Valparai Hill Station – The seventh heaven

Valparai is a hill station located in Coimbatore District, above 3,500 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. Valparai is close to Pollachi and stands majestically with mesmerizing green spread mountains, waterfalls, dams and secluded valleys. It has vast areas of tea and coffee plantations amidst thick woodlands. It is a perfect destination for a pollution-free and peaceful ambience.

Valparai is located at about 100 km from Coimbatore and is situated 3,914 feet above the sea level. The route from Aliyar to Valparai has got 40 Hairpin bends in 40kms stretch. The route from Athirapally to Aliyar is full of wild animals and wild elephants are a common scene in this route. Bear, Deers and sometimes even Leopards appear in Malakkappara – Valpara route. Malakkappara & Valparai has got full of Tea estate. It has got some of the largest tea estate in India. You have budget home stays to estate bungalows available in Valparai.

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Tourist Attractions in Valparai

Nirar Dam

Nilar Dam is located 15 kilometres from Valparai. The dam is a part of hydroelectric power project and is plays a crucial role in irrigation and supplying water to places in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There is a waterfall near the dam which is very similar to the Silver Cascade waterfalls in Kodaikanal.

Sholayar Dam

The dam is located 20 kilometres from Valparai. It is the second deepest dam in the whole of Asia and is a part of Tamil Nadu’s hydroelectric power project. The dam can be visited only under special permission. It is worth a sight owing to its peaceful surroundings and majesty.

Valparai Viewpoints

Valparai Hill Station has a number of notable viewpoints providing some of the best views of the hills and valleys. Found at the 9th hairpin bend (on the road to Valparai from Pollachi) is the Loam’s viewpoint. It offers an exquisite view of the Aliyar Dam. Other viewpoints in and around Valparai are Nallamudi Poonjolai, Kadampari Dam and Number Parai.

Grass hills view from Akkamalai

Grass Hills, located 15 kilometres from Valparai, is a part of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a protected region, which can be visited only with permission from Wildlife Department. It is a natural habitat for many animals.

Valparai Balaji Temple

This temple is at a distance of 10 kilometres from Valparai. It is situated amidst tea estates and is owned and managed by Peria Kalamalai Tea Industries. The main deity worshipped here is Lord Balaji and poojas are performed like that of Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Chinnakallar Falls

It is located 26 kilometres east of Valparai. Chinakkalar is the second highest rainfall area in the country and so is known as the Cherrapunji of South India. A hanging bridge has been constructed over the falls which makes the experience even more adventurous.

Things to do in Valparai

While in Valparai, one could engage in trekking, bird watching, photography, river bathing and cycling. Check out our essential trekking gear checklist for a safe trekking. Lush evergreen plantations and wilderness found abound is sure to make your trip to Valparai a memorable one.

Ideal Time to Visit Valparai

The best time to visit Valparai Hill Station would be between the month of September and March when the climate is pleasant and cool.

How to reach Valparai

Bus route connections are available from Valparai to Pollachi, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Udumalaipettai and Palani. Valparai in connected to Athirapalli Waterfalls in Chalakudi (around 64 kilometres). Pollachi and Coimbatore are the nearest railway stations from Valparai. Coimbatore is the nearest Airport.

Yellagiri is a small and popular hill station in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu. It dates back to the British colonial days and in the recent past has developed to be a full-fledged tourist spot. Travel through 14 hairpin bends leads you to the majestic Yellagiri Hills, situated at an altitude of 1410 meters, amidst four mountains and well known for its salubrious climate throughout the year.

Major Attractions in Yelagiri

Nature Park, Yelagiri

Established in the year 2008, the park consists of an aquarium, a rose garden, an artificial waterfall and a musical fountain. It is a great place for some fun and frolic especially for the kids.

Punganoor Lake, Yelagiri

This lake is one of the most popular landmark in Yelagiri Hills. It is an artificial lake 25 feet deep adjacent to the park. A walk along the lake side and a boat ride could be enjoyed here.

Jelagamparai Waterfalls

A 5 kilometre trek from Yelagiri downhill is the Jelagamparai Waterfalls. The Attaru river flows through Yelagiri Hills and plummets down to form the beautiful waterfalls. You could take the Tiruppaththur route (15 kilometres away) or climb up the hill.

