This trip happened sometime back in June 2016. I was just done with my sem exams. So it was the period of the usual "Boring" holidays, where in you stay entirely at home doing nothing. Tired of staying at home, this trip came back as a sudden surprise. A friend of mine called me for a trip and everything was set in a day or two! The place was set for Pollachi! Had never heard much about this place earlier but knew it was a good shooting place.
So, we were set! One fine day I left Udupi, my hometown, to reach Chennai. My friend who was eager for this trip was already waiting for me there! The next day, we took a car and started off! On the way, we covered Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry.
There is already mention of the places around Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry in this post : 3 day Trip to Chennai & Surrounding Places.
From Pondicherry, we headed straight to Coimbatore! Pollachi is a calm and quiet place located near Coimbatore. Its hardly 2 hours by road from Coimbatore. So, the next day we left Coimbatore. The road to Pollachi is so scenic which made me believe that no doubt Pollachi is used as shooting spot for variety of movies. Pollachi really is such a green place and has variety of landscapes. It boasts of huge mountains, dams, waterfalls, and not to forget the clean and curvy roads!
So, we were set! One fine day I left Udupi, my hometown, to reach Chennai. My friend who was eager for this trip was already waiting for me there! The next day, we took a car and started off! On the way, we covered Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry.
There is already mention of the places around Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry in this post : 3 day Trip to Chennai & Surrounding Places.
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| Panchrathas of Mahabalipuram |
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| Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram |
From Pondicherry, we headed straight to Coimbatore! Pollachi is a calm and quiet place located near Coimbatore. Its hardly 2 hours by road from Coimbatore. So, the next day we left Coimbatore. The road to Pollachi is so scenic which made me believe that no doubt Pollachi is used as shooting spot for variety of movies. Pollachi really is such a green place and has variety of landscapes. It boasts of huge mountains, dams, waterfalls, and not to forget the clean and curvy roads!
A ride in these roads will definitely make you forget all your worries.
Firstly we headed to TopSlip. The place is actually located in a protected forest and in order to enter the TopSlip one has to take permission and pay an entry fee at the check post located below the hill. The road atop the hill isnt in a good condition but its compensated by the view it provides. So finally we reached top the hill, but there was nothing much special atop except for a few amenities, an elephant ride, a park, and few log houses to stay. Disheartened, we again drew further to reach Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. But unlucky we were, for we were stopped at the entrance as the safari for the day had already closed. When asked when would the next safari be, the officer informed us that the next is only on the next day. Disheartened, we left back traveling down the hill back thru the same check post.
Our next destination was Aliyar Dam. Aliyar Dam, a calm and quiet place to spend ones day, was a worth a visit. On one side of the dam, had beautiful garden and the other side had a boating facility which apparently had been stopped after some incidents. Nevertheless, one can spend some quality time in this dam.
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| Aliyar Dam |
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| Panorama at Aliyar Dam |
After the dam comes the Monkey falls. But again, lady luck wasnt with us. They had closed Monkey falls sighting some maintenance work.
The road further leads to Valparai! So, we further headed to Valparai. Believe me it was one epic road! Such a curvy road offering scenic spots everywhere . In fact one forgets that he is climbing atop a hill by seeing the scenic beauty around him. The section has around 40 hair pin bends and each one is very unique with the view it provides .
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| Roads en route to TopSlip, Pollachi |
Valparai is also a tourist attraction. The best part is not much people flock to these regions. So, now that we had some time left, we decided to explore Valapari. First we headed to Kadampari Dam, but again to our dismay, the place was closed saying roads leading to it arent proper. So next we headed towards Nallamudi view point and through out our way we could fine beautiful tea estates everywhere.
When we finally reached the view point, it was fully covered with clouds and we were disheartened again. It was already evening and we finally left back to Coimbatore.
The next day a long ride was awaiting us to Chennai from where I came back home finally marking the end of the trip! Anyhow, not to be disheartened as I am planning to visit the place one more time to re-discover the hidden treasures.
Someone has rightly said, your life is short so make the most of it! And do visit Pollachi and Valparai, not many are aware of these names. These places are just like heaven on earth!
