Valparai is a hill station located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, nestled within the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats. Sitting at an elevation of 3,500 feet above sea level, Valparai is surrounded by prominent wildlife sanctuaries such as the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, and the Vazhachal Forest Division. Established in 1903 by the Annamalai Planters Association, Valparai is also known by the name "Naduvar."
The ascent from Pollachi to Valparai is an unforgettable journey, featuring 40 hairpin bends after Azhiyar. Along the way, travelers are treated to scenic views of dense forests and tea plantations. Wildlife sightings are common, including elephants, leopards, and, on the way from Pollachi, animals like deer, lion-tailed macaques, elephants, and wild goats often cross the roads.
History: The first planter to develop Valparai was Ramaswamy Mudaliar, who established a coffee estate. Over time, other planters followed, though many struggled to succeed. By 1875, the British arrived, and in anticipation of a visit from the Prince of Wales, roads and guesthouses were constructed, including a camp at Angalakurichy. Though the Prince's visit never took place, British planters W. Wintil and Nordan purchased land from the Madras government. Under the guidance of Carver Marsh, a tea and coffee plantation expert, the area flourished. Marsh, often referred to as the "Father of the Anamalais," is honored with a statue at the Kavarkal Estate for his contributions to Valparai’s development.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT VALPARAI
LOCATION : Tamilnadu, Coimbatore Dist. Valparai
ACCESS : Via Pollachi / From Cochin, Chalakudi Via Atharapilly
LATITUDES : 10° 13.2' and 10°33.3'N
LONGITUDE : 76° 49.3'E and 77° 21.4'
TIGER RESERVE AREA : 958 Sq.Km
ALTITUDE : 1080 MSL
AVERAGE RAINFALL : 500 – 5000 mm South West & North East
BEST SEASON : January and May to December
CLIMATE ; Moderate Warn climate almost through the year and fairly cloud during winter months (November & December)
SUMMER ; Max. 25°C, Min. 12°C
WINDER ; Max. 10°C, Min. 0°C
SEASON ; September to May
LSNGUAGES ; Tamil, Malayalam and English
STD CODE ; 4253
ISD CODE ; +91