2-Day Budget Trip from Madurai to Valparai: Nature, Tea Gardens, and Waterfalls

Day 1: Travel & Explore Valparai

Valparai, India on April 16, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop, Madurai

Start early with a traditional South Indian breakfast of idli and dosa at this popular local eatery to fuel up for the long drive ahead.
INR150, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Drive from Madurai to Valparai

Begin the scenic drive covering approximately 210 km through highways and winding roads towards Valparai, nestled in the Western Ghats.
INR1500 (fuel and tolls approx.), 6-7 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Breeta, Valparai

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal featuring local Tamil Nadu cuisine and fresh mountain vegetables after arrival.
INR300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Aliyar Dam and Gardens

Explore the serene Aliyar Dam, its lush gardens, and catch beautiful views of the reservoir. The park is open till 6:00 PM and great for a peaceful evening.
INR20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at a budget guesthouse

Settle into affordable accommodation offering basic amenities and scenic views in Valparai.
INR1000 per night, Relax for the evening

7:00PM

Dinner at a local restaurant (Greenary Restaurant)

Try home-cooked style Tamil and tribal dishes that are budget-friendly and authentic.
INR250, 1 hour

Day 2: Tea Estates & Waterfalls

Valparai, India on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at the guesthouse

Start your day with a simple breakfast of tea, coffee, and local snacks available at your stay.
INR100, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Visit Sholayar Dam and Sholayar Waterfalls

Explore one of the largest dams and enjoy the spectacular Sholayar Waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers. The area is open for visitors during daytime.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Tour Valparai Tea Estates

Take a guided or self-driven tour of tea plantations, observe tea-plucking and processing, and enjoy fresh mountain air.
Free or minimal cost for guide approx. INR200, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Valparai local eatery

Enjoy simple and affordable South Indian meals or snacks like dosas, rice meals, and chutneys.
INR250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive back to Madurai

Begin your return journey to Madurai with enough memories and photos of the Western Ghats and tea country.
INR1500 (fuel and tolls approx.), 6-7 hours

8:30PM

Dinner en route or back in Madurai

Depending on arrival time, stop for dinner at a highway restaurant or enjoy a late meal at Madurai local favorite eateries.
INR300, 45 minutes