Swami Malai Hills

Swami Malai Hills with a very high peak takes the shape of a cake and a strong base. The main deity is Lord Murugan. It offers a good mixture of spiritual aura and hiking experience.

Things to do in Yelagiri

Walking up the hill would be a real task but a memorable one too. Trekking, hiking and Summer Festival conducted every year are some of the appealing factors for the tourists. The flora and fauna found in the hills and beautiful landscape of the location is best suitable for photography.

Ideal time to visit Yelagiri

The ideal time to visit the place would be between the month May to July to enjoy the clear climate and wildlife and from September to March to have some adventures.

How to reach Yelagiri

Frequent buses are available from Yercaud to Thirupattur and Jolarpet. The nearest rail head is Salem Junction, nearest Railway Station is Jolarpet Railway Station. The nearest airports are Salem (38 kilometres), Tiruchirapalli (165 kilometres) and Coimbatore (195 kilometres).

Kotagiri – The Hidden Gem of blue mountains

Kotagiri is a small hill station in Nilgiris, located about 29 kilometres east of Ooty and 19 kilometres northeast of Coonoor. The literal meaning of Kotagiri is “Mountain of Kotas”.
The region was first discovered by two civil servants of the Madras Government. John Sullivan, the then collector of Coimbatore was so impressed by this offbeat place that he built a home here.

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Major Tourist Attractions in Kotagiri

Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

Longwood Shola Reserve Forest is a beautiful place (3 kilometres from town) offering tourists a spectrum of Kotagiri’s quintessential woodlands. The evergreen shoal forest in the midst of tea plantations is a quiet and peaceful retreat to visit. The forest inhabits rare animals such as the flying fox and Indian bison.

Bikkapathi Reserve

Bikkapathi Reserve is about 10 kilometres from Kotagiri and is under the control of the Forest Range Officer of Kattabettu at kotagiri. It is a perfect place for trekking provided you get prior permission.

Kodanad View Point

At a distance of 18 kilometres east of Kotagiri and at an altitude of about 6500 feet, is the Kodanad View Point. Tourists get to see the beautiful mountains and valley below. A panoramic view of tea estates nearby and the Moyar River makes the hike uphill worthwhile.

Catherine Falls

Catherine Falls is about 8 kilometres from Kotagiri. Located near Aravenu on the Kotagiri-Mettupalayam Road, this double cascaded Falls waters from the Kallar River. A lovely view of the Dolphin’s nose of Connoor and woodlands and tea estates around could be seen from here.

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Elk Falls placed below the Uyilathi Village is around 7 kilometres from Kotagiri. From this picturesque landscape, one could see the Echoing Valley of kookal famous for oranges.

Doddabeta Range

Doddabeta Range is reputed as the second biggest peak of Nilgiris. You could trek or take a vehicle to reach the summit. The view from atop Doddabeta Range extends as far as Chamundi Hills and one could even spot Coimbatore and Mysore.

Rangaswamy Peak And Pillar

Rangaswamy peak and Pillar is known not just for its beauty but also for its religious beliefs. The peak has two temples – one of Lord Rangaswamy and the other of his consort. He treks to the peak is not as easy one but worth the effort owing to the beautiful sceneries on the way.

Things to do in Kotagiri

Kotagiri unlike Ooty, is a very secluded place where you can be at leisure and experience nature in all tranquility. Do make trekking and shopping for some real good tea a part of your vacation at Kotagiri.

Ideal time to visit Kotagiri

Kotagiri can be visited any time during the year as the temperature is always moderate.

How to reach Kotagiri

Kotagiri is well connected to all major places in Tamil Nadu by road. It is also connected to Ooty, Mettupalayam and Coonoor by regular buses. The nearest railway station is Coonoor. The nearest Airport is at Coimbatore (105 kilometres).

Atop Shevaroy Hills in the northern part of Tamil Nadu is Yercaud Hill Station. It is at a distance of 30 kilometers from Salem. Yercaud is often referred to as the Jewel of the South. Yercaud gets its name from Yercaud Lake – “Yeri” meaning lake and “Kaadu” meaning forest in Tamil. It is greatly renowned for its magnificent beauty, lush green ambience, endemic wildlife and coffee plantations.

