[i20ian]

Although Valparai has been in many travelogues, the beauty of this place especially after the rains tempts every traveller to keep on writing about it. If this is the prelude of things to come.. Then why not!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X9a...ature=youtu.be

Day 1

Started from home and the first pitstop in itinerary was Aliyar dam. The roads are scenic with endless coconut farms and neem trees covering up the road from both sides.

Pollachi to Aliyar



Reached Aliyar Dam



Aliyar Dam



Nothing much to see in Aliyar. The garden was fairly dry even after the rains. Foodies can try out fresh dam fish fry from the road side eateries.

Started to climb up the hills after the check post.

Aliyar distant view



Tiger Valley view point



Tiger Valley



Mist started creeping in at Iyerpadi



First view of tea plantations



Had a cup of hot tea from a road side tea stall. Must try for anyone visiting this place.

Tea estates.. The hallmark of Valparai



Tea estates



Lion Tailed Macaque.. Another attraction Valparai is famous for



Zoom quality definitely takes a beating in mobile cam.

Came across a Bridge for Lion tailed macaque crossing. Hope they use it.



Reached Sidhi Vinayakar Koil in Birla estate on the way to Nallamudi Pooncholai.



You can buy good fresh tea from the temple at subsidised rates.. Thanks to the temple priest who stores tea packets behind the deity and does tea business from there.

Nallamudi Pooncholai.. The drive was through narrow picteresque roads.

i20 parked at Nallamudi.



The view point needed a walk of 500 mtrs but was out of bounds due to a herd of elephants blocking the way.

The dusk set in while we returned and lured us to take a few snaps.

i20 @ tea estate 1



i20 @ tea estate 2



i20 @ tea estate 3



Sunset @ tea estate 1



Sunset @ tea estate 2



Sunset @ tea estate 3



The sky painted an orange hue and gave the tea saplings a distinct appearance. Got to see different shades of Valparai.. Will recommend a stroll through the tea gardens during sunset to all future travelers to Valparai.

Did a night safari with dad in i20. Drove till Kurangu mudi and for a few kms towards Sholayar dam in the hope of seeing wildlife. Except for the warning boards of Animal crossing zone, couldn't spot any wildlife.

But wildlife can be sighted in plenty if you start after 11pm and are equipped with a good flash light. Surely would be better prepared next time.

[i20ian]

Day 2

Started back home after night stay in Valparai. Took the forest route through Malakkappara.

Misty morning greeted us



Misty morning



Lovely landscape draped in mist





Misty wet forest road. Heavenly indeed..



Waterfall enroute



Parked somewhere in forest road



Peringalkuthu dam



Interesting signboard



Water flowing into dam. A rare sight.



Thottapura view point






Chalakudy river



Charpa falls



There was heavy flow due to abundant rains. There were a group of KTM Duke revellers posing for group photo in front of the falls. May be some 25 bikes lined up.

Skipped Athirapally and Vazhachal due to exorbitant weekend rush. Got stuck in a traffic jam at Athirapally for nearly an hour.

Definitely a big NO to famous tourist places on a long weekend.

Our minds refreshed by the rains, lush greenery, scent of tea and with the hope of coming back to drench in the clouds... time to say good bye to Valparai.

[ampere]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[redcruiser]

Can you please share the route that you took and stay. Nevertheless good pictures.

[h14]

Nice clicks! Valparai is one place which you never get tired of visiting
A small word of caution regarding late evening strolls, Valparai is infamously known for man-eaters on the prowl. Locals will always warn you against that.

I would suggest driving around to enjoy the sunset!

[i20ian]

Originally Posted by h14

A small word of caution regarding late evening strolls, Valparai is infamously known for man-eaters on the prowl. Locals will always warn you against that.
I would suggest driving around to enjoy the sunset!

Didn't know about that.. We mainly took a stroll though tea estate. Thanks for the caution. Took a night drive, but should have started late in the night since we couldn't spot any wildlife.

Originally Posted by redcruiser

Can you please share the route that you took and stay. Nevertheless good pictures.

Onward Route is from Nemmara kollengode Govindapuram Aliyar Valparai. Return via Sholayar Malakkappara Athirapally Thrissur Nemmara.
Stayed at hotel Saravana Grand in Valparai town. Was very crowded since it was independence day weekend. Rooms were neat and OK. Nothing much. Good for a night's stay if you don't want to spend much money on staying. They have valet parking which is very congested.