Valparai – A Peaceful Hill Station in Tamil Nadu
Valparai, once called Poonachimalai, is a hill station and taluk in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. It lies 3,500 feet above sea level on the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats. The region includes the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (earlier Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary) and has around 56 tea and coffee estates. The drive to Valparai is memorable, with 40 hairpin bends starting from Monkey Falls, about 38 km away. The Kerala border town of Malakkappara is just 27 km from here.
Valparai is surrounded by lush green tea plantations, forests, and winding mountain paths, making it perfect for a peaceful getaway. Popular spots include Upper Sholayar Dam, Nirar Dam, Aliyar Dam, Monkey Falls, Balaji Temple, Velankanni Church, and Pancha Mugha Vinayagar Koil. The region is also home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offers great trekking opportunities.
Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, where animals like lion-tailed macaques, barking deer, wild boar, and langurs can be spotted. Birdwatchers can see hornbills such as the Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and Grey Malabar Hornbill.
Another must-visit is Chinna Kallar, known for its waterfalls and misty forests. It receives the third highest rainfall in India, making it green and refreshing all year round.
With its tea estates, dams, waterfalls, and wildlife, Valparai is an ideal destination for travelers seeking calm, adventure, and natural beauty.
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