On the way up (Pollachi side)
- [Aliyar Dam](/valparai-tourist-places/aliyar-dam/) — reservoir at the foot of the hills with a park and viewpoint; first stop from Pollachi.
- [Monkey Falls](/valparai-tourist-places/monkey-falls/) — natural falls on the ghat approach, managed by the forest department; closes in heavy rain.
- [Loam's View Point](/valparai-tourist-places/loams-viewpoint/) — near the 9th hairpin bend, looking back over the Aliyar reservoir.
- [Attakatti View Point](/valparai-tourist-places/attakatti-viewpoint/) — valley views partway up the ghat.
On the plateau
- [Nallamudi Poonjolai](/valparai-tourist-places/nallamudi-poonjolai/) — the signature viewpoint over the Anamalai range; best at sunrise.
- [Sholayar Dam](/valparai-tourist-places/sholayar-dam/) — large reservoir and backwaters on the road towards Kerala.
- [Chinnakallar Falls](/valparai-tourist-places/chinnakallar-falls/) — boulder-strewn cascades in a very high-rainfall forest.
- [Lower Neerar Dam](/valparai-tourist-places/lower-neerar-dam/) — quieter reservoir; access depends on the day's rules.
- [Koolangal River](/valparai-tourist-places/koolangal-river/) — shallow, pebbly river for a paddle.
- [Number Parai](/valparai-tourist-places/number-parai/) — rocky viewpoint; road and access vary.
- [Tea estates](/valparai-tourist-places/tea-estates/) — the heart of Valparai; walk estate roads, see plucking and shade trees.
Heritage and faith
- [Sri Balaji Temple](/valparai-tourist-places/balaji-temple/) — peaceful temple amid tea gardens.
- [Annai Velankanni Church](/valparai-tourist-places/annai-velankanni-church/) — much-loved church in town.
- [Carver Marsh Monument](/valparai-tourist-places/carver-marsh-monument/) — remembers the planter linked to opening up the plateau for plantations.
Restricted or permit-only
- [Grass Hills](/valparai-tourist-places/grass-hills/) — high-altitude grasslands inside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve; entry only with forest-department permission.
- Some estate roads, dam areas and forest tracks are private or restricted. Listing a place here does not mean access is always open — we check before we go.
Easy day trips from Valparai
- Athirappilly and Vazhachal falls in Kerala — see Valparai Athirappilly package.
- Topslip and Parambikulam tiger reserves — see Valparai Topslip package.
Want us to plan this trip for you?
Local naturalist-led team · private cab · inspected stays · itemised quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous place in Valparai?
The 40 hairpin bends and Nallamudi Poonjolai viewpoint are the most iconic; Sholayar Dam and the tea estates come close.
Can we visit Grass Hills?
Only with prior permission from the forest department; it is not open for casual tourism.
Which places in Valparai are good for kids?
Aliyar Dam's park, Koolangal river (supervised), tea estate walks and spotting macaques from the car. See travel with children.
