Valparai

🌿 Valparai Sightseeing – A Hidden Paradise in the Western Ghats

Valparai, located in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district, is a serene hill station nestled in the Anamalai Hills. Unlike its crowded counterparts, Valparai is untouched, tranquil, and surrounded by lush tea estates, dense forests, and exotic wildlife. It's a perfect destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers.

🌟 Top Places to Visit in Valparai

1. Nallamudi Viewpoint

• Offers breathtaking views of the Anamalai ranges, lush green valleys, and distant waterfalls

• Spot elephants, bisons, and hornbills on the way

• Ideal for sunrise and nature photography

2. Aliyar Dam & Park

• Located at the base of the hills before the Valparai ghat begins

• Features a park, aquarium, boating, and a mini zoo

• Great for family visits and scenic relaxation

3. Monkey Falls

• A refreshing natural waterfall by the roadside, 6 km from Aliyar

• A perfect pitstop during the climb to Valparai

• Watch out for the playful monkeys!

4. Loam’s View Point (9th Hairpin Bend)

• A popular ghat viewpoint overlooking the Aliyar Dam

• Offers a bird’s-eye view of the plains and 40+ hairpin bends

• Great for dramatic photo ops and panoramic views

5. Sholayar Dam

• One of the highest masonry dams in Asia

• Offers stunning views of the reservoir surrounded by green hills

• A calm and peaceful spot with occasional elephant sightings

6. Balaji Temple (Karumalai Estate)

• A well-maintained private temple in a tea estate setting

• Surrounded by manicured gardens, clean trails, and silence

• Photography is restricted, but worth a spiritual stop

7. Chinnakallar Falls

• Located in a high rainfall zone, similar to Cherrapunji

• A hidden waterfall deep inside the forest

• Trek through tea estates and elephant corridors (go with a local guide)

8. Grass Hills (with Forest Permission)

• A part of the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

• Rolling meadows, shola forests, and breathtaking silence

• Need prior permission from forest officials in Pollachi or Valparai

9. Nirar Dam

• A lesser-known dam tucked amidst forests and plantations

• A calm picnic spot with rich birdlife and foggy mornings

• Close to Chinnakallar route

10. Tea Estate Walks & Wildlife Watching

• Valparai is home to:

  • Great Hornbills, Lion-tailed macaques, Gaurs, and Elephants

• Walk through estates like Waterfall Estate, Sinnadorai Bungalow, and Koolangal River

🧭 Valparai Tour Options

With Western Ghats Getaways, you can enjoy:

• 1N/2D Valparai Scenic Drive from Coimbatore or Pollachi

• Wildlife & Birding Tour with Naturalist

• Ghat Road Drive + Tea Estate Photography Trail

• Pollachi–Aliyar–Valparai Combo Tour

📌 Best Time to Visit:

September to March – Cool, pleasant climate, ideal for wildlife and views
Avoid heavy monsoon (June–August) due to slippery roads and wildlife restrictions

🚘 Travel Info:

• Nearest Airport: Coimbatore (≈120 km)

• Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi or Coimbatore

• Road Access: 40+ scenic hairpin bends from Aliyar to Valparai – best by car or SUV