Yercaud hill station is situated in the Shevaroys Range of hills with an altitude of 1623mts and the highest point being the Sevarayan Temple at 5,325 feet. Just 28 km away from Salem, Yercaud is filled with scenic beauty that is totally enchanting.

Major Attractions in Yercaud

Yercaud Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens at Yercaud gives us the feel of fresh air and fragrance of flowers. Botanical Survey of India maintains an Orchidarium in Yercaud.

Yercaud Lake, Yercaud Big Lake

Yercaud Lake is a major tourist attraction. The picturesque water body is surrounded by gardens and forest area. Boating in the lake would be an unforgettable experience.

Pagoda Point, Yercaud

This place also called the Pyramid Point based on an arrangement of rocks in four piles built by the local tribes. The Pagoda Point is located on the Eastern part of Yercaud, at a distance of 5 kilometers from Yercaud Lake.

Shevaroy Temple

Located atop the Shevaroy Hills is the Shevaroy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan and Goddess Kaveri. It is believed that this narrow cave temple’s bottom touches river Kaveri. Tribals around the region and pilgrims from all over the world gather here during the Annual Festival celebration in the month of May.

Killiyur Falls

An idyllic place to visit in Yercaud during the monsoon season would be Killiyur Waterfalls. It is 3 kilometers from the Yercaud Lake.

Anna Park, Yercaud

Another prominent place to visit in Yercaud is Anna Park, located near the lake. It has a collection of the natural species of trees and plants seen around Shevaroy Hills.
Tourists gather during Flower Show conducted in the month of May every year. The thrilling Japanese garden inside the park makes it worth a visit.

Lady’s Seat, Yercaud

Present in the form of a seat, are a group of rocks located on the Yercaud Hills, the names of which are Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat. Lady’s Seat overlooks the winding ghat road and provides an enthralling view of Salem.

Things to do in Yercaud

Yercaud is famous for coffee, citrus fruits like oranges, pears, banana, and jackfruits, etc.

Tourists can benefit from the salubrious climate of Yercaud anytime during the year. It is also a good spot for trekking, bird watching and to relish the fairs and festivals during summer season. Plan your next adventure with our ultimate trekking gear guide.

Ideal time to visit

The ideal time to visit Yercaud is from October to June. It usually takes 1-2 days to visit all the places in Yercaud.

How to reach Yercaud

Yercaud has frequent buses running between Salem and Yercaud. The nearest rail head is Salem Junction which is 31 kilometres from Yercaud. Salem is well connected to all the major cities in India. The closest Airport is at Salem (38 kilometres), Tiruchirapalli (165 kilometres) and Coimbatore (195 kilometres).

Pachamalai Hills is located at Thuraiyur, Trichy. As the name suggests, the literal meaning of the name will be Pachai meaning ‘green’ and Malai meaning ‘Hill’.

Located at a height of about 500 to 1000mts from the ground level, pachaimalai has many animals, birds, and butterflies for animal lovers.

Then for nature lovers, it has two rivers namely Kallar and Sweata flowing here and waterfalls like Mangalam Aruvi, Koraiyar Falls, and Mayil Uthu Falls also flow here.

If you love to trek, this is the best place to go on trekking. Small towns namely Thuraiyur, Esanai, Elambalur, Perambalur, Gangavalli, Thammampatti, Arumbavur, Malayalappatti, Thedavur, and Uppiliapuram surrounds the hill and we can witness the rich culture of the local tribal people. This happens to be the best tourist spot of Trichy.

Topslip is located near Pollachi in the state of Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 800 feet from the sea level on the Anamalai mountain range. It is a part of the protected Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

From the check post to top slip takes around 45 min. There is a forest office that manages the safari into the forest. You have to pay Rs. 200 per head for a Three-hours safari in a back-breaking, rundown vehicle. We should wait for safari pickup. There are a canteen and eco shop which are useful during the waiting time.

Private vehicles are allowed inside with prior approval from the forest department and you can see few elephants, bison, deer, wild boars, monkeys etc.

This place is more greenish and best for Natural Sightseeing. but not able to spot more animals. To enjoy climate and nature we can visit Topslip Tiger Forest.

Tigers are not seen here as they are very rare. You can take your binoculars along for a good view of animals from a distance.

For more details please check following website:
https://www.parambikulam.org/