A Foodie's Guide to Valparai in One Day

  1. 9:00 AM: Hotel Saravana Bhavan
    5 minutes (0.5 km) from Valparai Bus Stand

    Start your day with a south Indian breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan. The idlis and dosas are a must-try, especially when paired with the spicy chutney and sambhar. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

  2. 10:30 AM: Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
    35 minutes (13 km) from Hotel Saravana Bhavan

    Explore the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park to immerse yourself in nature. The sanctuary provides an opportunity to see different animals like tigers, elephants, leopards, macaques, and giant squirrels. You can also find different varieties of birds in the park. Nature lovers will have a fantastic time wandering around the sanctuary and seeing animals in their natural habitat.

  3. 1:00 PM: Hotel TamilNadu
    45 minutes (27.1 km) from Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

    Have lunch at Hotel TamilNadu to taste traditional Tamil cuisine. You must try their sambar rice, curd rice, and chicken fry. The cost is affordable, and the restaurant's ambiance is simple yet comfortable.

  4. 2:30 PM: Nallamudi Poonjolai
    13 minutes (6.1 km) from Hotel TamilNadu

    Take a leisurely walk to the scenic Nallamudi Poonjolai and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The waterfalls are stunning, and the surrounding landscape is peaceful, making it perfect for clicking some great photos for memories.

  5. 4:30 PM: Sholayar Dam
    45 minutes (24.7 km) from Nallamudi Poonjolai

    End your day with a visit to Sholayar Dam, one of the largest dams in Asia. The view from atop the dam offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests. It is perfect for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who want to get some fresh air with an amazing view.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hotel Saravana Bhavan (breakfast): 1 hour, INR 150 for two
  • Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (entry fee): 2-3 hours, INR 100 per person
  • Hotel TamilNadu (lunch): 1 hour, INR 400 for two
  • Nallamudi Poonjolai (sightseeing): 1 hour, no entry fee
  • Sholayar Dam (sightseeing): 1 hour, no entry fee
  • Total Estimated Cost: INR 700 for two

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can visit other attractions such as Aliyar Dam and Monkey Falls. However, if you have less time, it is recommended to skip Nallamudi Poonjolai and head straight to Sholayar Dam. Don't forget to carry comfortable walking shoes and your camera for some great snaps. Also, ensure that you carry sufficient cash and stay hydrated throughout the day.

0