The best time to visit Hornbill View Point is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, views are clear, forests are lush, and early mornings or late afternoons offer the most scenic and peaceful nature experience.
Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Gateway to the Wild Heart
of Anamalai
Anamalai Tiger Reserve Visit Explore Enjoy Feel the Nature Experience the Wild!
Monkey Falls
Located along the Pollachi–Valparai ghat road, Monkey Falls is a natural cascade set amidst dense evergreen forests. The falls are fed by forest streams originating in the Anamalai Hills and are particularly vibrant during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The surrounding vegetation and cool climate make it a refreshing halt for visitors travelling through the reserve.
Nature’s
Refreshing Escape
Monkey Falls is a beautiful natural waterfall located along the Pollachi–Valparai road, at the foothills of the Anamalai Hills. Surrounded by dense forests and misty mountains, the falls offer a refreshing retreat with cool waters and soothing natural views.
The cascading water flows through rocky terrain into shallow pools, making it a pleasant spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the forest atmosphere. The area is rich in biodiversity, with birds, butterflies, and playful monkeys often seen around the falls.
Easily accessible and best visited during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, Monkey Falls is an ideal stop for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking a calm break amid scenic greenery.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Monkey Falls is from July to January, when monsoon-fed waters flow strongly, forests turn lush green, and the cool, misty atmosphere creates a perfect setting for sightseeing, nature walks, and photography.
Facilities Available
Designated parking area for visitors
Changing rooms available near the falls
Basic restroom facilities
Small entry counter managed by the Forest Department
Natural rock steps with seasonal safety railings
Local vendors selling snacks and refreshments nearby
Visiting Timings
Open: 9:00 AM
Close: 5:00 PM
Entry may be restricted during heavy rainfall or unsafe water flow for visitor safety.
Valparai
Valparai is a serene hill station located at higher elevations of the Anamalai Range, known for its endless tea plantations, mist-covered valleys, and forested landscapes. Interwoven with patches of rich rainforest, the region forms a vital ecological corridor within the Anamalai–Parambikulam landscape, supporting diverse wildlife including mammals, birds, and amphibians. Its pleasant climate, winding mountain roads, and breathtaking viewpoints make Valparai a year-round destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists.
Sprawling tea plantations
Valparai’s sprawling tea plantations spread like endless green carpets, offering cool misty views, serene walks, and a refreshing escape into nature’s calm.
Waterfalls
Valparai’s waterfalls cascade through lush forests, creating refreshing mist, soothing sounds, and picture-perfect spots that highlight the hill station’s natural charm.
Hairpin-bend drive
The hairpin-bend drive to Valparai winds through dense forests and deep valleys, offering thrilling curves and breathtaking views at every turn.
Aliyar Dam
Aliyar Dam is a prominent irrigation and hydroelectric project situated at the foothills of the Anamalai Range near Pollachi. Built across the Aliyar River, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation for surrounding regions. Framed by scenic hills, expansive reservoirs, and forested landscapes, Aliyar Dam offers stunning views and serves as an important landmark along the route to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Aliyar Dam
Lush Recreational Oasis
Aliyar Dam Park is a well-maintained green space beside the dam, perfect for families and nature lovers.
With shaded walkways, picnic spots, and scenic views, it offers a refreshing outdoor escape for all visitors.
Aliyar Dam
Tranquil Hill Dam
Aliyar Dam rests peacefully at the foothills of the Western Ghats, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle mountain views.
Its calm waters and refreshing atmosphere make it a perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature.
Aliyar Dam
Scenic Foothill Waters
Aliyar Dam, set amidst the Western Ghats, is a serene reservoir surrounded by rolling hills.
Butterfly Park, Aliyar
Scenic Water Cascade
Butterfly Park near Pollachi is a calm nature spot with colorful butterflies and lush greenery.
Aliyar Dam
Scenic Water Paradise
Nestled amidst lush greenery, Monkey Falls offers a serene escape with its cascading waters and refreshing pools. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers, it’s a perfect spot to relax, click pictures, and enjoy the cool mist.
Aliyar Dam
Serene Mountain Reservoir
Monkey Falls is a beautiful natural waterfall hidden within the lush forests near Pollachi.
The cool cascading water and green surroundings make it a perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature.
Hornbill View Point, Attakatti
Hornbill View Point at Attakatti is a renowned birdwatching destination overlooking pristine evergreen forest canopies of the Western Ghats. The viewpoint is especially famous for sightings of the Great Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and several other endemic and migratory bird species. Surrounded by dense forest and cool mountain air, it offers a peaceful setting for nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts to observe birds in their natural habitat while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit
Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp
The Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp is a unique conservation and care facility dedicated to the protection and well-being of elephants within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Nestled deep in the lush forests of the Western Ghats, the camp offers visitors a rare opportunity to learn about elephant conservation, traditional mahout practices, and the vital role elephants play in maintaining forest ecosystems in this biodiverse region.
Orchidarium, Attakatti
The Orchidarium at Attakatti is a unique conservation facility dedicated to preserving the rich orchid diversity of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Nestled within the lush Western Ghats, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the beauty, ecology, and significance of orchids found in this biodiverse region.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit The Orchidarium at Attakatti is October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are lush. For the best chance to see orchids in bloom, visit during the post-monsoon season (September to December), when many native species flower beautifully.
Morning hours are ideal for a calm experience and better photography.
