Exploring the Beauty of Anaimalai: A One-Day Itinerary

1. 7:00AM: Breakfast at Valparai Tiffin Centre
   Located in the heart of Valparai, this tiffin center is known for its authentic South Indian breakfast and filter coffee. The idlis, vada, and dosas are served piping hot and fresh. (5 min from Anaimalai Bus Stand)
2. 8:30AM: Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
   Spread across an area of 958 sq km, this sanctuary boasts of rich flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to tigers, panthers, lion-tailed macaques, elephants, gaurs, and several bird species. (30 min from Valparai Tiffin Centre)
3. 11:00AM: Aliyar Dam
   Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Aliyar dam is a scenic location with lush greenery all around. The dam offers a picturesque view of the Anaimalai hills and visitors can take a boat ride on the serene waters. (1 hr from Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary)
4. 1:00PM: Lunch at Gowri Shankar Restaurant
   Located in Pollachi, this restaurant is known for its authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine. The biryanis, thali meals and parottas are a must-try. (1 hr from Aliyar Dam)
5. 3:00PM: Topslip Tiger Reserve
   Apart from being a Tiger Reserve, Topslip is known for its unique flora and fauna. Visitors can take a jeep safari and spot a wide range of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and giant squirrels. (45 min from Gowri Shankar Restaurant)
6. 5:30PM: Monkey Falls
   Located on the outskirts of Pollachi, Monkey falls is an ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing dip in the cascading waters. The falls are surrounded by lush green trees, and you can spot monkeys playing in the water. (1 hr from Topslip Tiger Reserve)
7. 7:00PM: Dinner at Hotel Amutha Surabhi
   A popular spot in Pollachi, Hotel Amutha Surabhi is known for its traditional Indian cuisine. The ambiance and service are top-notch, and visitors will be spoilt for choice with the numerous vegan and non-vegan options. (45 min from Monkey Falls)

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Valparai Tiffin Centre (30 min, 300 INR)
• Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (2.5 hrs, 600 INR)
• Aliyar Dam (2 hrs, 200 INR)
• Gowri Shankar Restaurant (2 hrs, 500 INR)
• Topslip Tiger Reserve (2 hrs, 650 INR)
• Monkey Falls (1.5 hrs, 100 INR)
• Hotel Amutha Surabhi (2 hrs, 700 INR)
Total Estimated Costs: 3050 INR

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can consider visiting the Akka-Mahadevi caves or the Anaimalai Hills viewpoint. However, if you have less time, you can skip visiting Monkey Falls or Aliyar Dam, depending on your preference.