Bangalore Valparai ,Topslip Tour Report

Hi All,
Me my friend along with our spouses and 2 year old kid returned from an amazing trip to Valparai .Wanted to share the experience for fellow IMERS

Day 1 -Boarded the coimbatore bound ABT travels volvo bus at 11 pm and reached around 6am in Coimbatore .Had booked a cab from Adithtya Travels Coimbatore .The contact person is Mr Vinod (09944003594) and the driver was Rajesh (09865444220) .The service of the driver was simply outstanding.I would strongly recommend to avail his service if any one is planning a trip to Ooty,Munnar,Valparai,Kodaikana l from Coimbatore.We had booked a Toyota Qualis and the charges were Rs 1250 per day + Rs 5.50 per Km traveled.It was a private vehicle so we did not pay the kerala state taxes. After having breakfast in coimbatore we started towards Valparai.The distance between Coimbatore and Valparai is around 105 Km .We visited Alyiar Dam,Monkey falls on route to Valparai.The route is very scenic and refreshing.There are 40 hairpin bends but the roads are very well maintained with embankments on one side of the road.There are lot of tea gardens on route to Valparai.The time taken to travel from Coimbatore to Valparai is around 4 hours but we reached in the afternoon as we stopped at many places for photo shoot. We had already booked Hotel Green Hills from Bangalore via Phone.The rooms were good with 24 hours hot water facility and tariff was Rs 935 per day.This is the only decent hotel available in Valparai.

Day 2 - We started towards Athirapally waterfalls from Valparai at 8 am .Athirapally falls is at a distance of 85 kms from Valparai .The route is through very dense Jungle .On the way we stopped at Sholayar dam .The view was simply breath taking.The road from Valparai to Athirapally is through dense forest and one has to pass through many forest check post.Make sure not to carry any alcoholic drinks with you as it is strictly prohibited.There are lots of small water falls in the Jungle.We spotted the lion tailed monkey on route .Reached Athirapally around 12.30 pm and had lunch there.The water fall is very beautiful.Spent some time there and started back to Valparai .Reached Valparai in the evening.

Day 3 - This was the most interesting one for us.We started to TopSlip and Parambikulam National Park at 9am and reached the Park at 11.30 am.We first went to Parambikulam NP.The safari charges were Rs 140 per head.It was 2 hours safari and covered Parabikulam Dam,Kanimarra Teak Tree and some other placed.Did not sight much wildlife apart from Deers and wild boars.As the route covered was frequented by local buses it was not possible to sight wildlife.In the evening 5 pm we again went in a safari from the TopSlip .The bus charge is Rs 675 for 25 persons.If there are less people the tickets charges are divided among the people.This safari was simple amazing.We spotted the ever elusive leopard near a small stream.The adrenaline rush was simply overwhelming to see a full grown leopard some 20 feet from the bus. Also saw lots of Indian Gaur,Deers,wild boars,peacocks .Had a chance to spot a lone tusker also.There is a small elephant camp inside the forest .Started from Topslip at 6.30pm and reached coimbatore at 8.30 pm.Boarded the KSRTC volvo bus and reached today morning.

Some Points to Note

1- It is advisable to book a cab from Coimbatore to Valparai as the local buses are jam packed.If one wishes to travel to Valparai by public transport the best option is to catch a bus from Coimbatore to Pollachi and then from Pollachi to Valparai.

2-Valparai is very less crowded with handful of tourist and the only available decent hotel is Green Hills.

3-The route to Athirapally from Valparai is through very dense forest.It is advisable to carry ample drinking water and snacks.There are no shops for almost 60 kms.The road is also not very good.

4- If you are planning to travel to TopSlip and Parambikulam start early.The forest department gates close at 4pm.It is advisable to do both morning and evening safari on the TopSlip side for better wildlife sighting.There are also accommodation available in Topslip and Parambikulam but has to be booked in advance.

Hope this report is helpful to fellow travelers.For any queries please do not hesitate to ask me.

hi, ur post is very informative and useful. we are planning for the same trip during xmas hols. i spoke to Vinod of adhitya tours too.. i need ur suggetsion reg stay. Vinodh told me not to book hotels nowitself. once sight seeing is over depending on time and Itinerary he is asking me to decide where to stay.. what abt ur opinion? or shall i book 2N stay n Green hills itself? waiting for ur valuable suggestions. thanks in advance.

Hi Padmaja,
It would be very much advisable to book rooms in advance.The Hotel Green Hill is the only decent hotel available in the area .Please make sure while checking in to clearly mention the room rates in the bill.We had booked Rs 600 room but were given Rs 935 room.While checking out the manager argued that we has asked for Rs 935 room.Be careful in this matter.

Thanks a lot. i will check with Green Hills hotel and confirm rooms. please suggest me if anything else is important. Thanks

Padmaja, I am traveling with my family to Valparai this New year. can you please share your experiences of your trip please?