Far from the madding crowd, Valparai is a serene hill station where nature is painted in all shades of green. Nestled in the misty folds of the Anamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu, this sleepy town is an undiscovered treasure. With its vast tea and coffee estates, forested slopes, wispy waterfalls, and rare wildlife sightings, Valparai remains one of South India’s best-kept secrets. It is often overlooked in favour of more popular hill stations such as Ooty and Munnar. While these hotspots overflow with tourists, Valparai offers a more tranquil and immersive travel experience, especially for nature lovers, bird watchers, and those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and hide in the lap of the Western Ghats.
Whether you are chasing thrills at the hairpin bends, sipping freshly brewed tea in a colonial bungalow, or catching a glimpse of the elusive Lion-tailed Macaque, Valparai has something for everyone. This complete travel guide to Valparai will help you explore the hill station’s best attractions, hidden gems, wildlife encounters, and travel tips – so that you can relish the untamed charm of this little-known destination at its best.
Where is Valparai located:
Originally known as Poonachimalai, Valparai is located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. It lies at an altitude of 1,059 m above sea level on the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats. It is also part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Valparai is celebrated for its several tea and coffee plantations. There are as many as 56 plantations here, and most of the residents work in the plantations for their livelihood.
Things to do in Valparai:
Valparai is not meant for cookie-cutter travel. In Valparai, forget about rushing from one sight to another and ticking off a sightseeing checklist. This idyllic town is earmarked for slow travel. Focus on immersive experiences here, and the aftertaste of Valparai will linger even long after you have returned home.
A thrilling ride braving hairpin bends:
The road from Pollachi to Valparai is characterised by 40 steep hairpin bends. Needless to say, the drive is utterly exciting. Stop at the 9th hairpin bend, which is also known as Loam’s View Point. It gives a sweeping view of the iconic hairpin bends and the surrounding valley. Also, the Nilgiri Tahrs frequent this particular point.
Epic sunrises and sunsets:
Valparai is renowned for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The sunlight-drenched tea gardens look surreal. Don’t miss a single sunrise or sunset while staying in Valparai.
Wandering through the tea and coffee gardens:
The Best way to savour Valparai! Wake up as the sun rises and bimble around the vast tea and coffee gardens. Watch how nature wakes up bit by bit, as playful simians dangle from tree branches and a muster of peacocks take their morning stroll.
If you are staying in one of the tea estate bungalows, hire the in-house guide. He can take you deep inside the tea and coffee estates. As you walk along the dirt road, you will be charmed by the call of the Malabar Whistling Thrush, amused by the ‘gok’ sounds of the Great Hornbill, and enjoy the antics of the Kingfishers. Bask in the ‘komorebi’ and fancy the wildflowers blooming by the roadside.
Wildlife spotting on the forest roads:
Valaparai is a haven for bird watchers. It is home to a wide variety of avian species. Keen eyes can spot the Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Sunbirds, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Nilgiri Flowerpecker, Serpent Eagle, and so on.
Valparai is also one of the few habitats of the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque. You can also spot Nilgiri Langurs, Bisons, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and elephants.
Visit the Sholayar Dam, Aliyar Dam, and Monkey Falls:
Take a trip to the Sholayar Dam, one of the largest dams in Asia. It is situated amidst thick forests. Spend some time in the Aliyar Dam, a picturesque spot ideal for boating and a relaxing picnic. Don’t forget to visit one of the nearby shops selling delicious fish fries. The fish are freshly caught from the Aliyar Dam. Nearby, there lies Monkey Falls.
Tea Factory visits:
The tea plantations of Valparai date back to the colonial times. Guided tours are available to explore patches of tea gardens, and you can also strike up a conversation with the plantation workers. You can also visit a tea factory, where you can learn about the tea-making process and sample fresh brews.
Nearby destinations to combine with Valparai:
You can club Valparai along with the following destinations:
- Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal, renowned as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, is 182 km from Valparai. You can easily combine the two hill stations for a memorable road trip. Kodaikanal is famous for its eponymous star-shaped lake, Guna Caves, Pillar Rocks, Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, Mannavanur, and Poombarai.
