The hill town of Kodaikanal, located 2000 metres above sea level, is a beautiful town surrounded by the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. Its altitude and its subtropical terrain make it a cool hill station to visit while in the region. Kodaikanal is known for several attractions and you can easily spend a day or two exploring various places such as Kodaikanl lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park and Silver Cascade Falls to name a few.
Located right on the highway connecting Palani to Coimbatore, Thirumoorthy dam and falls are quite a major attraction both for leisure visitors as well as religious ones. Amidst the green beauty of Anamalai Hills in the Western Ghats, this small dam has the adjoining Thirumoorthy Shiva temple (also known as Amanalingeshwarar Temple) that gets thousands of visitors each year. Thirumoorthy falls are beautiful cascading falls, also located nearby.
If you are into wildlife, you’ll love exploring Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in Tirupur District. The Amaravathi Dam, an ancient dam built in 1957, is also a great place to visit. Going across Amaravathi river, this dam provides all kinds of tourist entertainment – from a crocodile farm and boating point, to a rock garden and a Lord Murugan temple too!
Located at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, Valparai is yet another must-visit spot in the Anamalai hills. This unspoiled hill station doesn’t get as much tourist footfall as some other hill stations in the region do, making it a peaceful and relaxing holiday destination. Valparai has beautiful coffee and tea plantations all around, making it a treat for tea and coffee lovers.
On the Valparai – Pollachi road, right on the uphill ghats, are the Monkey Falls. These beautiful natural water falls present a 6km water drop from Aliyar Dam. There are lots of monkeys here, and hence the name Monkey Falls.
Take a relaxing break from the sights and sounds of the city by exploring the 60,000 acres that constitutes the region of Sirumalai. Explore cardamom and other spice plantations, take a drive on its exciting hairpin bends or just enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and greenery. If you are religiously inclined, visit Sirumalai’s Vellimalai Sivan Temple while you’re here as well.
