Valparai is a popular hill station with lush green tea estates, reservoirs and dams under the Parambikulam – Aliyar Project, is located 65 km from Pollachi and 105 km from Coimbatore. It has rich flora and fauna and is known for its salubrious climate. Unlike Ooty and Kodaikanal that are highly congested with tourist population, Valparai is altogether a different world. Tropical evergreen forests on a sprawling 995 sq. km. and 56 major tea plantations that constitute the backbone of Valparai’s economy make this place unique.
Valparai is the rainiest place of the Tamilnadu state during Southwest monsoon season.
Location:
Valparai is about 64 km from Pollachi and 104 km from Coimbatore.
Located in the Anamalai Range of the Western Ghats at 3,500 feet above mean sea level, the forests here is the home for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna. Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and the Vazhachal reserve forests surround Valparai, thus making it a haven to sight wildlife of all kinds. Elephants are common in the periphery town while other animals like Wild Gaurs (Indian Bison), Leopards, endangered Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Langur Monkey, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and rare birds like Great Indian Hornbill, Fairy Blue bird and the Malabar song thrush can be found here.
Quick Facts:
- Altitude: 3,500 feet
- Weather: 0ºC to 30ºC
- Annual rainfall: 350 – 500 cm
- Languages spoken: Tamil, Malayalam & Basic English
The Scenic drive:
Getting to Valparai from Pollachi is a scenic drive as the route is laced with several stunningly beautiful spots. Dams, Waterfalls, Valleys and Temples provide a visual treat for the tourists. It is a paradise for Botanists, Zoologists, Ornithologists, Environmentalists and casual visitors. You can have fun with activities like Trekking, Night Safari, Wildlife/Nature photography or just by relaxing in an estate bungalow.
Accommodation
Valparai is just a small town with very limited food and accommodation options. Please contact Manoj on +918147087770 or manoj@bumblebeeholidays.com for assistance.
Hotels
There are only a couple of decent hotels that meet the requirements of tourists. Please contact Manoj on +918147087770 or manoj@bumblebeeholidays.com for assistance.
Cottages
Cottages stays are becoming common in Valparai. Lot of residential homes are being rented out on a daily basis. Some of them offer excellent view of the tea estates.
Plantation Bungalows
Those who are interested in staying within the estates can consider plantation bungalows. Though they are more expensive than a hotel room or cottage, the experience is unforgettable and must be tried at least once in your lifetime. These British built ancient bungalows are located in the middle of several acre tea plantations and offers luxurious accommodation. As there are very few plantation bungalows in Valparai, early booking is advisable.
Food
Non-Vegetarian
Valparai town has got few decent restaurants and several roadside fast food centers offering cheap and yummy non-vegetarian food.
Pure Vegetarian
It will not be a problem for vegetarians who are not worried about having food in a place that also serves non-Veg meals.
However, pure vegetarians may find difficulties because there is only one pure-Veg mess in Valparai town, which is run by an elderly couple. Still if you are not satisfied, there are lots of bakeries in town.
Home Cooked Food
Each and every plantation bungalow has got a caretaker who will also be your cook during your stay. Both Veg and non-Veg meals will be prepared and served on request.
Places to See:
Nallamudi Poonjolai Viewpoint is 15 km from Valparai and is located in one of the private Tea estates, Nallamudi estate. One must walk for about 1 km inside this estate to reach this viewpoint. On your way, you may see fresh elephant dung, Pugmarks & droppings of Leopards and Bears that visit here regularly at nights.
Nallamudi Poonjolai offers an excellent view of Anaimudi peak (the tallest peak in south India located in Rajamalai National Park near Munnar), several waterfalls, tribal settlements and a valley that is over 1000 feet deep.
Sholayar Dam – 25 km
Sholayar Dam is located 25 km from Valparai town, on the way to Chalakudi. It is one of the longest dams and the second deepest dam in Asia with a depth of 160 feet. Parambikulam reservoir receives water from Sholayar. Athirapally Falls is about 60 km from Sholayar.
Sholayar Dam 1
Sholayar Dam 2
Chinnakallar (Lawson) Falls – 13 km
Chinnakallar falls is located 13 km from Valparai and it falls only behind Cherrapunji in recording the most rainfall received in India. One must drive and then walk through deep forest to visit this place. Wild animals including leopards and wild elephants inhabit this place after 5 p.m.
Balaji Temple – 12 km
Balaji Temple is situated at a distance of 12 km from Valparai town and is owned by Peria Karamalai Tea & Produce Co. Ltd. This temple is covered by mist most of the time and experiences much more cooler weather than the rest of Valparai, due to high-altitude. Poojas are performed regularly, similar to that of Tirupati lord Venkateswara temple. It would be a great experience to sit on the temple’s marble floor, feel 360° of chillness and the silence of nature. A children’s park and a garden are also located adjacent to the temple. This is a must visit place in Valparai.
Vehicles are not allowed near the temple’s entrance and visitors must walk uphill for about 500 m through the narrow estate road. This road offers stunning views of tea estates that are frequented by Elephants and Gaurs (Indian Bisons) at nights. The temple is highly protected with barbed wire and uniformed estate men. Use of mobile phones and photographic equipments are strictly prohibited.
Siddhi Vinayagar Temple – 3 km
Siddhi Vinayagar Temple is located 3 km from Valparai and is owned by Jayashree Tea Industries. The deity is carved out of a single piece of white marble.
Lower Neerar Dam – 14 km
Number Rock (Vagamalai) – 15 km
Koolangal River – 4 km
Other Places along Pollachi – Valparai Road
- Aliyar Dam
- Monkey Falls
- Loam’s View Point (9th hairpin bend),
- Tiger Valley (27th hairpin bend)
- Poonachi Falls
- Carver Marsh View Point
Other places that require prior permission from the Forest Department
- Valparai Grass Hills
- Manamboli Powerhouse and Watch Tower
- Kadamparai Dam and Powerhouse
- Upper Aliyar Dam
- Meenparai
Details
www.bumblebeeholidays.com
Nallamudi Poonjolai Valley View – 15 km
