Valparai Athirapally Circuit

Day 1: Coimbatore → Pollachi → Aliyar → Valparai

• Pickup from Coimbatore. Drive towards Pollachi (40 km, 1 hr).
• Breakfast in Pollachi (own expense). Quick visit to the Pollachi town market – known as the 'Coconut City' for its bustling coconut auction yard.
• Visit Masaniamman Temple – the most famous temple in Pollachi, beautifully maintained and architecturally impressive.
• Drive to Aliyar Dam (20 km, 30 mins). Visit the dam, park, aquarium, and the mini amusement area. Scenic views of the Western Ghats rising behind the reservoir. Spend 1 hour.
• Stop at Monkey Falls – a natural waterfall by the roadside where you can take a refreshing dip (seasonal). 30 mins.
• Begin the famous ascent – 40 hairpin bends to Valparai. Each bend offers a new angle on the valleys below. Watch for Nilgiri langurs and Lion-tailed macaques on the road.
• Photo stop at 9th Hairpin Bend Viewpoint – the most photographed spot with a bird's-eye view of the entire Aliyar reservoir.
• Arrive in Valparai. Check-in and lunch (own expense).
• Visit Nallamudi Viewpoint – panoramic 360° views of the valleys, tea estates, and distant plains.
• Walk through the tea and coffee estates – a guided experience through working plantations.
• Visit Balaji Temple – hilltop temple with serene evening views.
• Return to hotel. Dinner (own expense). Overnight stay in Valparai.

Day 2: Valparai → Athirapally (Crossing into Kerala)

• Early breakfast. Check-out.
• Visit Sholayar Dam (35 km from Valparai) – one of Tamil Nadu's highest dams surrounded by pristine rainforest. The road itself passes through dense tropical forest with towering trees forming a canopy overhead.
• Cross the Tamil Nadu – Kerala border at Sholayar. Enter the Thrissur district of Kerala.
• Drive through the Vazhachal Forest – one of the last remaining stretches of continuous tropical rainforest in the Western Ghats.
• Quick stop at Vazhachal Falls – a beautiful rapids-style waterfall right beside the road. Easy access and photogenic.
• Arrive at Athirapally Falls – India's largest waterfall (also called the Niagara of India). The 80-ft waterfall is 330 ft wide during monsoon. Take the trail down to the base of the falls for a breathtaking view. Spend 2 hours exploring the top and bottom viewpoints.
• Lunch near Athirapally (own expense). Kerala-style fish meals available.
• Visit Charpa Falls (10 km from Athirapally) – a lesser-known but beautiful stepped waterfall surrounded by forest.
• Drive to Chalakudy / Thrissur area for overnight stay (30-40 km).
• Check-in. Free evening to explore local area.
• Dinner (own expense). Overnight stay.

Day 3: Athirapally Area → Coimbatore (Return via Palakkad)

• Breakfast. Check-out.
• Optional: Revisit Athirapally Falls for morning light photography (the falls look different in morning light).
• Begin return drive to Coimbatore via Palakkad (130 km, approx. 3.5 hrs).
• Optional stop at Palakkad Fort – the well-preserved Tipu Sultan's Fort with a beautiful park.
• Lunch in Palakkad (own expense).
• Cross into Tamil Nadu via Walayar.
• Arrive in Coimbatore. Drop at Railway Station / Airport / Hotel. Tour Ends.

Note: The above itinerary is indicative and subject to change. The sequence of visits, time spent at each location, and specific stops may vary depending on traffic, weather, local conditions, and group pace. A few stops may be skipped or swapped with nearby alternatives to ensure the best overall experience.