When we plan a trip to Tamil Nadu preferably a hill station,the first place that comes to our mind is Ooty and Kodaikanal. In the past decade Coonoor and Kotagiri have also joined the list.This might be because we were told about these places by our friends and family or the tour packages in different travel sites include these places.
On the contrary,there are many places which gives us the serenity and picturesque just as these famous tourist places but the only difference is that they are less popular.I have listed below a few of such places which can indeed become your favourite places when visited once.
# YELAGIRIThe Punganoor lake and park is a serene place of visit for all ages of people.A boat ride at the lake is very refreshing makes our mind calm.
Adjacent to the lake is a park called Nature park.This park has an artificial waterfalls,an aquarium and a children's area which is enough to entertain the kids coming with their parents.
14 kms away from Tirupathur is a waterfalls called Jalagamparai waterfalls.This is at the other side of Yelagiri and often tourist prefer walking about 5kms to reach this falls.The best months to visit Yelagiri is from November to February when there is abundant flow of water in the waterfalls.
If you are a trekking person then you have the trekking activity in the Swamimalai hills from where the scenic view of the entire hill station can be watched.
The adventure camp in Yelagiri is started by the Tamil Nadu government to offer a number of adventurous activities such as paragliding,trekking,mountain climbing and hiking to attract the tourists.
Similarly the Ropes and Knots Adventure valley in the Mangalam village offers a lot of outdoor and adventurous activities for both adults and children like zipline,target shooting,archery,Ariel rope walking ,etc.This makes Yelagiri a complete tour package for a family as well as honeymoon couples.
There is a telescopic observatory tower in Kavalur near Yelagiri that has the Asia's largest telescope through which one can enjoy the view of the sceneries.
# YERCAUDAnother less explored yet an enchanting hill station in Tamil Nadu is the Yercaud .It is found on the Sheveroy hills.
Yecaurd is also known as the Jewel of the south.It was named Yercaud by the locals because it was a lake(yeri ) surrounded by forest(kaadu ) .Hence the name Yercaud or Lake forest.
It undoubtedly has a number of breath-taking tourist spots.
# VALPARAIThe travel between Pollachi and Valparai itself is a treat to the eyes.One cannot resist stopping by the tea plantations to take photos and capture the greenery.
DAMSThe Solaiyar dam is found 20kms from Valparai on the Chalakkudi river.It is a part of the hydroelectric power project of Tamil Nadu.Tourists visiting Valparai often visit this dam.
The next dam is the Aliyar Dam which is found on the way to Valparai from Pollachi.The view of the Annamalai hills and the sunset at 6pm are a bliss to watch.Boating is also available here.
VIEWPOINTThe Nallamudi viewpoint in the Nallamudi estate gives a panaromic view of the mountains ,valleys and waterfalls.It is a visual treat to the travellers.The Loam's viewpoint is found at the 9th hairpin bend between Pollachi and Valparai.The view of the mountains,the gentle breeze that blow on the face and the cool climate is enough to energise a tired traveller.
# KOLLI HILLS OR KOLLI MALAI
WATERFALLSThe Agaya Gangai waterfalls flows from a height of 300 feet from the Aiyaru river.This waterfalls is amidst a jungle of thick forest and you can imagine the nature filled picturesque.There are a number of Siddhar caves near the waterfalls which you can explore.
The Masila falls is smaller compared to Agaya Gangai falls.It is also amidst a thick forest.It is 12kms from Kolli hills.Trekking is available where you can trek to the top of the waterfalls and visit the Masi Periyaswamy temple.This is a falls suitable for a bath for adults as well as children.
VIEWPOINTThe Seekuparai and the Selur Nadu are the two viewpoints in the Kolli hills developed by the government to boost tourism.You can enjoy a view of the valley surrounded by mountains and a thick forest from these two viewpoints.
TEMPLESThe Arapaleeswarar temple of lord Shiva is an important place to visit in the Kolli hills.It was build by King Valvil Ori and it has many Tamil inscriptions from the chola period.
The Ettukai Amman or the Kolli Paavai temple is another significant temple as the name Kolli malai is named after the Goddess Kolli paavai.