Valparai is one hill station not meant for the light-hearted. Placed at an elevation of 3500 feet above sea level, it is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Valparai is located in Coimbatore district and is part of the Anamalai mountain range. Most of the mountainous expanses that come under this hill station are still off limits, almost 170 years after the first human settlement in Valparai. It is a hill station where the man-made tea and coffee plantations co-exists with the dense forests, wild waterfalls and whispering streams.
Buckle up for the ride to Valparai though, there are 40 or so hairpin bends on the route to Valparai from Azhiyar. Pollachi is the place closest to Valparai in the plains and is some 65 kilometres away from it. The city of Coimbatore is located some 100 kilometres away from Valparai.
Tourist Places In And Around Valparai
There are many sightseeing options in and around Valparai apart from Chinnakallar falls. The most famous pilgrim centre in the area is Balaji Temple. Nirar dam, Ganapati Temple and Annai Velankanni Church are a few other attractions you can explore. The scenic beauty of Sholayar Dam, Grass Hills and the many viewpoints make them must-see attractions for any tourist who plans a trip to Valparai.
The Land Of Evergreen Forests
Valparai that boasts of almost zero man-made tourists attractions has many deep forests, wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls. Most of the forest areas are still not reachable to the tourists. There are many wildlife attractions in Valparai that a visitor should not miss out.
An example would be Chinnakallar, also known as the Cherrapunji of South India due to the rainfall it gets, and Grass Hills, which is a part of the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The place is also famous for plantations, tea factories and dams.
Taking a stroll through the tea plantations in the morning will help you unwind your soul in the lap of nature. The place with its wildlife and natural beauty is a favourite with people who have a taste for photography.
How To Reach Valparai
The place is well connected by road and rail. The closest airport to Valparai is Coimbatore airport that lies 120 kilometres from Valparai. Approaching Valparai is pretty easy via road. Cabs from Coimbatore charge comparatively nominal rates to take you to Valparai. It’s also easy to travel to Valparai via bus from Coimbatore and Pollachi.
Valparai Weather
The climate here is what you would expect from a hill station. Winters and monsoons get pretty cold. It would not be a good idea to go there during either of these seasons. During summer the area enjoys a pleasant weather and is the best season to visit the place.