Overview

Embark on a thrilling journey through the lesser-explored trails of Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats. This itinerary takes you from lush tea estates to thick forest reserves, offering chances to spot rare wildlife, stay in eco-lodges, and soak in misty mountain serenity. Perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Top Highlights

Tea plantations and waterfalls of Valparai
Wildlife safaris at Anaimalai Tiger Reserve
Tribal village visits and eco-lodge stays
Birdwatching at Top Slip and Aliyar
Trekking through Shola forests

Included and Excluded

Day 1: Arrival in Coimbatore & Transfer to Pollachi

Arrive at Coimbatore Airport or Railway Station and begin your scenic journey to Pollachi, a charming town nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats. After checking into your eco-stay or boutique hotel, spend your afternoon visiting local attractions like the centuries-old Subramanya Swamy Temple or strolling through the region’s lush coconut groves. You can also stop by a jaggery-making unit or local textile cooperative to witness Pollachi’s artisanal side. As the day winds down, head to the Aliyar Dam viewpoint for a serene sunset with panoramic views. For dinner, indulge in authentic Kongunadu cuisine, including dishes like kola urundai or nattu kozhi curry served at a heritage mess or homestay kitchen.

Day 2: Pollachi to Valparai via Aliyar Dam & Hairpin Drive

Enjoy an early breakfast before beginning your breathtaking drive to Valparai, a misty hill station nestled deep in the Anamalai Hills. The route includes 40 dramatic hairpin bends that wind past the glistening Aliyar Dam, refreshing Monkey Falls, and the stunning Loam’s View Point.
Take short breaks to capture photographs and enjoy the changing landscape from dry plains to cool forests. Reach Valparai by noon and check into a tea estate bungalow or eco-lodge. After a hearty plantation lunch, take a relaxed walk through the tea gardens and visit the tranquil Balaji Temple, tucked away among the green hills. Wrap up your day with hot cardamom tea and homemade banana chips by a warm fireplace.

Day 3: Explore Valparai’s Forests & Waterfalls

Begin your morning with a refreshing stroll through dew-kissed tea plantations. After breakfast, venture out to explore Sholayar Dam, followed by a scenic drive to the lush Nirar Dam and Chinna Kallar Falls—known as one of the wettest spots in South India. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of endemic species like lion-tailed macaques, Malabar squirrels, or hornbills as you drive through forest corridors. Enjoy a traditional lunch back at your stay, and later, visit a local tea factory to learn about leaf plucking, drying, and rolling. In the evening, sip tea under the stars and unwind with conversations around a bonfire at your estate lodge.

Day 4: Valparai to Top Slip via Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary

After breakfast, check out and begin your descent through the dense Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. This scenic route offers chances to spot elephants, gaurs, peacocks, or even wild boar. Upon arrival at Top Slip, settle into your forest lodge, bamboo hut, or eco-camp accommodation. After a traditional Tamil lunch, take a guided walk around medicinal plant gardens or visit a tribal village to learn about local customs and conservation efforts. In the late afternoon, head to the sunset viewpoint or forest watchtower for a panoramic golden-hour view. Return for a rustic dinner by lantern light and embrace the peaceful rhythm of life in the wild.

Day 5: Safari & Forest Adventure in Anaimalai Tiger Reserve

Wake up at dawn for an early morning safari into the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, home to elephants, leopards, Indian bison, and over 250 bird species. Depending on availability, you may join a jeep safari or elephant-back safari (seasonal and subject to forest department policies). After breakfast at the lodge, explore the forest interpretation center to understand the area’s ecological significance.
Post-lunch, relax or opt for a short forest trek with a trained guide to spot butterflies, frogs, and medicinal herbs. End your adventurous day with a bonfire session featuring tribal music or local folklore shared by camp staff.

Day 6: Departure from Top Slip to Coimbator

Enjoy your final breakfast surrounded by the sounds of the forest. After check-out, begin your drive back to Coimbatore. On the way, make a quick detour to visit the Masani Amman Temple or stop at roadside stalls selling organic forest honey, eucalyptus oil, and local spices.
If time allows, grab a farewell meal at a popular restaurant in Pollachi or outskirts of Coimbatore. Arrive at Coimbatore Airport or Railway Station with memories of winding tea trails, mist-covered hills, and unforgettable wildlife experiences tucked away in your heart.