Tamil Nadu · South India

Valparai travel guide

Tea, rainforest and 40 hairpin bends

Valparai
Kkdi63 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Best time
Sep–May
How long
2–3 days
Stay a night
₹1,000–8,000
Food a day
₹300–1,200
Nearest railhead
65 km away
Nearest airport
105 km away

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About Valparai

An offbeat tea plateau in the Anamalais — 40 hairpins from Aliyar, lion-tailed macaques, elephants on estate roads and a forest drive to Athirappilly.

Things to do in Valparai

  1. Aliyar Dam & 40 Hairpins

    1 h · Free

    Aliyar Dam and the 40 hairpins mark the exciting mountain climb up from the plains to Valparai in Tamil Nadu. The route offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and reservoirs as you navigate the winding hairpin bends.

    Tip: Keep your camera ready as you pull over at designated safe spots along the curves

  2. Monkey Falls

    1 h · ₹30 entry

    Monkey Falls is a refreshing natural waterfall located right by the roadside on the ghat road between Pollachi and Valparai in the Anaimalai Hills. It sits in the Coimbatore district, just a short distance from the Azhiyar Dam.

    Tip: Watch out for monkeys in the surrounding area and keep your belongings secure

  3. Sholayar Dam

    1 h · Free

    Sholayar Dam in Valparai, Tamil Nadu, India is a scenic reservoir set amidst lush rainforests. It offers a calm atmosphere where visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding greenery and backwaters.

    Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the surrounding area safely

  4. Puthuthottam Rainforest

    45 min · Free

    Puthuthottam Rainforest in Valparai is a scenic park area where visitors can experience lush greenery. It is a known spot for catching glimpses of rare wildlife right by the roadside.

    Tip: Keep your camera ready as wildlife can appear unexpectedly near the road.

  5. Athirappilly Falls

    2 h · ₹50 entry

    Athirappilly Falls is Kerala's biggest waterfall, reached via the scenic Malakkappara forest road from Valparai. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a refreshing escape into nature where visitors can enjoy the sight and sound of cascading water.

    Tip: Keep your vehicle documents handy for forest department checks along the road

Where to stay in Valparai

  • Valparai town

    ₹1,000–2,500

    Simple hotels and lodges.

  • Tea-estate bungalows

    ₹5,000–12,000

    Colonial bungalows inside estates.

What to eat

  • Tamil meals

    local dish · veg

    Simple meals in town; estate tea everywhere.

Good to know

  • The Valparai–Athirappilly forest road has check-post timings — no night driving.
  • Elephants cross at dusk; never step out near them.

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Valparai travel guide: best time, things to do, how to reach · JrnyLoop Blog