Experiences

01

Solaiyar Dam

The Solaiyar Dam, located at a short distance of 20 km from the main hill station, is one of the best places to visit in Valparai. The Solaiyar Dam is a part of the Hydroelectric Project or HEP. The main Solaiyar Dam is also known as the Solaiyar Flanking, the Solaiyar Saddle Dam or the Upper Sholayar Dam and was inaugurated in 1965.

It is surrounded by beautiful verdant hills and you can even catch an unparalleled view of the lakes in the area. This is a great picnic spot and an incredible opportunity for photography enthusiasts.

Location: Valparai, Tamil Nadu – 642125

Price: Free entry

Timings: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. (The best time to visit the dam during the day is between 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm)

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Solaiyar Dam is between the months of June and September when the weather is pleasant, and the chances of the dam being open because of minimal rainfall, are high.

02

Tea Estate Garden

Valparai is known for its expansive tea estates, which are not only a wonderful tourist attraction but an important aspect of the area’s economy as well. You can check in to one of the many Tea Estate Bungalows that can be found in Valparai.

These guest houses are built at the centre of sprawling tea estates which you can see from the rooms in the guesthouse. You can also sample fresh tea made from premium leaves from the tea gardens, and the whole experience of living with the locals, interacting with them and learning about the process of tea making makes this one of the best places to visit in Valparai.

Location: 17, Valparai – Athirapally Road, Valparai, Tamil Nadu - 642127

Price: 1,300 INR per day (approximately)

Timing: The best time to visit is between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Best Time to visit: You can visit the Tea Estate Garden all year through but ideally, summer season is the best time to enjoy and explore the natural beauty of the landscape, since the temperature of Valparai during summer is the ideal temperature for the tea plants to flourish.

03

Wild Woods Cottages

The Wild Woods Cottages are a magnificent jungle retreat in the scenic hill station of Valparai. The cottages are considered very elite and exclusive. The panoramic view of the hill station, with its lush green tea gardens, is one of its main attractions of these cottages.

There are chances you might even get a glimpse of wild elephants, bison and deer as well. The interiors are warm and very comfortable. This not only makes it the perfect place to stay when you are visiting Valparai, but also a great place to visit in general for its natural beauty.

Location: 21-12, RK Plantation, Sakthi Thalanar Road, Thalanar, Valparai, Tamil Nadu - 642105

Price: Starts at 1,200 INR per day

Timing: Open 24 hours, all days of the week

Best Time to Visit: The visitors can plan a trip to the Wild Wood Cottages any time of the year, as it is favourable during all the season.

04

Nirar Dam

One of the most interesting places to see in Valparai is the Nirar Dam. It is situated 16 km from the hill station of Valparai and the entire region is well-connected through a good network of roads. There is another adjacent dam called the Lower Nirar Dam located inside the jungle.

The most thrilling and intriguing part is crossing the 8km long tunnel that connects the Nirar Dam with the Solaiyar Dam. The Nirar Dam was constructed mainly for irrigation purposes and to provide hydroelectricity to the area.

Location: Near Kodaikanal, Valparai, India

Price: INR 30 per person for entry (an additional cost of INR 80 has to be paid if you are carrying a camera)

Timing: Monday to Sunday (9:00 am to 4:00 pm)

Best Time to Visit: The weather remains most pleasant between the months of September to March. This consists of the autumn, winter and spring season in Valparai.

05

Monkey Falls

One of the most exciting Valparai attractions that you should not miss if you are in the area is Monkey Falls. Monkey Falls is a natural waterfall situated approximately 30km from Pollachi and at a short distance of 6 Kilometres from the Azhiyar Dam.

Monkey Falls is located on the road that connects Valparai and Pollachi and is a great place to stop by with your friends and family for a picturesque picnic.

Location: Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Upper Aliyar, Tamil Nadu.

Price: INR 30 per person for entry

Timing: Monday to Sunday (7:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Monkey waterfalls is between October and March, when the weather is very pleasant, with fewer chances of rainfall.

