Overview
Valparai is a pollution-free hill station perched at 3,500 feet on the Anamalai mountain range, sharing boundaries with Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, and Vazhachal forest division. The 64-km drive from Pollachi itself is an exotic experience through the Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary, home to lion-tailed macaques, elephants, and gaur.
Nature · Trekking · Wildlife
Before you go
Money
Cash is essential in Valparai as ATMs may not accept all foreign cards. Hotels and restaurants are the main places accepting cards. Tea and basic meals are inexpensive.
Permits
Grass Hills and Kadamparai Dam require prior permission from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department or Chief Wildlife Warden in Chennai before visiting.
Transport
The 64-km Pollachi-Valparai road is the main route with winding ghat sections. Buses and shared vehicles connect from Pollachi. Private vehicles are recommended for outlying attractions.
Water
Stick to bottled or purified water. Alcohol is prohibited in the forest areas by forest department regulations.
Weather
Due to high elevation (3,500 feet), Valparai remains cooler than surrounding plains. Chinnakallar receives the second highest rainfall in India—expect mist and wet conditions.