Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

Anamalai Tiger Reserve was originally called the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (established in the year 1976) and later on renamed as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. It is located near Pollachi at an altitude of 1,400 metres at the Top Slip, covering an area of 958 sq. kms.

A 30 kilometres wide gap in the Western Ghats mountain range, called the Palghat Gap, between the Nilgiri Hills to the north and the Anamalai Hills to the South forms a major communication route between the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border. The Reserve is carved out of the Tamil Nadu portion of The Anamalais. The administration of the Reserve falls under the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Image Attribution : Jaseem Hamza

Things to do & see in Anamalai Tiger Reserve

    • The deep forest is a habitat of varieties of exotic and endemic fauna – Elephant, Panther, Tiger, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Thar are some of the animals that can be spotted.
    • Explore the natural bounties through an amazing trekking experience.
    • The Sanctuary is an abode of over 800 species of flora and around 250 species of birds.
    • Shola trees, grass hills, waterfalls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs add beauty to Anamalai Hills.
    • Photograph the wildness of the forest in all its glory.
    • Enjoy purchasing souvenirs at the Eco-Shop in Top Slip.
    • Tourists have accommodation option inside the park at Top Slip. Alternately, there are also several forest guest houses available at Amaravathi, Sethumadai and Varagaliar near to Anamalai.
    • The Reserve Park timings are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The park is open on all days. The checkpost timings are 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. The entry fees at check post to be paid by private vehicles are as follows:
Entree Fee Ticket Cost(INR)
Per head Rs. 30
Per Child (5 to 10 yrs of age) Rs. 10
Still Camera Rs. 80
Video Camera Rs. 300
Light Motor Vehicles Rs. 100
Heavy Motor Vehicles Rs. 200
Van Rs. 150
    • The Safari ride at the Reserve Forest is a major attraction. Forest Department vans and four wheelers are available for the ride. Elephant Safari at Top Slip is a favourite among tourists for a pleasant jungle ride, details of which are as follows:
Safari Timings Entry Fee(INR) Safari Duration Ticket Cost(INR)
11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. Rs.30 per head 45 mins Rs. 800 per ride

Ideal time to visit Anamalai Tiger Reserve

The best time to visit Anamalai Tiger Reserve would be between the months of December to April.

How to reach Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Direct buses are available to Anamalai Tiger Reserve from Coimbatore and Pollachi. The nearest railway station is at Pollachi (35 kilometres) and nearest Airport is Coimbatore International Airport (75 kilometres).

Valparai Hill Station – The seventh heaven

Valparai is a hill station located in Coimbatore District, above 3,500 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. Valparai is close to Pollachi and stands majestically with mesmerizing green spread mountains, waterfalls, dams and secluded valleys. It has vast areas of tea and coffee plantations amidst thick woodlands. It is a perfect destination for a pollution-free and peaceful ambience.
Valparai is located at about 100 km from Coimbatore and is situated 3,914 feet above the sea level. The route from Aliyar to Valparai has got 40 Hairpin bends in 40kms stretch. The route from Athirapally to Aliyar is full of wild animals and wild elephants are a common scene in this route. Bear, Deers and sometimes even Leopards appear in Malakkappara – Valpara route. Malakkappara & Valparai has got full of Tea estate. It has got some of the largest tea estate in India. You have budget home stays to estate bungalows available in Valparai.

Image Attribute : Jaseem Hamza

Tourist Attractions in Valparai

Nirar Dam

Nilar Dam is located 15 kilometres from Valparai. The dam is a part of hydroelectric power project and is plays a crucial role in irrigation and supplying water to places in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There is a waterfall near the dam which is very similar to the Silver Cascade waterfalls in Kodaikanal.

Sholayar Dam

The dam is located 20 kilometres from Valparai. It is the second deepest dam in the whole of Asia and is a part of Tamil Nadu’s hydroelectric power project. The dam can be visited only under special permission. It is worth a sight owing to its peaceful surroundings and majesty.

Valparai Viewpoints

Valparai Hill Station has a number of notable viewpoints providing some of the best views of the hills and valleys. Found at the 9th hairpin bend (on the road to Valparai from Pollachi) is the Loam’s viewpoint. It offers an exquisite view of the Aliyar Dam. Other viewpoints in and around Valparai are Nallamudi Poonjolai, Kadampari Dam and Number Parai.

Grass hills view from Akkamalai

Grass Hills, located 15 kilometres from Valparai, is a part of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a protected region, which can be visited only with permission from Wildlife Department. It is a natural habitat for many animals.

Valparai Balaji Temple

This temple is at a distance of 10 kilometres from Valparai. It is situated amidst tea estates and is owned and managed by Peria Kalamalai Tea Industries. The main deity worshipped here is Lord Balaji and poojas are performed like that of Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Chinnakallar Falls

It is located 26 kilometres east of Valparai. Chinakkalar is the second highest rainfall area in the country and so is known as the Cherrapunji of South India. A hanging bridge has been constructed over the falls which makes the experience even more adventurous.

