A mid elevation hill station in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, Valparai is known for its tea estates as also for the rich wildlife population including an elephant track which makes it a favourite destination for conservationists. One has to encounter 40 hairpin bends while driving to Valparai from Azhiyar making it a testing track, even for the most experienced drivers.

Valparai has an average elevation of 1193 metres and is located amidst Anaimalai Hill range of Western Ghats which is a biodiversity hotspot.

History

Nothing much was known about Valparai prior to 1846 when Ramasamy Mudaliyar started the first coffee plantation here. This was followed by initiation of Karnatic Coffee Company which began its coffee plantation here in 1846 only.

Prince of Wales planned to visit Valparai in 1875, hence road and guest house construction began in 1870s. However, the visit was later cancelled but the infrastructure development in the region got a boost. Wintil and Nordan purchased a large chunk of land here from the Madras Government in 1890 and planted tea and coffee in huge land tracts.

Valparai largely remained in private hands with rich Britishers developing tea and coffee plantations here. Though the British left in 1947, their legacy in form of tea and coffee estates still remains in good condition, fuelling the economic growth of Valparai.

Geography

The coordinates of Valparai are 10.37 N and 76.97 E. The average elevation of the region is 1193 metres or 3914 feet.

Environment

Valparai stands amidst green spread mountains and shares boundaries with two tiger reserves and a National Park. Valparai has a serene climate owing to numerous tea estates which abound in the region. The region is known for its faunal diversity and you will find lion-tailed macaque, Nilgai, spotted deer, wild boar and Malabar giant squirrel in large numbers here. The region being an Elephant corridor, frequent man and animal conflicts are also common here. Solar power fencing has also been provided in the human habitation areas in Valparai to minimize the human losses. In addition, Elephant proof trenches have also been dug in an area of 35 km in the area, so as to keep these at bay.

Protected Areas

Valparai is known for Indira Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary which has a fair population of elephants, gaur, Sambar, spotted deer, giant squirrels and lion tailed macaques. Great hornbill is also found in large numbers in Valparai. An endemic wild goat, Nilgiri Thar is also found in Valparai. Anaimalai tiger reserve also lies in vicinity of Valparai and provides an opportunity to conservationists and nature lovers to watch the majestic tiger in its natural habitat.

Tourism

If you wish to experience the serenity of Western Ghats, no place can match the elegance of Valparai. Not only does the region has enchanting tea plantations but you will also come across many of its streams, dams and grasslands which are likely to leave a lasting impression on you.

Places to See

Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Located near Pollachi at an altitude of 1,400 metres, Anaimalai wildlife sanctuary occupies an area of 958 sq km. The wildlife sanctuary is home to sloth bear, tigers, elephants and pangolin among other faunal species.

Aaliyar Dam

Aaliyar Dam, located in the foothills of Valparai is another key tourist attraction in the region. The dam also has an open park and large numbers of visitors frequent the same on daily basis.

Manompally Forest

Located 20 km from Valparai, Manompally forests are a trekker’s paradise. You will come across faunal species of the region in the forest including some crocodiles which are found in the Manompally River.

A rest house located in the deep woods can be your resting ground for the night, though you will need permission from forest authorities to venture into the forests.

Grass Hills

Grass hills are a part of the Indira Gandhi National Park located in Valparai. Shola grasslands which are only found in upper reaches of Western Ghats can be seen in Grass Hills. If you are lucky, you might get a view of Nilgiri tahr and Nilgiri pipit in the Grass Hills.

You will need prior permission from forest department to visit the Grass Hills in Valparai.

Balaji Temple

Balaji temple is located 10 km from Valparai and large number of tourists and people with religious devotion towards Lord Balaji visit this temple. It is located amidst a tea estate and has a small park for the toddlers to play while their parents pay their obedience to the Lord.

Dams

Valparai is known much for its dams as for its serene calmness. The region has eight dams and each of these is a tourist’s delight. You can visit these while returning back as most of them fall in the foothills of Valparai.