Valparai is one of the best natural tourist destinations. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,500 feet above sea level, this beautiful region is surrounded by tea, coffee, pepper, cardamom and other commercial crops.
Valparai is situated inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Its forests, tea estates, waterfalls and mountain roads create an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, families and adventure travellers.
Choose your route and begin your journey towards the hills.
From Aliyar Dam to the final climb into Valparai, every stretch brings a different landscape.
Travelling from Pollachi towards Valparai, Aliyar Dam is the first major attraction. Stop here to enjoy the reservoir, mountains and beautiful surroundings.
After the Anamalai Tiger Reserve check post, Kavi Waterfalls is one of the refreshing stops along the route. Entry and access are subject to local Forest Department rules.
The approximately 40-kilometre mountain road brings a thrilling driving experience with 40 hairpin bends. From the 9th and 13th bends, you can enjoy views towards Aliyar Dam and the plains.
At Attakatti, you can stop at the viewpoint and look across the surrounding forest and Upper Aliyar Dam area. Sometimes, Great Hornbills may be seen flying across the landscape.
Stop at Tiger Valley and look around the forest landscape. You may be able to see small houses where tribal people live within the forest region.
Reach the Waterfalls Estate tea garden and enjoy the greenery. The Selfie Point offers a beautiful place to stop, photograph the surroundings and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
The weather can suddenly change as you climb higher. Mist and clouds may cover the road and surrounding forest, creating the feeling of entering a completely different world. Stop at Kavars and enjoy a cup of tea before continuing.
Valparai is situated inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, gaurs (wild buffaloes), different species of deer, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahr, Great Hornbills, peacocks and many other animals and birds live in the region.
Waterfalls, rivers, viewpoints, temples, tea gardens, dams and forest routes make Valparai perfect for a multi-day trip.
The gateway to the Valparai mountain road.
About 2 km from Valparai; enjoy the river surroundings.
Known as the Second Cherrapunji; access involves a walk.
Mountain scenery and opportunities for birdwatching.
Tea garden greenery and beautiful surroundings.
Experience the changing weather and mountain mist.
Tea plantation walk and beautiful forest surroundings.
A scenic mountain and reservoir landscape.
A major stop on the route towards Athirappilly.
Forest waterfall with a beautiful natural setting.
Continue towards the wildlife-rich forest region.
A wildlife and forest adventure beyond Valparai.
At the Anamalai Tiger Reserve check post, the required e-pass or permission must be obtained according to the current rules. Entry tickets may also be required for certain attractions.
At Chinnakallar, visitors have to park their vehicles and walk to the waterfall. Bathing is not allowed there. At Koozhangal River, bathing is prohibited when the water level is high.
Nallamudi Poonjolai requires permission/entry arrangements and includes a walk through the tea plantation. Elderly visitors may find the walk difficult.
From Valparai, travel towards Sholayar Dam and continue towards Athirappilly Waterfalls, known as the Niagara Falls of India. The route crosses the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border and continues through a dense forest area.
At the Kerala check post, private cars, bikes and other vehicles have to be registered and details regarding plastic items and passengers may be required.
During the forest journey, travellers may have opportunities to see elephants, deer, wild buffaloes and other wildlife. It is a thrilling adventure before reaching Athirappilly.
You can also travel towards Topslip and the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and enjoy the forest and wildlife experience.
Plan your route carefully, follow forest regulations and allow enough time to enjoy the scenery instead of rushing from one destination to another.
It will take around four days to visit and enjoy the major places around Valparai and its surrounding routes.
Aliyar Dam, Kavi Waterfalls, hairpin bends, Attakatti and Tiger Valley.
Waterfalls Estate, Selfie Point, Kavars and Valparai surroundings.
Koozhangal River, Chinnakallar, Nallamudi and nearby attractions.
Sholayar, Athirappilly, Topslip or Parambikulam route.
Come, explore Valparai, enjoy its natural beauty, experience the misty mountain roads and return safely with unforgettable memories.
