VALPARAI

Valparai is a hill station located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated at an altitude of 3,500 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the Anamalai Hills range. Valparai is known for its scenic beauty, tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, wildlife, many species of birds and trekking trails.

places of valparai

Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Valparai

• Aliyar dam

Aliyar Dam is a beautiful dam It is situated in the Aliyar village near Pollachi town and is about 65 kilometers from Coimbatore. The dam is built across the Aliyar River and is used for irrigation, hydropower generation, and as a source of drinking water for the surrounding towns and villages.

The construction of Aliyar Dam was completed in 1962, and it stands at a height of 81 meters and has a length of 2,805 meters. The dam has a storage capacity of 6,510,000 cubic meters of water, and it is one of the major sources of water for the Coimbatore district. The dam has five radial gates that are used to control the water flow.

Aliyar Dam is a popular tourist spot and attracts visitors from all over the region. The area around the dam is surrounded by beautiful hills and lush green forests, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The dam offers stunning views of the Aliyar Reservoir, which is a major attraction for tourists.

• Nallamudi viewpoint

Nallamudi Viewpoint is known for its stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and is a favorite spot among nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The viewpoint offers a clear and unobstructed view of the majestic Sholayar Dam, which is one of the highest dams in Asia. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests and hills, which are home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and wild boars.

The journey to Nallamudi Viewpoint is equally enjoyable, as visitors have to drive through winding roads and hairpin bends, surrounded by tea plantations and lush green forests. The journey itself is an adventure and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Apart from the scenic beauty, Nallamudi Viewpoint is also a popular spot for birdwatching. The surrounding forests are home to a variety of bird species, including the great Indian hornbill, the Malabar grey hornbill, and the Nilgiri wood pigeon. Visitors can also spot various species of butterflies and insects in the surrounding vegetation.

• Sholayar dam

The dam is built across the Sholayar River, which is a tributary of the Chalakudy River, and is situated in the dense forests of the Western Ghats. It is one of the major dams in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is used for irrigation, hydroelectricity generation, and as a source of drinking water for the surrounding regions.

The construction of the Sholayar Dam was completed in 1966, and it stands at a height of 66 meters and has a length of 430 meters. The dam has a storage capacity of 160,000,000 cubic meters of water and is capable of producing 75 megawatts of electricity. The dam has five radial gates that are used to control the water flow.

Sholayar Dam is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the region. The dam is surrounded by lush green forests and is known for its scenic beauty. The dam offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

• Nirar dam

Nirar Dam is a beautiful dam located in the town of Valparai, in ,The dam is built across the Nirar River and is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for the town of Valparai.

The dam is surrounded by lush green forests and hills, and the view of the dam and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking. Visitors can spend a few hours at the dam, enjoying the beauty of nature and taking in the serene atmosphere.

Nirar Dam is also a popular spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can rent boats from the nearby boating center and enjoy a peaceful ride on the calm waters of the dam. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching fish such as carp and catfish.

The best time to visit Nirar Dam is during the monsoon season from June to September when the dam is at its fullest. Visitors can see the water cascading down the dam in full force, creating a spectacular sight.

There are several shops and eateries near the dam that sell snacks, refreshments, and souvenirs. Visitors can also find restrooms and parking facilities near the dam.

• Anamalai wildlife sanctuary

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of The sanctuary covers an area of 958 sq km and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

The sanctuary is known for its tropical evergreen forests, grasslands, and sholas, which are patches of high-altitude forests found in the Western Ghats. The sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, sambar deer, and macaques. It is also home to several species of birds, including the great hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, and the black-and-orange flycatcher.

Visitors to the sanctuary can take a jeep safari to explore the sanctuary and to spot the wildlife. The safari takes visitors through the forest, providing an opportunity to see the animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can also go on a trekking expedition to explore the forest and to enjoy the beauty of nature.

The sanctuary has several trekking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The most popular trek is the Top Slip trek, which takes visitors through the forest to the Top Slip viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

• Monkey falls

Monkey Falls is a beautiful waterfall It is situated about 6 km from the hill station of Valparai and is a popular tourist spot in the region. The waterfall is named after the large number of monkeys that can be seen around the falls.

The water of Monkey Falls cascades down from a height of about 60 feet and forms a small pool at the bottom. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters of the pool and enjoy the refreshing feeling of the waterfall. The surrounding area is covered with lush green vegetation, which adds to the natural beauty of the falls.

The best time to visit Monkey Falls is during the monsoon season from July to November when the waterfall is at its fullest. However, the falls are open to visitors throughout the year.