loam's Viewpoint is situated at the 9th hairpin bend of the winding Pollachi - Aliyar - Valparai hill road. This viewpoint has been named after Mathew Loam, who marked the roadway back in 1886. There is a platform at the viewpoint that offers an impeccable view of the Aliyar Dam and its reservoir, Anamalai mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, as well as the stunning sunset views. The place is also a good vantage point to look out into the plains, as far as the town of Pollachi. Loam's View Point is an important vantage point that one cannot afford to miss while making their way to Valparai. This vantage point .....

BREAK FOR MEALS / HOTEL CHECK-IN | CHECK-OUT / SHOPPING / LEISURE

5 karumalai balaji temple.

At a distance of 10 km from Valparai Bus Station, Balaji Temple is one of the prominent temples located in Valparai, Tamilnadu. Situated inside Karumalai Tea Estate, it is one of the beautiful and the most visited Valparai tourist places . Owned and managed by Peria Karumalai Tea Industries, the temple amidst tea estates and sprawling hill ranges, gives visitors a sense of frosty and serene atmosphere. The chief deity worshipped here is Lord Balaji who is also known as Lord Venkateshwara. The statue of Lord Balaji inside the sanctum is made of pure gold. The idol and pujas performed here resemble that of Tirupathi Balaji Temple. It is one of the must-include places in Valparai holiday packages . As vehicles are not allowed after the entrance, one has to walk 500 meters uphill slope. Located amidst beautiful hills and tea estates, the serenity and .....

Overnight Stay in Valparai

Day 3 : valparai sightseeing & travel to coimbatore, resume valparai sightseeing, 1 nallamudi viewpoint.

At a distance of 15 km from Valparai Bus Station, Nallamudi Poonjolai is a spectacular vantage point located in Valparai, Tamilnadu. Situated in the Nallamudi Tea Estate, it is one of the splendid places to include in your Valparai Tour Package . Situated amidst the tea fields, Nallamudi Viewpoint offers stunning views of the Anamudi Peak, the tallest peak in South India, vast tea gardens, lush green valleys, and magnificent waterfalls flowing between the steep cliffs of the mountain ranges. The spectacular scenery and the tranquil environment of the viewpoint attract many tourists and nature lovers. It is a perfect place to spend some relaxed moments immersed in the tranquility of nature. To access this viewpoint, one has to walk uphill through tea plantations of Nallamudi Estate. After nearly a km of a walk across the tea estate, one can witness the raw Valparai and also the Sholayar mountains. The panoramic view of lush .....

2 Kuzhankal River View

At a distance of 2.5 km from Valparai Bus Station, the Kuzhankal River View is a riverside viewpoint located in Valparai. It is one of the most popular picnic spots in Valparai, and among the must include places in Valparai packages. Koozhangal or Koolangal River is one of the most preferred tourist places in Valparai. It was more a stream than a river. The place is famous for its slow-flowing river, and shallow waters are known for its pebble stone bottom amid verdant, grassy surrounds. The freshwater of the river is clean and pure and is ideal for swimming, and relaxing amid lush green environs. This is really a good place for family and kids since the water level is low so one can play in the river. This is located in between tea estate where you can take beautiful pictures as well. Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM Entry: Free

3 Sholayar Dam

At a distance of 23 km from Valparai, and 55 km from Athirapally, Sholayar Dam is a masonry- gravity dam situated on Valparai-Athirapally road. It is one of the top tourist places to visit near Athirapally Waterfall, and among the must include places in Valparai tour packages . The Solaiyar Dam is part of the Solaiyar Hydroelectric Project (HEP) which comprises the main Soliayar Dam, the Solaiyar Flanking, and the Solaiyar Saddle Dam. Solaiyar Dam was officially opened in 1965. The Solaiyar Flanking was built in 1964 and the Solaiyar Saddle Dam in 1965. The dam is an important reservoir under the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project. The height of the main dam is 66 m, its width is 430 m, and its length 430.60 m. The reservoir's overflowing waters are let into the Parambikulam Reservoir through the saddle dam. The surroundings of the dam are full of great natural beauty. It is not worth visiting other than in monsoons as the .....

Travel from Valparai to Coimbatore

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