What’s hiding in the mists? Discover the wildlife of Valparai with Dream Holidays

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What’s hiding in the mists? Discover the wildlife of Valparai with Dream Holidays

Discover the wild Heart of the Anamalai Hills

Ever thought about diving into nature just to leave reality behind? Nature has the most native way of clearing the disordered minds. When the city starts to act on people, they find peace in nature. Imagine a place where the musical whistles of birds instead of car horns, mist that spreads between trees instead of smoke from vehicles, and hilltops where there is no noise of vehicles and people. Situated within the great Anamalai hills of Tamil Nadu state in South India, Valparai is almost circled by restricted areas like Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Kerala, and Vazhachal forest area in Kerala. The tea plantations, waterfalls, dense forests, and the wildlife in Valparai are the purest things you have to see.

Wild animals seen in Valparai

Lion-Tailed Macaque (LTM)

Lion-Tailed Macaques are generally rare, shy, and intelligent animals lives at risk of extinction. The Lion-Tailed Macaque is one of the interesting wild animals seen in Valparai. They commonly present at Puthuthottam estate and sometimes on the main city grazing by the roadside, their intelligent eyes observing you with as much curiosity as you show them. Their presence is a testament to the ecological health of this region.

Nilgiri Tahr

The 40-hairpin from Pollachi offers incredible opportunities to spot the Nilgiri Tahr. This wild mountain goat, another native species of the Western Ghats, is often seen grazing peacefully on the slope and rocky cliffs. Their light-footed behaviour on such territory is truly a sight of wildlife in Valparai.

Asian Elephants

Valparai is a pivotal territory and migratory route for Asian Elephants. It’s common to witness mighty giants moving gracefully through the tea estates, especially during the cooler months from November to February. Generally, these gentle giant animals in Valparai, along with the gigantic Indian Gaurs, roam around the plantation landscape freely.

The Leopard

To get a sight of a leopard, it’s necessary to have a bit of patience and luck. The leopard is the most solitary among other animals in Valparai. Valparai has a healthy population of Leopards. These nocturnal raptors are masters of instinctive, but early morning or late evening drives on the quieter plantation roads sometimes offer an ephemeral glimpse of these majestic cats.

Great Indian Hornbill

The Great Indian Hornbill is an undisputed royalty from the skies of the Valparai forest wildlife. Stunning yellow-and-black shield, and the satisfying sound of its wings, it is one of the most iconic birds of the Western Ghats.

The Great Hornbill Assembly

Valparai is world-famous for the Annual Hornbill Congregation, a rare natural phenomenon that happens between September and January. During this period, hundreds of Great Hornbills gather together. 20 to 50 of these giant birds in a single tree is a common sight during this peak season. This spectacle you can’t find almost anywhere else in India.

Rare & Elusive Species

Bengal Tiger

Though present in the surrounding Anamalai Tiger Reserve, they are rarely seen in the open environments. Unlike the other animals in Valparai that are seen daily, tigers in Valparai stay silent in the forest. But rarely seen by the average tourist. It is rare but possible to see a tiger in the tea plantations. In fact, camera traps are frequently placed in private estates because tigers use these paths at night.

Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole)

Valparai is a unique study site for Dholes because they have adapted to live in the tea estates and rainforests. Asiatic Wild Dogs are one of the most efficient and fascinating predators you can find among other animals in Valparai. They are famous for their unique communication. They produce a series of high-pitched whistles to coordinate with each other during a hunt.

Plan Your Dream Wildlife Holiday

Valparai is marked as one of the peaceful wildlife destinations near Kerala that gives visitors peace of mind. The place where people like to rest their minds and find inner peace. It is famous for the drive from the plains of Pollachi, which involves a steep climb through 40 hairpin bends. During October to March, when Valparai becomes cooler from early October to March is the best time to visit Valparai. During the time period, it’s common to spot the wildlife in Valparai. Photographers and nature explorers choose this month to explore Valparai’s wilderness. Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the most active times for wildlife in Valparai. The best way to spot wildlife is by taking a slow drive along the plantation roads or the Ghat road during the early morning or evening. While wildlife spotting in Valparai is frequent, it’s crucial to remember that these are wild animals. Always maintain a respectful distance, especially from elephants and gaurs. Never approach them, feed them, or get out of your vehicle if they are on or near the road. Travel slowly, enjoy the journey, and let nature unfold before you.

A Journey That Will Stay with You Forever

As you back down through the forty hairpin, leaving the misty highlands behind, you’ll realise that Valparai has given you something far more valuable than just a collection of photographs. It is a place that humbles you, reminds you of the majestic wildlife in Valparai. Whether it was the rhythm of a Hornbill or the sight of a Nilgiri Tahr resting on a cliff, Valparai offers a rare and intimate connection with the Valparai wildlife sanctuary that is hard to find in the bustling tourist hubs of India. It’s a destination for one who is willing to wake up with the mist, wait patiently by a forest edge, and respect the silent boundaries of the jungle. Valparai doesn’t just show you wildlife. Animals in Valparai invites you to witness the beautiful, delicate balance of nature. Pack your binoculars, carry your patience, and prepare for a dream holiday that will linger in your heart.

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