10 Best Tourist Places in Valparai

One highland station that is not for the faint of heart is Valparai. It is one of Tamil Nadu's most stunning hill stations, located at a height of 3500 feet above sea level. The Anamalai mountain range comprises Valparai, which is situated in the Coimbatore district. Nearly 170 years after the first human civilization in Valparai, the majority of the steep areas that make up this hill station are still off-limits. In this hill station, man-made coffee and tea plantations live side by side with lush forests, untamed waterfalls, and gurgling streams. The road from Azhiyar to Valparai has about 40 hairpin curves, so be sure to wear a seatbelt for the journey. The location that is 65 km far from Valparai in the plains is Pollachi. About 100 kilometres separate Valparai and the city of Coimbatore. This location has the typical climate of a hill station. Monsoons and winters can be very cold. Going there throughout either of these seasons wouldn't be a good idea. The greatest time to visit the area is in the summer because of the lovely weather.

Following is a list of some of the popular tourist attractions in Valparai.

1. Anaimalai Tiger Reserve:

The Anaimalai Hills of the Pollachi and Valparai taluks of the Coimbatore District and the Udumalaipettai taluk of the Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu, India, are home to the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, formerly known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park and as the Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary. By a notification dated 27 June 2007, the Tamil Nadu Environment and Forests Department designated an area of 958.59 km² that included the former IGWLS&NP or Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary as Anaimalai Tiger Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Reserve currently has a 958.59 km² core area and a 521.28 km² buffer/peripheral area, for a total area of 1479.87 km², according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority. This National Park serves as a crucial watershed for the agricultural economy and power supply in several regions of Tamil Nadu. Brown mongooses, sambar deer, and Indian leopards are just a few of the unique and endangered species that call the National Park home. The sanctuary houses about 250 kinds of rare birds that are kept in a very secure and protected habitat.

All seasons are suitable for visiting the Sanctuary, but it is usually advisable to stay away from the summer months' severe rains, which could interfere with your plans for trekking and sightseeing. The Reserve opens Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The packages begin from 6,800 INR and above. There are additional expenses of INR 50 for a camera and INR 200 for a video camera.

2. Karumalai Balaji Temple

Karumalai Balaji is surrounded by tea plantations. It is a well-known temple in Valparai. Karamalai Tea Industries is its owner and manager. Lord Balaji, also known as Venkateswara or Vishnu, is the main deity revered in this place. In the temple, there is a gold statue of Lord Balaji. Much like Tirupati Balaji Temple, devotees come from all around the world to adore Lord Balaji, and poojas are performed. A lovely garden is kept up inside the temple structure. Additionally, there is no parking available close to the temple and no automobiles are permitted after the entry, thus one must walk 500 metres uphill. It is not allowed to take photos or use cell phones. Because of its calmness and serenity as well as the beauty of its surroundings, the temple complex is indeed the ideal spot to concentrate and relax. Please observe the temple's regulations since photography is not permitted anywhere on the property. Once a year, the owner family of the temple visits and participates in a festival with the employees of the nearby estates. The employees are then granted a two- or three-day leave. The timings to visit the temple are Monday to Sunday from 6:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

3. Birala Waterfalls

One of the main attractions in the Valparai region is the Birala Waterfalls, sometimes referred to as the Birla Waterfalls locally. In the Solaiyar region, 2 kilometres from Valparai, is where you'll find the Birala Waterfall. The constant Nadumalai River, which runs through Valparai, provides water for the waterfall's stream, which rises in the Grassland Hills of the Valparai Ranges. Due to its breathtaking natural beauty, the Birala Waterfall is a really popular tourist destination and a fantastic site for photographers. If you want to see the Birala Waterfall in all of its glory, the best months to go are February, March, April, and May. It is advised that you avoid visiting between June and January because the water volume typically remains very low to virtually dry. The timings for the waterfall are Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An entry fee of 15 INR is charged.

4. Monkey Falls

In the Anaimalai Hills range, in the Coimbatore district, Monkey Falls are a set of natural waterfalls close to the steep ghat road Valparai on the Pollachi-Valparai road. About 30 kilometres separate Monkey Falls from Pollachi. About 6 miles from Azhiyar Dam are several refreshing natural waterfalls. The road that connects Pollachi and Valparai passes by Monkey Falls. There is an intriguing trek path at the Monkey Falls, which is a straight section of evergreen forests bordered by steep cliffs. Regularly guided treks are held there throughout the appropriate season. Before a fortnight, requests should be sent in advance to the Pollachi headquarters of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Beware of monkeys if you park your bike by the roadside since they will remove the tank cap and steal anything inside. Additionally, exercise caution when approaching waterfalls as they may cause you to trip and fall, increasing your risk of getting hurt. The time to visit is Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An entry fee of INR 30 is charged.

5. Wild Woods Cottages

In the picturesque hill village of Valparai, there is a lovely forest refuge called The Wild Woods Cottages. The cottages are viewed as being extremely upscale and exclusive. One of these homes' greatest draws is the expansive sight of the hill station and its verdant tea plants. You could possibly catch glimpses of wild elephants, bison, or deer as well. Warm and cosy, the interiors are welcoming. In addition to being the ideal site to stay while visiting Valparai, this also makes it a wonderful location to visit in general due to its natural beauty. Visitors can schedule a visit to the Wild Wood Cottages at any time of the year because it is pleasant all year round. It remains open 24 hours, all days of the week. The price of the cottages starts from 1,200 INR per day.

