Valparai is a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore District that is ideal for a calm and romantic visit. This hill station is nestled in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats mountain ranges, at an elevation of 4,500 feet above sea level. Valparai has many wonderful sights to see, including dams, tea gardens, waterfalls, hillocks, forests, and much more. Valparai is surrounded on all sides by beautiful evergreen deciduous forests, which are great for trekking, touring, or simply enjoying long walks. The Tea Estate Gardens are well-known for their tea and coffee plantations. There are many other great sights to explore in Valparai, including the Balaji Temple, a major pilgrimage site in South India.
Aside from the tea and coffee plantations, the area boasts a plethora of glittering waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, rolling green valleys, and stunning mountain peaks, making it an ideal destination for your next holiday. The following are some of the most interesting places to visit in Valparai-
1- Solaiyar Dam
One of the best sites to visit in Valparai is the Solaiyar Dam, which is about 20 kilometers from the main hill station. The Hydroelectric Project, or HEP, includes the Solaiyar Dam. The main Solaiyar Dam was built in 1965 and is sometimes known as the Solaiyar Flanking, the Solaiyar Saddle Dam, or the Upper Sholayar Dam. It is bordered by lush green hills, and you may even get a spectacular view of the area’s lakes. This is a fantastic picnic spot as well as provides a picturesque view for a photoshoot.
Location- Valparai, Tamil Nadu- 642125
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Timing- Open 24 hours
2- Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, popularly known as the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, is located in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district, in the Anamalai Hills of Valparai and Pollachi taluks. This National Park serves as a critical watershed for Tamil Nadu’s electricity supply and agricultural economy. Brown mongoose, sambar deer, and Indian leopards are among the uncommon and endangered species found in the park. The sanctuary is home to about 250 unique bird species that are housed in a secure and protected habitat.
Location- Anamalai R F, Valparai, Tamil Nadu- 642101
Entry Fee- Charges start from 6,800 INR onwards (extra costs include INR 50 for a camera, INR 200 for a video camera)
Timing- 7:00 AM To 4:00 PM
3- Tea Estate Garden
Valparai is famed for its sprawling tea estates, which are not only a popular tourist attraction but also a vital part of the local economy. In Valparai, you can stay in one of the several Tea Estate Bungalows that are available. These guest houses are located in the heart of large tea estates, which may be seen from the guesthouse rooms. Fresh tea prepared from premium leaves from the tea gardens may also be sampled, and the overall experience of living with the locals, engaging with them, and learning about the tea-making process makes this one of the greatest locations to visit in Valparai.
Location- 17, Athirapally Road, Valparai, Tamil Nadu- 642127
Entry Fee- INR 1,300 Per Day (approximately)
Timing- 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
4- Balaji Temple
Because of its religious and historical significance, the Balaji Temple is one of Valparai’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s also a stunningly beautiful spot. The Balaji temple is located 10 kilometers from Valparai town, within the Tea Estate. Balaji, also known as Lord Vishnu, is the temple’s principal deity. Along with Balaji, Lord Hanuman is worshipped at a separate shrine. Because of its calm and tranquility, as well as its natural beauty, the temple complex is an ideal spot to contemplate and unwind. On the temple grounds, photography is absolutely prohibited, and it is critical that you follow the temple’s guidelines.
Location- Inside Karumalai Estate, Valparai- 642127
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Timing- 6:00 AM To 12 Noon and 3:00 PM To 7:00 PM
5- Wild Wood Cottage
The Wild Woods Cottages is a wonderful forest getaway in Valparai’s picturesque hill station. The cottages are regarded as being exceedingly prestigious and exclusive. One of the main attractions of these cottages is the panoramic view of the hill station with its beautiful green tea plants. There’s also a good possibility that you’ll see wild elephants, bison, and deer along the way. The interiors are welcoming and inviting. This makes it not only the ideal site to stay while visiting Valparai, but also a wonderful place to visit in general due to its natural beauty.
Location- 21-12, RK Plantation, Sakthi Thalanar Road, Valparai, Tamil Nadu- 642105
Entry Fee- Starts at 1,200 INR per day
Timing- Open 24 hours
6- Chinna Kallar Falls
If you’re creating a list of things to do in Valparai, don’t forget to add a visit to Chinna Kallar Falls, a natural freshwater reservoir. This waterfall is located in Coimbatore’s area and is bordered by thin, rough shrubs. After Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, this location is known as the Cherrapunji of South India because it receives the third largest quantity of rainfall in the country. You can bathe in this waterfall, but be aware that there are a few leeches lurking in the waters. Elephants and barking deer frequently frequent the region, although you must be cautious of their whereabouts because they walk freely near the waterfalls.
Location- Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- 642127
Entry Fee- INR 130 Per Person
Timing- 9:00 AM To 4:00 PM
7- Nirar Dam
It is one of Valparai’s most interesting and adorable destinations to visit here. It is 16 kilometers from Valparai, a hill station, and the entire region is well-connected by a strong road network. The Lower Nirar Dam, which is located inside the bush, is a nearby dam. Crossing the 8-kilometer tunnel that connects the Nirar and Solaiyar dams is the most exhilarating and fascinating portion. The Nirar Dam was built primarily to offer irrigation and hydroelectricity to the region.
Location- Near Kodaikanal, Valparai, India
Entry Fee- INR 30 Per Person
Timing- 9:00 AM To 4:00 PM
8- Birala Waterfalls
One of the most popular Valparai attractions is the Birala Waterfalls, sometimes known as the Birla Waterfalls. The Birala Waterfall is located in the Solaiyar region, 2 kilometers from Valparai. The springs in the Grass Hills of the Valparai Ranges feed the stream of this waterfall, which is supplied by the perennial Nadumalai River, which runs through Valparai. The Birala Waterfall is a famous tourist site because of its magnificent natural splendor, and it’s also an excellent spot for photographers.
Location- Valparai, Tamil Nadu – 642117
Entry Fee- INR 15
Timing- 8:00 AM To 5:00 PM
9- Monkey Falls
Monkey Falls is one of the most fascinating Valparai attractions that you should not miss if you’re in the neighborhood. Monkey Falls is a natural waterfall located about 30 kilometers from Pollachi and about 6 kilometers from the Azhiyar Dam. Monkey Falls is located on the road connecting Valparai and Pollachi and is a beautiful area to stop for a picnic with friends and family.
Location: Upper Aliyar, Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Entry Fee- INR 30 Per Person
Timing- 7:00 AM To 5:00 PM
10- Vellamalai Tunnel River
The Vellamalai Tunnel River, also known as the Koolangal River in Valparai, is one of the most peaceful places to visit. This renowned Tunnel River is around 3 kilometers from Valparai’s main town. The river’s water is clean and clear, making it excellent for swimming, relaxing, and taking in the scenery. You should visit here at sunset to watch the sun rays sink over the sea. It’s also quite lovely at sunrise.
Location: Vellamalai Tunnel River, Tamil Nadu, Valparai, India
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
Timing- 8:00 AM To 9:00 PM
