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Via Athirappilly Falls

Valparai Tour Package from Kochi (Ernakulam)

Start at Kochi, stop at Kerala's biggest waterfall, and climb into Tamil Nadu's tea country.

  • 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Kochi
  • Kerala visitors · International travellers flying into Kochi
  • Private AC cab

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TripValparai Tour Package from Kochi (Ernakulam)
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This package starts in Kochi — pickup from Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam Junction or Town, or your hotel — and drives to Valparai via Chalakudy, Athirappilly, Vazhachal and Malakkappara: about 160–175 km and 5–6 hours on a scenic forest road that is open only in daylight. Travel from Kochi, stay, breakfast, dinner and sightseeing are included.

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Starts
Kochi — airport, Ernakulam stations or hotel
Ends
Kochi (or Coimbatore)
Best time
September–May (the forest road is prone to monsoon closures)
Stay
Valparai (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast and dinner

Where does this package start?

Travel from your city included

Travel from Kochi is included — pickup at Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam Junction/Town or your hotel, and drop back in Kochi. The forest stretch between Vazhachal and Malakkappara has checkpost opening hours (daylight only), so we time the pickup accordingly. If the forest road is closed after heavy rain, we use the longer Thrissur–Palakkad–Pollachi route (about 250 km).

  1. Kochi
  2. Angamaly
  3. Chalakudy
  4. Athirappilly
  5. Vazhachal
  6. Malakkappara
  7. Sholayar
  8. Valparai
Distance
~170 km
Drive time
5–6 hours via Athirappilly (daytime only)

Highlights

4 highlights
  • Athirappilly and Vazhachal falls on the way
  • Remote forest road with Malakkappara tea estates
  • Two nights in Valparai
  • Return via the same road or via Pollachi and Palakkad
3 Days / 2 Nights

Day-by-day itinerary

Customise this plan
  1. Wide view of Athirappilly falls and the Chalakudy riverDay 1

    Day 1

    Kochi → Chalakudy → Athirappilly → Vazhachal → Malakkappara → Valparai

    • ~170 km · 5–6 h with falls stops
    • Valparai
    • Dinner

    Pickup by 7 AM. Athirappilly by 9 AM, then Charpa and Vazhachal falls. The forest road climbs through Sholayar forests to Malakkappara on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, past Sholayar Dam and into Valparai by late afternoon. No mobile signal for long stretches — our driver knows the road.

  2. Tea estates around a reservoir in Valparai, Anamalai HillsDay 2

    Day 2

    Valparai plateau: Nallamudi, Sholayar Dam, Balaji Temple, Koolangal

    • About 70–80 km of local sightseeing
    • Valparai
    • Breakfast, dinner

    Sunrise at Nallamudi Poonjolai while mist fills the valley, breakfast, then Sholayar Dam and its backwaters, Chinnakallar Falls if time and weather allow, Sri Balaji Temple and a paddle at Koolangal river. Evening walk on estate roads near your stay.

  3. Car on a forest ghat roadDay 3

    Day 3

    Valparai → Kochi

    • ~170 km via Athirappilly (or ~250 km via Pollachi–Palakkad)
    • Drop in Kochi
    • Breakfast

    An early start to clear the forest checkposts in their opening hours, and back in Kochi by afternoon — in time for evening flights.

What's included

What's included

  • Private AC vehicle with an experienced hill driver for the entire trip
  • Pickup/drop at Kochi airport, Ernakulam stations or hotel
  • Hotel, homestay or resort stay in the category you choose (twin/triple sharing)
  • Breakfast and dinner (vegetarian; non-veg on request at extra cost)
  • Fuel, driver bata, toll, parking and inter-state permit
  • WhatsApp support before and during the trip

Not included

  • Entry tickets, forest safaris, boating and camera fees
  • Lunch, snacks and meals not mentioned
  • Personal expenses, tips and anything not listed under inclusions
  • Extra costs caused by landslides, road closures or forest-department restrictions
  • Athirappilly entry tickets (Kerala Forest Department)

Good to know

  • Carry no single-use plastic on the Athirappilly–Malakkappara road; forest staff check vehicles.
  • Do not stop for elephants on the forest road — our driver waits at a safe distance if they are on the road.
Athirappilly waterfalls at sunset in Thrissur, Kerala
Car on a forest ghat road
Sholayar Dam near Valparai
Tea estates around a reservoir in Valparai, Anamalai Hills
Google reviews

What travellers say

4.9

431 Google reviews

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Nice arrangements were made from pickup to drop. A 3 days trip with 2 night stay at Valparai was a pleasent experience. Experienced driver shown all the site seeings including the drive to athirappilly falls was wonderful experience. Nice hospitality from Mr.Mahesh and his driver Mr.Rajagopal. Overall had good memories.
BRBalaji RamanGoogle review · Jan 2026
This was an amazing trip on the whole...Fully satisfied with the service,we visited valparai and Athirappilly with my family. Valparai Mahesh travels and Tours put together a customized itinerary to suit our interests. Mr. Mahesh our tour guide was very knowledgeable and engaging ,above all a great human being with full enthusiasm and a naturalist too..He was very passionate about his work,that made our trip so lively and enjoyable..His explanation of place,history and culture made the trip more relatable for my family. Shoutout to his driving skill as well! The tour included excellent sight seeing,deep forest, off road trekking,elephant, exotic birds,cool climate,tea spots,sumptuous South Indian,Kerala meal that we enjoyed immensely. Thanks for making our trip one to remember! I will definitely look valparai Mahesh travels and Tours up for future travel experiences in other hill station too and will also recommend them to family and friends.
NSNivethitha SridharGoogle review · Jul 2024
Our trip to Valparai and athirapally water fall was amazing..well organized trip..thanks to Mahesh to make this trip memorable.. Mr.Srinivasan who drove us al through the trip was amazing..was explaining us very well.. thanks to him too.
STSudha ThodurGoogle review · Feb 2026

Reviews are from our Google Business Profile and describe trips with Valparai Mahesh Travels; they may not refer to this exact package.

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FAQ

Questions, answered

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How far is Valparai from Kochi?

About 160–175 km via Athirappilly and Malakkappara (5–6 hours, daytime only), or about 250 km via Thrissur, Palakkad and Pollachi.

Is the Athirappilly–Valparai road open at night?

No. The forest checkposts operate in daylight hours; night travel isn't permitted. We plan departures so you clear them comfortably. See the route guide.

Can we fly into Kochi and out of Coimbatore?

Yes. Day 3 can end at Coimbatore airport (about 3.5 hours from Valparai).

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