Valparai Hill Station
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.