How to Reach Valparai from Coimbatore, Bangalore & More
Getting to Valparai is part of the adventure. With winding forest roads, mist-covered hills, and surprise waterfalls on the way, the journey itself is a beautiful experience. Whether you're traveling from Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai, or even Athirapally, here’s your complete guide on how to reach Valparai.
By Road
The most scenic and flexible way to reach Valparai is by road. If you love road trips, you’ll enjoy every twist and turn of the ghat roads.
Coimbatore to Valparai
- Distance: ~110 km
- Time: Around 3.5 to 4 hours
- Route: Coimbatore → Pollachi → Aliyar → Valparai
Once you pass Pollachi, the landscape transforms into lush greenery and 40 thrilling hairpin bends. Stop at Aliyar Dam or Loam’s View Point for breathtaking views.
Bangalore to Valparai
- Distance: ~475 km
- Time: Around 8.5 to 10 hours by car
- Best Route: Bangalore → Salem → Coimbatore → Valparai
It’s a long drive, but perfect for a weekend getaway. Many travelers choose to stay a night in Coimbatore and continue fresh the next morning.
Chennai to Valparai
- Distance: ~590 km
- Time: ~10 to 11 hours
- Tip: Take a night train or bus to Coimbatore, then hire a cab or take a bus to Valparai.
This combo makes it easier and breaks the trip into two comfortable halves.
Athirapally to Valparai
This is a hidden gem of a route. You’ll travel through dense forests, small villages, and barely-touched nature.
- Distance: ~85 km
- Time: 3 to 4 hours (depending on weather and forest check-post timings)
- Tip: You’ll need to cross the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, so carry an ID.
Plan your visit: Valparai Itinerary
By Train
There’s no direct train to Valparai, but you can easily reach Coimbatore Junction or Pollachi Railway Station, and then continue by road.
- From Bangalore or Chennai: Overnight trains to Coimbatore are frequent.
- From Kerala: Board a train to Palakkad or Coimbatore and take a cab from there.
From Coimbatore or Pollachi, buses and taxis are available regularly to Valparai.
By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB).
- Daily flights from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai.
- From the airport, it's about 3.5 hours to Valparai by car.
Pro Tip: Book a cab in advance, or take a local bus from the nearby Gandhipuram Bus Stand.
Getting to Valparai might take a little effort, but that’s exactly what keeps it so special and peaceful.
Every mile is worth it—especially when you round that final bend and see the hills open up around you.
