The Hidden Gem of Tamil Nadu: Valparai- A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Valparai Hill station
Valparai hill station in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India is located 1,059 m above sea level on the Anaimalai Hills range of the Western Ghats. The foothill starts exactly from Monkey waterfalls which is at a distance of 38 kilometres to Valparai. The route to Valparai from the foothills consists of 40 hairpin bends. Valparai also consists of Anamalai Tiger Reserve and is surrounded by lush green forests, tea and coffee plantations, and majestic hills. The place is known for its natural beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, and trekking trails.
Valparai hill station is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, tigers, bison, and deer. The park is home to a variety of endangered species such as the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, and the Malabar giant squirrel. Valparai is also home to several beautiful waterfalls such as the Athirapally Waterfalls, Sholayar Dam, and Nirar Dam. These waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction and are known for their natural beauty and scenic views.
Geography
Valparai Hill station is located in Anamalai mountain range of the Western Ghats and is also one of the best tourist places in Tamilnadu. At a distance of 64 km from Pollachi and 102 kms distance from Coimbatore. Valparai Hill station is pollution free heavenly land surrounded with full of tea estates.It stands majestically with Green Spread Mountains and picturesque forest all around. Travelling between Pollachi to Valparai hill station is itself an exotic experience.
The climate of Valparai hill station is most suitable for tea, coffee, cardamom and cincona trees. There are around 40 steep, hairpin bends to reach Valparai from the plains of Pollachi. The region is also a rich elephant tract and is known to have many leopards. Tourists can also make a visit to the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the most prominent attractions of Valparai hill station. At this sanctuary, travellers can spot the lion-tailed macaque, barking deer, wild boar, the Nilgiri and the common langur among others. Valparai hill station is also great place for bird watching. The Great Hornbill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Grey Malabar Hornbill are seen here.
Valparai weather
Valparai hill station experiences a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year due to its high altitude and location in the Western Ghats. The town experiences three distinct seasons – summer, monsoon, and winter.
Summer (March to May)-Summer is the peak tourist season in Valparai. The temperature during this season ranges from 15°C to 25°C, and the weather is pleasant and mild. The days are sunny, and the nights are cool, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities.
Monsoon (June to September)- Valparai receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. The town receives an average annual rainfall of about 3,000 mm. The rain transforms the town into a lush green paradise, making it a great time for nature lovers to visit. However, visitors should be cautious during this season as landslides and roadblocks are common.
Winter (October to February)- Winter in Valparai hill station is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The weather is pleasant, and the town is less crowded, making it a good time to visit for those seeking a peaceful getaway.
Also read- A Magnificent feature in Kolli Hills with 70 Hairpin Bends
Valparai tourist Places
Valparai is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu that offers a range of tourist attractions and activities. Some of the top tourist places to visit in Valparai-
Aliyar Dam
This is a popular picnic spot located near Valparai hill station. The dam offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Sholayar Dam
This dam is located on the Sholayar river and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Balaji Temple
This is a famous temple located in Valparai and is dedicated to Lord Balaji. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Tea and Coffee Plantations
Valparai hill station is known for its tea and coffee plantations, which offer a great opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area and learn about the tea and coffee-making process.
Nallamudi Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located on the Valparai-Azhirathi road and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Koolangal River
This is a beautiful river located near Valparai hill station and is known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Monkey waterfall
Monkey waterfalls is a beautiful waterfall situated about 30 km from the town of Pollachi and is a popular tourist destination. Monkey waterfalls gets its name from the presence of a large population of monkeys in the surrounding forests. The waterfall is formed by the Monkey River, which flows through the dense forest before cascading down a rocky slope to form the waterfall.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a great place to relax and unwind amidst nature. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters of the pool formed by the waterfall or go trekking in the surrounding forests. There are also several small shops and food stalls near the waterfall that sell snacks and refreshments.
Valparai Hotels
Valparai hill station offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular hotels in Valparai-
Stanmore Garden Bungalow
This heritage bungalow is located in the heart of Valparai and offers comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities. The property also has a garden, restaurant, and offers activities like trekking, bird watching, and plantation walks.
TALLTREE Nest
This eco-friendly resort is located in the heart of Valparai hill station and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The property also has a garden, restaurant, and offers activities like trekking, bird watching, and plantation walks.
Green Hills Estate
This plantation stay is located amidst a tea estate and offers comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities. The property also has a garden, restaurant, and offers activities like trekking, bird watching, and plantation walks.
Pebrock Heritage Inn
This heritage property is located in the heart of Valparai and offers comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities. The property also has a garden, restaurant, and offers activities like trekking, bird watching, and plantation walks.
Valparai Resorts
There are several resorts in the town that offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Western Ghats. Some popular resorts in Valparai-
Coco Lagoon by Great Mount Resort
This luxury resort is located amidst lush green tea plantations and offers spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the valley. The property also has a spa, outdoor pool, restaurant, and offers activities like cycling and nature walks.
Sirukundra Bungalow
This colonial bungalow is located amidst tea plantations and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The property also has a garden, restaurant, and offers activities like trekking, bird watching, and plantation walks.
How to Reach Valparai hill station
The nearest airport to Valparai hill station is Coimbatore International Airport, which is located about 124 km away. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Valparai. The nearest railway station to Valparai is Pollachi Junction, which is located about 64 km away.
Valparai hill station is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala by road. There are regular bus services from Coimbatore, Pollachi, and other nearby towns to Valparai hill station. Visitors can drive their own vehicle to reach Valparai. The road leading up to Valparai is scenic and offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats.
Coimbatore to Valparai
The distance between Coimbatore and Valparai hill station is around 105 kilometers, and there are several ways to travel between the two places. The most convenient and popular way to travel from Coimbatore to Valparai is by road. There are several government and private buses that operate between the two places. The nearest railway station to Valparai is Pollachi Junction, which is located about 65 km away from Valparai. One can take a train from Coimbatore to Pollachi and then take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Valparai hill station.
Pollachi to Valparai
The distance between Pollachi and Valparai is around 65 kilometers, and there are several ways to travel between the two places. The most convenient and popular way to travel from Pollachi to Valparai is by road. There are several government and private buses that operate between the two places. One can also hire a taxi or drive their own vehicle to reach Valparai.
Chennai to Valparai
The distance between Chennai and Valparai is around 610 kilometers, and there are several ways to travel between the two places. The most convenient way to travel from Chennai to Valparai is by air. The nearest airport to Valparai is Coimbatore International Airport. One can also travel from Chennai to Valparai by train. The nearest railway station to Valparai is Pollachi Junction. The most popular way to travel from Chennai to Valparai is by road. One can drive their own vehicle or hire a taxi to reach Valparai. The route from Chennai to Valparai is scenic and passes through several small towns and villages.