Things to do in Valparai

While in Valparai, one could engage in trekking, bird watching, photography, river bathing and cycling. Lush evergreen plantations and wilderness found abound is sure to make your trip to Valparai a memorable one.

Ideal Time to Visit Valparai

The best time to visit Valparai Hill Station would be between the month of September and March when the climate is pleasant and cool.

How to reach Valparai

Bus route connections are available from Valparai to Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Udumalai and Palani. Valparai in connected to Athirapalli Waterfalls in Chalakudi (around 64 kilometres). Pollachi and Coimbatore are the nearest railway stations from Valparai. Coimbatore is the nearest Airport.

Aliyar Reservoir is a 6.48 km2 reservoir located in the Aliyar village near Pollachi in Coimbatore. It is about 65 kilometers from Coimbatore. Aliyar dam is one of the famous dam in Coimbatore district.

Aliyar Dam is located in the foothills of Valparai, in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats.

The dam offers some ideal getaways including a park, garden, play area and a mini Theme-Park maintained by Tamil Nadu Corporation. The scenery is beautiful, with mountains surrounding three quarters of the reservoir.

If you are en route to Valparai, spend some time to visit this dam. This is a very beautiful place with a scenic view of the mountains in the backdrop.

A great place to hang out with family and kids, fish fry at government-owned outlet was good. It was fresh dam fish. We can take a bath in the river nearby was awesome. Kids can enjoy a lot.

The dam visit would easily take max 2 hours time. There is good parking space and roadside food stalls near the entrance.

Image Attribution : @shah_hameed_24 from instagram

Aliyar Dam Boating

  • Boating on the Aliyar Dam is good, to enjoy.
  • Boating service time is 9am to 5.30pm daily.
  • Boating fees for adult is Rs. 40 and children are Rs.30.

Aliyar Dam Park

Entry fees for Alyar Dam Park is Rs.5

Topslip is located near Pollachi in the state of Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 800 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is a part of the protected Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Image Attribution : Niraksharan

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

From the check post to top slip takes around 45 min. There is a forest office that manages the safari into the forest. You have to pay Rs. 200 per head for a Three-hours safari in a back-breaking, rundown vehicle. We should wait for safari pickup. There are a canteen and eco shop which are useful during the waiting time.

Private vehicles are allowed inside with prior approval from the forest department and you can see few elephants, bison, deer, wild boars, monkeys etc.

This place is more greenish and best for Natural Sightseeing. but not able to spot more animals. To enjoy climate and nature we can visit Topslip Tiger Forest.

Tigers are not seen here as they are very rare. You can take your binoculars along for a good view of animals from a distance.

For more details please check following website:
https://www.parambikulam.org/

Velliangiri Hills temple is located 40kms away from Coimbatore and is a whopping height of 6000ft. This hill temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Since, mythologically, Shiva roamed around the hills and hence it is called as Kailash mountain on earth. It is believed that Lord Shiva could not come on time to marry Goddess Parvathi because of the trick played by the people of the mountains.

So, Parvati was angry and stood as it is and now she is known as Kanyakumari. Lord Shiva can be seen on the top of the hill. A very popular spot at Kovai.

Make sure you visit the place when you are in Coimbatore. Trekking is not easy here. You have a proper plan and timing for trekking.

Well, this is a totally new mall that was inaugurated on July 21, 2017.

Prozone mall is located on the Sathyamangalam road near Saravamppatti.

It assures international standards and is promoted by UK – based Intu Properties and designed by Bentel Architects, South Africa combined with Prozone Intu Properties.

It occupies a total area of 12 acres and houses about 100 brands both national and international that includes flowers, clothing, apparels, etc.

The most interesting thing is that, this building is horizontally designed and is a great place to be at. It is open from 10 AM and 11 PM.

Fun Republic Mall – Peelamedu

The Fun Republic Mall is situated on Avinashi Road, Peelamedu, Coimbatore.

Inaugurated in the year 2012, this shopping mall occupies an area of around 3.5 acres and is managed by E-city ventures, a part of the Essel Group.

The main outlet here is Mc. Donald’s which are pretty huge other than the food court present in the shopping mall.

Totally 6 levels with 5 multiplex screens of Fun Cinemas can be witnessed here. Main clothing outlet here happens to be Shoppers stop which is quite good for making your choice of clothing.

On the whole, this has also been a great place to pass your time.

Brookefields Mall was inaugurated in the year 2009.

It is located on the Brooke bond road (Krishnaswamy Road), Coimbatore. Initially, RMKV was the only brand that was opened in the complex.

So, it was believed that it was RMKV was opened up exclusively. Later, after all the developments, it was accepted as a Mall.

Branded clothing outlets, Multiplex cinemas, play areas, food courts etc. Housed in the building. It is quite a big mall and best suited for all age groups.

The mall is open from 9:30 AM to 10 PM.