The cool forest climate during this period makes exploration comfortable and enjoyable. 🌸
Kavarkal View Point
Situated along the scenic Pollachi–Valparai ghat road, Kavarkal View Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of dense forest valleys, steep hill slopes, and layered mountain ranges that form the Anamalai landscape. The viewpoint is an ideal spot to pause, unwind, and admire the uninterrupted forest corridors that play a vital role in wildlife movement within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Panoramic Hill & Valley Views – Endless tea plantations and layered mountain landscapes
Misty & Cool Climate – Refreshing weather with clouds drifting across the hills
Perfect Photography Spot – Ideal for scenic shots, sunrise, and natural light views
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kavarkal View Point is October to March, when the weather is cool and visibility is clear. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to enjoy misty views, fresh mountain air, and stunning forest panoramas. 🌄🌿
Chinna Kallar Falls
Chinna Kallar Falls is a serene perennial waterfall located near one of the highest rainfall zones in South India. Surrounded by dense tropical rainforests, the falls remain vibrant throughout the year, showcasing the lush greenery and rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats. The region’s unique microclimate plays a vital role in sustaining local rivers and groundwater systems, making it an important hydrological zone.
Nallamudi Poonsholai View Point
Misty
Mountain Views
Nallamudi Poonsholai View Point is a scenic vantage point within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, offering breathtaking panoramic views of deep valleys, rolling tea estates, dense forest tracts, and distant mountain ranges. The viewpoint is especially enchanting during early mornings and late afternoons, when soft mist and changing light create a dramatic natural canvas. It is a popular spot for photography, quiet reflection, and experiencing the serenity of the Western Ghats.
Visitor Guidelines
Entry may be regulated by the Forest Department
Loud noise and littering are strictly prohibited
Visitors must follow safety instructions and stay within permitted areas
Suitable for families, photographers, and nature lovers 🌿📸
Sholayar Dam
Sholayar Dam is one of Asia’s deepest dams and a vital hydroelectric project in the Anamalai region. Surrounded by the dense forests of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, the dam stands as an impressive example of engineering harmoniously set within nature. Its vast reservoir supports power generation, water regulation, and ecological balance, while the surrounding forests play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and stabilizing the region’s hydrology.
Sholayar Dam is a majestic hydroelectric and irrigation project nestled in the Western Ghats, straddling the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and pristine rivers, it is one of the largest dams in the region and a crucial source of water and electricity. Its serene reservoir stretches across acres, reflecting the lush greenery and offering a tranquil escape from city life.
Sholayar Dam
Constructed primarily for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation, Sholayar Dam showcases remarkable engineering. The dam harnesses the flow of the Sholayar River to generate electricity for nearby towns and villages, contributing significantly to regional development. Its massive structure, with well-planned spillways and water channels, ensures efficient water management even during the monsoon, highlighting a perfect balance of nature and technology.
Apart from its utility, Sholayar Dam is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking peace and scenic beauty. The surrounding forested hills are home to diverse flora and fauna, making it ideal for trekking, photography, and bird watching. Visitors often marvel at the mist-covered reservoir in the early morning, making it a perfect spot to experience the serenity of the Western Ghats.
Thirumoorthy Dam
Thirumoorthi Dam stands as one of the most loved tourist destinations near Udumalpet, where nature, serenity, and subtle spirituality blend beautifully. Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the dam is framed by rolling hills, lush greenery, and tranquil waters that create a refreshing retreat from city life. The expansive reservoir offers breathtaking views, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when the landscape turns vibrant green. Well-maintained gardens and open picnic spaces invite visitors to relax, while the cool mountain breeze and peaceful ambiance add to the charm. With stunning water reflections and dramatic hill backdrops, Thirumoorthi Dam is also a favorite spot for photography and quiet moments in nature.
Thirumoorthy Waterfalls
Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is one of the most captivating natural attractions near Udumalpet, where raw beauty, serenity, and gentle spirituality come together. Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the waterfalls cascade gracefully over rocky terrain, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills that create a refreshing escape from busy city life.
The cool, crystal-clear waters flow from the Thirumoorthy Hills, offering a soothing atmosphere especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when the waterfall is at its most vibrant and powerful. The sound of flowing water combined with the fresh mountain breeze creates a calming and rejuvenating experience for visitors.
With its picturesque surroundings, misty splashes, and dramatic natural backdrop, Thirumoorthy Waterfalls is a favorite destination for nature lovers, photographers, and families seeking peaceful moments amidst scenic beauty.
Nirar Dam
The reservoir mirrors the surrounding greenery, creating picturesque views that are especially captivating during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. With its serene atmosphere, cool breeze, and rich natural surroundings, Nirar Dam is ideal for relaxation, nature walks, and photography, making it a hidden gem in the Pollachi–Valparai region.
Nirar Dam is a peaceful and lesser-known tourist spot near Pollachi, nestled within the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and calm backwaters, the dam offers a quiet escape for nature lovers seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty.
Crocodile Park, Amaravathi
Anamalai Tiger Reserve (A.T.R.), Tamil Nadu
The Amaravathi Crocodile Centre, situated within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), is a dedicated conservation and awareness facility administered by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The centre plays a vital role in the protection and conservation of the Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), a species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
The centre functions as an educational and interpretative hub for visitors, researchers, students, and wildlife enthusiasts. It provides comprehensive insights into:
• Crocodile ecology and habitat requirements
• Breeding biology and life cycle
• Conservation measures and human–wildlife coexistence
• The ecological importance of crocodiles in freshwater ecosystems
Through structured awareness initiatives, the facility promotes conservation ethics and responsible tourism within the ecologically sensitive landscape of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Visitor Information
Location: Amaravathi, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu
Visiting Hours: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Weekly Holiday: Tuesday
Entry Fee: As prescribed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department
Visitors are advised to strictly follow reserve regulations, avoid plastic usage, maintain silence, and respect wildlife and natural habitats at all times to ensure the protection of this sensitive ecosystem.