- Munnar: Munnar is perhaps the most famous hill station of Kerala. Like Valparai, Munnar is known for its endless vista of lush tea gardens, waterfalls, and comfortable weather. Munnar is renowned for Eravikulam National Park, Ripple Falls, Mattupetty Dam, and Kundala Lake. The drive from Valparai to Munnar is rather long-ish (170 km). But the route is panoramic as it takes you through the Sholayar Forest Reserve.
- Athirappilly Waterfalls: If you are driving from Kochi to Valparai via Chalakudy or vice versa, you cannot miss the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls. Formed by the Chalakudy river, it is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is often compared with the Niagara Falls. Just a short drive from Athirappilly, there is another scenic waterfall called Vazachal.
Important FAQs:
- How can I reach Valparai?
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- By air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore, located at a distance of 105 km. Coimbatore is fairly well-connected with prominent Indian cities. From Coimbatore, you can take a 3-hour road trip to Valparai via Pollachi. Alternately, you can reach Kochi by air. Kochi is around 150 km away from Valparai, and the scenic journey will take you through the Sholayar Forest Reserve. From Kochi, this route reaches Valparai via Chalkudy.
- By train: Pollachi is the closest railway station (64 km from Valparai). The 22651 Palakkad Express runs daily between Chennai and Pollachi. Several local trains also ply from Coimbatore to Pollachi.
- By bus: Tamil Nadu has excellent bus connectivity. From both Coimbatore and Pollachi, you will get frequent state-run buses to Valparai.
- What is the best time to visit Valparai?
Valparai is an all-season destination. If you want to relish the serenity of the rains, you should opt for the monsoon months (June-August). Also, the waterfalls will be filled up to the brim. Autumn (October-November) is perfect for the sighting of the Hornbill. For birding and a cosy wintry feel, choose December-February. In spring (March-May), the temperatures are comfortable for exploring the tea and coffee estates.
- How many days are required for visiting Valparai?
Two days are perfect for exploring this hill station. But, if you are here for birding, you may need at least 5-6 days for spotting various types of birds.
- Where can I stay in Valparai?
Valparai can be enjoyed best if you choose heritage tea estate bungalows as your accommodation. Look for Sinna Dorai’s Bungalows, Briar Tea Bungalows, and Stanmore Garden Bungalow.
- Where can I eat in Valparai?
Visit the Sri Lakshmi Chettinadu Mess and Sri Sabari Mess to enjoy local delicacies served on banana leaves. For pure vegetarians, there is Anandhas.
- What should I pack for Valparai?
In spring and summer, the temperature remains comfortable. Warm clothes are not required. Just pack a light jacket or shawl for early morning. Rain gear is essential during the monsoon. Don’t forget to pack raincoats, ponchos, and umbrellas. Needless to say, sweaters and jackets are necessary during winter.
- Connectivity and mobile network:
Overall, mobile connectivity works fine here. However, the mobile network is erratic in the forest areas.
- Safety tips:
- Be attentive while driving in the monsoon, especially near the hairpin bends. Roads get slippery in the rain.
- While travelling through the forest reserve areas, don’t stop your car at random places as elephants frequent the roads. Try to keep honking to a minimum. Better yet, no horns, please. Refrain from feeding the wild animals, such as monkeys and Nilgiri Tahr.
Valparai isn’t just a destination – it is a mood that enchants you at first sight. Its endless emerald tea plantations, rolling hills draped in mist, and secret waterfalls, combined with the presence of an array of birds and animals, create an experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re here for the thrill of hairpin bends, the calming presence of nature, or the joy of slow travel, Valparai will leave you feeling refreshed and reconnected.
So pack your bags, take the road less travelled, and let Valparai surprise you with its untouched beauty and peaceful charm. And don’t forget to travel mindfully—respect the wildlife, leave no trace, and soak in the serenity that makes Valparai so special.