6. Karumalai Annai Velankanni Church

In Valparai, Tamil Nadu, there is a Catholic church called the Karumalai Anna Velankanni Church. Karumalai Anna Velankanni is located approximately 10 kilometers from Valparai Bus Station. During your Valparai Tour, it is one of the important locations to see. The church, which was built in 2003 and is attributed to Velankanni Matha, is known for performing numerous miracles. The Coimbatore diocese oversees this church. Excellent church architecture and a serene atmosphere can be found there. The chapel is bordered by tea plantations and is bordered by lush foliage, making a visit there even more unique.

In addition, the church's surreal surroundings of tea farms, Iraichal Parai Falls, and a little river that flows next to it contribute to this location's status as a must-see site in Valparai. The waterfall is the source of the perennial Nadumalai River, which flows through Valparai, and it is formed by springs in the Grass Hills. Since the falls provide the area with drinking water, swimming there is absolutely forbidden. On the river, also there is a check dam. Every day, a number of people seek solace and tranquilly by coming to this church. The ideal season to visit the church is in September when a festival is conducted that draws a lot of tourists and devotees. The celebration, which holds a lot of significance in the area, is annually observed on September 8th with tremendous pomp and circumstance. The time to visit the church is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. No entry fee.

7. Nallamudi Viewpoint

In Valparai, Tamil Nadu, there is a breathtaking lookout point called Nallamudi Poonjolai. It's positioned one of the wonderful spots to be included in your Valparai travel packages is the Nallamudi Tea Estate, which is located 15 miles from the Valparai Bus Station. The Anamudi Peak, the tallest peak in South India, as well as large tea plantations, beautiful green valleys, and gorgeous waterfalls running between the sheer cliffs of the mountainous regions can all be seen from Nallamudi Viewpoint, which is located within the tea fields. Many visitors and nature enthusiasts go to the viewpoint because of its breathtaking views and serene surroundings. It's the ideal location to unwind and take in the peace and quiet of nature.

One must hike upward through the tea gardens of Nallamudi Estate to reach this viewpoint. One may see the undeveloped Valparai and the Sholayar mountains after walking approximately a kilometre through the tea estate. The expansive vista of verdant mountains and river basins convinces you that the walk was worthwhile. The viewpoint is shielded from the sun during September and February, making it a perfect location for taking pictures and taking in the scenery. As they approach the viewpoint, visitors may see fresh elephant dung, leopard droppings, or other wildlife signs showing the presence of wildlife nearby. Although it is open 24/7, the optimum time to go is between 1 and 3 PM. The entry fee is INR 30 per person.

8. Aliyar Dam

An earthen dam called Aliyar Dam is situated in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore district, in the village of Aliyar. It is 24 kilometres from Pollachi and 43 kilometres from Valparai away. It is a well-known dam in the Coimbatore area and one of the top attractions in Valparai. The Aliyar Dam was built across the Aliyar River between 1959 and 1969, mostly for agricultural purposes. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's prime minister at the time, officially opened the Azhiyar Dam on October 2, 1962. It began producing hydroelectric power in 2002.

The dam is situated in the Western Ghats' Anaimalai Hills, near the Valparai foothills. The dam is 81 metres tall. The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Corporation has developed and is maintaining a well-kept park at the base of the dam, which also includes an aquarium, a small, themed park, and a play area. Both the view of the coconut orchards from the top of the dam and the vista of the Anamalai hills surrounding the reservoir is stunning. The dam's waterways are also suitable for boating. While travelling from Pollachi to Valparai, one can stop at the dam, or when returning from Valparai, one should stop there after seeing Monkey Falls. The timings for the dam is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is free.

9. Hornbill Viewpoint

In Valparai, Tamil Nadu, there is a breathtaking vantage point called Hornbill Point. It is 28 kilometres from Valparai and 10 kilometres from Monkey Falls. It is one of the wonderful tourist attractions in Valparai and one of the must-see locations on your Valparai trip. It is located just across from the Attakatti Checkpoint. The Upper Aliyar Dam, Kadamparai Powerhouse, rich green valleys, and majestic waterfalls flowing between the sheer cliffs of the mountain ranges are all visible from Hornbill Viewpoint's breathtaking vistas.

Many visitors and nature enthusiasts go to the viewpoint because of its breathtaking views and serene surroundings. It's the ideal location to unwind and take in the peace and quiet of nature. A 500-meter hike from Attakatti Checkpost is required to reach this viewpoint. You might think that the stroll was worthwhile because of the expansive vista of lush, green trees. While travelling to the viewpoint, you can witness hornbills. The viewpoint is encircled by clouds from September through February, making it a perfect location for taking pictures and taking in the scenery.

10. Tea State Garden

Vast tea farms, which are renowned for being both a great tourist destination and a significant part of the local economy, can be found in Valparai. One of Valparai's numerous Tea Estate Bungalows is where you can check in. The guesthouse rooms offer views of the expansive tea estates that these guesthouses are situated in the middle of. This is one of the greatest sites to visit in Valparai because you may drink fresh tea brewed with excellent quality leaves from the tea gardens and because you get to live among the locals, interact with them, and learn about the brewing of tea.

Although the Tea Estate Garden is open all year round, summer is the greatest time to experience and enjoy the aesthetic surroundings of the surroundings because Valparai's summertime temperatures are optimal for the growth of tea plants. The hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. are the ideal times to visit. The charge is approximately 1,300 INR per day.