Valparai tourism

Valparai is a newly explored tourist spot located in the Anamalai hills of Western Ghats. Entering the forest and tea gardens of valparai you can enjoy the presence of many streams, dams, valleys, waterfalls, high mountains, grasslands, flora and fauna. 

Valparai is different from other tourist spots unlike Ooty, Munnar, Kodaikanal etc because of some if its unique nature. Ecotourism is given more importance than regular form of tourism. Chinnakallar in valparai records maximum rainfall next to chirapungi. Valparai is the only hill station in the world which has 12 dams and hydroelectric power stations.

Manompally forest:

This reserve forest truly provides the icing on the cake for Valparai. located at about 20 km from the town, this place is sure to get your jaws dropping in fascination. Graced by the Manompally river (with a few crocodiles, of course), this reserve forest provides adventurous treks, a high probability to sight some of endangered species. There is a trekking shed (rest house) on the banks of Manompally river which doubles up as a base camp for those bent on adventure.Prior permission from the Forest Department required.

Grass Hills :

If manompally is the icing on the cake for Valparai Grass Hills is the cherry on the top. There are no words to describe this bejeweled beauty which adorns the crown of Valparai. Talk about the most secluded, most beautiful, most enchanting and the most peaceful place on earth, talk about grass hills.This is a paradise on earth.Forming a part of Indira Gandhi National Park, Grass hills is a remnant of the unique shola grasslands found only in the higher reaches of the Western Ghats. The shola grasslands are a unique ecosystem. A host of species found here, like the Nilgiri tahr and Nilgiri Pipit, are not found anywhere in the world.The lush green meadows present there are those ones see in their romantic dreams. Patterns emerge in the unending carpet of grass a copse of shola trees resembles a mango and another, the outline of India. The fire lines drawn around them emphasise their shape. These are by far the only things man-made in Grass Hills. Nature lovers and geologists in search of 'Ox-bow' lakes are sure to find one too many. The door to this place is strictly opened to nature lovers only.Prior permission from the Forest Department required. 

Athirapally falls:

A 80 km drive from valparai through one of the thickest evergreen forests in india simulates the canopied rainforests of Amazon and Central Africa. The conopy is so thick that any tough effort taken by sunlight to enter the forest seems clumsy. Such is the road that leads to the falls. Popularly known as 'Punnagai Mannan falls' or 'the Indian Niagara', Athirapally falls has been the backdrop for many south Indian movies. You can look at it from the top and from the bottom as well. You can take bath in the Chalakudy river too.On the way there are two other falls Charpa and Vazachal. In charpa falls the water plunges on to the road in the monsoon, so get ready to get drenched if you are visiting it in the rainy season. Vazhachal waterfalls is set in the backdrop of a lush green forest near gorges.

Nallamudi- Pooncholai (valley view):

Monkey falls:

Location: 4kms from the Azhiyar park, near the Valparai- Navamalai diversion.

One of nature's finest and purest sources of minerals and ayurvedic formulations, these falls truly rejuvenate your body and mind.

Loams view point:

Location: 9th hairpin bend.

This gives a panoramic view of the Azhiyar dam. Consider yourself lucky if you spot endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the State animal of Tamil Nadu. 

Tiger valley:

Location: Approximately 35 kms enroute Valparai.

Provides a spectacular view of Kadamparai and the upper Azhiyar projects. Wind mills situated on the plains can be a feast to the eyes, try zooming in your binocuars for a couple...... 

Carver marsh view point:

Balaji temple:

Iraichal Parai falls:

Chinna Kallar:

Considered to be one of the wettest places in India at par with Mawsymram, Cherrapunji and Agumbe. The waterfalls in this area can be reached by an adventurous trek upon a hanging bridge, a legacy of the British.

Dams in Valparai:

There are about 8 Dams in and around Valparai namely Sholayar (one in TN and another in Kerala), Azhiyar, Parambikulam, Upper Nirar, Lower Nirar, Kadamparai and Upper Azhiyar. Each dam has a significance in its own way.