Start your day by visiting the Aliyar Dam, which is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats. This beautiful dam has a park surrounding it, picnic spots, and boating facilities. You can enjoy a serene view of the dam and take a boat ride through the reservoir. The park also has a play area for children and a small eatery. You can easily spend a couple of hours here for a relaxed outing in nature.
Head to the Kerala Border Tea Plantation, a beautiful tea estate that offers tours for visitors. You can take a leisurely stroll through the lush green tea plantations and learn about the history and process of making tea. The estate also offers tea-tasting sessions and a small shop where you can buy freshly made tea. This tour will take approximately 1.5 hours.
Head to the Monkey Falls, a natural waterfall that is nestled amidst the dense forest. As the name implies, the area is populated by monkeys, so be careful with your belongings. There is a small entrance fee to access the falls, and you might need to trek for a few minutes to get there. You can take a relaxing swim in the natural pool and enjoy the beautiful scenery around. Spend about an hour here and head back to Valparai.
Start your day early and visit the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. This sanctuary houses tigers, panthers, elephants, monkeys, and various species of birds. You can take a guided tour through the sanctuary, which will take 2-3 hours, through a jeep or on foot. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will love this place for its stunning views and abundance of wildlife.
After visiting the wildlife sanctuary, head to the Nallamudi Viewpoint, which is located near the sanctuary. This viewpoint is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding green hills and valleys. You can spend some time taking in the serene view of the hills and capture some beautiful pictures. The viewpoint also has a small shop that sells souvenirs and snacks. Spend about an hour here and head back to Valparai.
If you have more time, you can explore other places in and around Valparai, such as the Sholayar Dam, Koolangal River, and Valparai Market. However, if you have less time, you can skip the Nallamudi viewpoint as it is an optional spot. Remember to carry water bottles, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes as you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. It is advisable to hire a local guide for the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary as they will help you spot wildlife and provide insights into the history and ecology of the sanctuary.