06

Vellamalai Tunnel River

One of the most tranquil places to visit in Valparai is the Vellamalai Tunnel River, which is locally known as the Koolangal River. This popular Tunnel River is approximately 3km from the main town of Valparai. The freshwater of the river is clean and pure and is ideal for swimming, relaxing and taking in the views.

You should definitely come here during sunset to watch the sun rays descend over the waters. It is also very beautiful during dawn.

Location: Vellamalai Tunnel River,Tamil Nadu, Valparai, India.

Price: Free entry

Timing: Monday to Sunday (8:00 am – 9:00 pm)

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Vellamalai Tunnel is between the months of September to March when the temperature is not too hot, nor too cold.

07

Birala Waterfalls

The Birala Waterfalls, also known locally as the Birla Waterfalls, is one of the major Valparai attractions in the area. The Birala Waterfall is located 2 km from Valparai, in the Solaiyar region. The stream of this waterfall originates in the springs located in the Grass Hills of the Valparai Ranges and is fed by the perennial Nadumalai River, which flows through Valparai.

The Birala Waterfall is a very popular tourist destination for its scenic natural beauty and is a great location for avid photographers.

Location: Valparai, Tamil Nadu - 642117

Price: INR 15 for entry

Timing: Monday to Sunday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Best Time to Visit: The preferable months of visiting the Birala Waterfall is February, March, April and May if you want to experience the full splendour of the falls. The volume of the water generally remains very low to almost dry, between June to January, so it is advisable that you don’t visit during this time.

08

Chinna Kallar Falls

If you are making a list of places to see in Valparai, you must include a trip to Chinna Kallar Falls which is a natural reservoir of freshwater. This waterfall is situated in the district of Coimbatore, and is mainly surrounded by narrow, rugged bushes.

This region is also known as the Cherrapunji of South India as it receives the third-highest amount of rainfall in the country after Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. You can bathe in this waterfall but it is best to be prepared for a few leeches that can be found in these waters. The area also attracts elephants and barking deer, but you have to be careful about the whereabouts of the wild animals since they roam freely near the waterfalls.

Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 642127

Price: INR 130 per person for entry

Timing: Monday to Sunday (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Chinna kallar Falls is between September and March when there is minimal rainfall in the area and you can enjoy a trip to the falls without any hindrance to your plans.

09

Balaji Temple

The Balaji Temple is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Valparai because of its religious and historical significance. It is also a place of great natural beauty. The Balaji temple is situated inside the Tea Estate, 10 km from Valparai town.

The main deity inside the temple is that of Balaji or Lord Vishnu. Lord Hanuman is also worshipped in a separate shrine alongside Balaji. The temple complex is the perfect place to meditate and unwind for its peace and tranquillity, and also its surrounding natural beauty. Photography is strictly prohibited on the temple premises, and it is important that you respect the rules of the temple.

Location: Inside Karumalai Estate, Valparai 642127

Price: Free entry

Timing: Monday to Sunday (6:00 am – 12 noon and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm)

Best Time to Visit: the Balaji Temple remains open throughout the year and it is feasible to visit during any of the months. However, if you are touring Valparai, and you want to make the most of your visit, then it is advisable that you visit during the spring, autumn and winter months, to avoid the intense heat of summer.

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10

Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary And National Park

The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, also known as the Anamalai Tiger Reserve is situated in the Anamalai Hills of Valparai and Pollachi taluks of Coimbatore District in Tamil Nadu. This National Park is an important watershed for power supply and agricultural economy for different parts of Tamil Nadu.

The National Park is a cradle of rare and endangered species of animals like brown mongoose, sambar deer and Indian leopards. There are over 250 species of rare birds in the sanctuary which are kept in a highly protected and safe environment.

Location: Anamalai R F, Valparai, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu 642101

Price: Packages start from 6,800 INR onwards (extra costs include INR 50 for a camera, INR 200 for a video camera)

Timing: Monday to Sunday (7:00 am to 4:30 pm)

Best Time to Visit: The Sanctuary can be visited all year round, but it is always wise to avoid the heavy rains during the summer months, which might hinder your trekking and sightseeing plans.