Valparai

As an extension to our visit to Mumbai and Hyderabad and with ample amount of holiday spirit still looming large we went to this beautiful hilly area called Valparai .It is a place surrounded by tea estates, a few dams and of course water falls.Valparai  is about 60kms away from Pollachi , a place well known for its pleasant climate. Pollachi is also called a ‘Poor man’s Bangalore’.

On the way to Valparai, there is a dam called Aliyar Dam which is situated in a beautiful place surrounded fully by hills.
About 5kms from Aliyar Dam there is a tourist spot quite famous in the name of ‘Monkey Falls’.Once past the Monkey Falls start the journey to Valparai. Since it is a hilly region, the ghat section of the road begins from the falls onwards. We crossed about 40 Hairpin Bends to reach Valparai. But the journey itself is a sight to behold with plenty of greenery all around you.

 We reached Valaparai. It is a small town where tea manufacturing is the main industry. Almost all leading tea manufacturers have their estates here.

What one can see at Valparai:

•  Balaji Temple :  It is about 12kms from Valparai. It is a private temple located in a beautiful place surrounded by gardens with lots of flowers and plenty of play area for children. The place is quiet and serene. A beautiful temple.
•   Nirar Dam  :  about 15kms away from Valaparai we came across a dam called the Nirar Dam. It is what can be called as check dam. The place is very calm and the water a sight to watch.
• Nirar Falls:    Just 2kms away from the Nirar Dam there is the water falls. The path leading to the water is simply superb. It is a thick forest area and in order to reach the falls one has to cross a hanging  bridge. It is an absolutely thrilling experience.  
• Other places to watch:
  

·         Sholayar dam : it is about 20 kms from Valparai.

·         Mudi’s              : about 10kms from Valparai

·         One can also reach Chakalakudy of Kerala famous for its Adirapalli water falls. It is about 70kms travel from Valparai.

    Mode of Travel

Only by road. Buses available every 20mins from Pollachi. You can reach Valparai in about 2 ½ hours travel.It is better to carry your own food and snacks as there are no shops available anywhere near the water falls and dam.But beware of our very close friends!!  none other than Monkeys.. They are available in plenty in these areas.

Places near Pollachi

• Aliyar Dam: 20Kms from Pollachi.
• Valparai      : 64Kms
• Top slip      :  40Kms  Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary is situated here.
• Thirumurthi hills and water falls: 40Kms
• Palani hills          : 60Kms Abode of Lord Subramanya
• Coimbatore         : 40Kms
• Palakkad             : 40Km

Check out some more photographs below: