Valparai
is located above the 3,500 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain
rangeValparai does not mean only a single town. There are 40 hairpin bends on the way to Valparai from Azhiyar. While major
portions of the land is owned by private tea companies, large forest areas
continue to be out of bounds. It
stands majestically with Green Spread Mountains and forest all around. It
is a pollution free land. There are also
many places of scenic beauty such as Karainshola, Anaikunthi shola, grass
hills, water falls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs.
64-km drive from Pollachi to Valparai is
itself an exotic experience. En route is the Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary
where lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri and the common langur, Malabar giant
squirrel, elephant, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer and wild boar
reside. From Valparai you can visit the Aliyar, Sholaiyar and Nirar dams.
Tunnels bored into the mountains and canals to harness the water from
Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholaiyar Dam, and several tourist spots.
Chinnakallar
It is the second highest rain fall area inIndia. Always
found wet and misty. A greenish dense forest with tall majestic trees all along
the road to Chinnakalar a pleasure to enjoy. There is a falls in Chinnakallar
which sounds like a roaring lion. Situated at a distance of 15kms from
Valparai.
The other places of interest
near valparai are:
- Karamalai Annai Vellankanni Church
- Balaji temple
- Grass Hills
Situated at a distance of 15 kms. from Valparai.
Grass hills is a picturesque spot located in the Valparai hills range, at
a height of approx: 2400m msl, with cool climate getting cooler at
night, a part of Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Right now all efforts are
being undertaken by the government to preserve the flora and fauna of this
location. Nilgiri Thar is native of this place apart from Elephants, Bison,
Indian Gaur, Bear, Nilgiri Langurs etc.. and a wide variety of birds including
Hornbills.
- Sholayar dam
It is the second deepest dam of Asia. Situated at a
distance of 20 Kms., from Valparai. An active tourist spot found always
busy. A beautiful place to visit.
- Nirar dam
This dam is built for multipurpose project such as
irrigation, Hydro electricity production. Dam is situated in a wonderful
location covered by a dense forest. There is a waterfalls near by the dam which
resembles the Cascade. Situated at a distance of 15kms from Valparai.
- Chitti Vinayagar Temple
- Aliyar Park
Aliyar park is a leisure place to enjoy the natural
scenery of Aliyar dam and chain mountains of western Ghats. Kids can
have a pleasant time in the park.
- Monkey Falls
- Loams View point
This is a beautiful view point to view Aliar Dam &
surrounding mountains of western Ghats. This is situated in 9 th hairpin bend.
- Nallamudi Poonjolai
- Top Slip
Top slip is a national park and a medicinal plant
conservation area in the Anamalai hills. It is about 37 kms. from Pollachi
(about 90 kms from Coimbatore). It is famous for its elephant camp at
Kollikamuthi and its wildlife. There are bungalows available within the
sanctuary. For thrill seekers, accommodation is also available in a tree house.
It got its name during the British era, as lots of timber slipped down to the
plains below.
- Athirapilly Falls
It is near to the entrance of the Sholayar range is a place
of great scenic beauty. Here, the water plunges from a height of nearly 80 feet
before joining the Chalakudi river. this picturesque spot is adjacent to
dense green forest, and is a part of Chalakudi River, 50 Kms. from Valparai
towards Chalakudi, Kerala.
