The Anamalai Hill Ranges is known for its pristine environment, accommodating large varieties of flora and fauna. Famed for its numerous coffee and tea plantations, Valparai is a little piece of heaven tucked away in the cradle of the Western Ghats. The entire area is surrounded by evergreen deciduous forests loaded with lakes, waterfalls, mountain peaks and lush green valleys. Here is our list of top five places to visit in Valparai.
1. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
A safe haven for numerous plant and animal species unique to the Western Ghats regions, the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is an unparalleled experience. Majority of the species of animal life in the park is endangered like the Bengal tiger, Asiatic wild dog, rusty-spotted cat and sambar deer. Watch beauty in its most pristine and rugged form, unpolluted by the touch of mankind.
2. Sholayar Dam
Encapsulating beauty and majesty within its folds, Sholayar Dam is a prestigious hydroelectric power project of the state of Tamil Nadu. Unrivalled in beauty and picturesque scenic opulence, the Sholayar Dam stores gallons of water, symbolising the sheer force of nature and mankind coupled in unique harmony.
3. Chinnakallar Waterfalls
In a sentence, the Chinnakallar Waterfalls is a haven for trekkers and those who crave for some scenic abundance. Encapsulated by forests and narrow windy paths the Chinnakallar is located 25kms away from Valparai and is known for its wild scenic beauty. It is also quite dangerous at times, because it is a natural habitat of wild elephants which you may have to encounter on your way to the waterfalls. So, it is best if you pick up a proper time to visit the place along with the companion of a local guide.
4. Birla Falls
Cradled by beautiful green tea plantations, a historical legacy of the Sholayar Ranges, the Birla Falls is beauty is all its majesty. With water gushing down the mountain peaks, dropping from one rock to the other the Birla Falls is a beautiful waterfall encapsulated by surrounding green valleys and high peaks. The sight of the waters cascading down high peaks to flow freely along with the river is in itself a sight which fascinated you. The very first peek at the Birla Falls is enough to instigate awe in people.
5. Manampalli forest
Manampalli is a favourite trekking spot for adventure enthusiasts. Embedded with lush green valleys and beautiful peaks, a typical feature of the Sholayar Forest Ranges, Manampalli is even more beautiful with the rugged terrains and untouched Manampalli Lake. The lake is a beautiful pearl embedded in the midst of scenic abundance. For all those trekkers out there, Manampalli also have a cute little rest house at its foothills, which can serve the purpose of a base camp.
Take a break from your mundane existence and escape to the beauty of this hill station kept hidden from human touch; still lush and beautiful with evergreen trees and grasslands.
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