BHPian AKSO recently shared this with other enthusiasts:Day 5: Munnar to Valparai, 170 kmWe embarked on an exhilarating ride between Munnar and Valparai, traversing the stunning Western Ghats through emerald tea plantations and dense forests. The journey includes a significant portion through the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, offering a chance to see exotic wildlife, and the thrilling climb to Valparai’s high-altitude vistas. Nature at its best I expected to ascend to altitudes of around 7,000 feet Traveled through the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, with opportunities for wildlife spotting. The main entry checkpost for Anamalai Tiger Reserve is located in Sethumadai, Pollachi. It has an entry fee of 30 per person and 50 per vehicle. We had obtained the E-Pass for TN before we left Pune, but no one asked to see it during the entire trip. Spotted a Nilgiri Tahr just before braving one of the challenging, yet rewarding, forty hairpin bends on the way up to Valparai hill station. All hell broke loose. The ascent through the Valparai hills turned into a visceral test of endurance as the evening light suddenly turned into night and the heavy monsoon rain reduced visibility to mere feet. The roar of water hitting the tarmac drowned out the engine’s hum, each gust of wind and spray a physical blow against the exposed rider. Headlights carved weak, distorted tunnels through the solid sheets of water, casting fleeting, spectral shadows of tea bushes and dripping trees against the inky blackness. Every sharp bend and steep decline became a high-stakes gamble against the slick road surface, demanding absolute focus amid the chilling, relentless deluge. We were thankful to be alive and reach the hotel safely. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
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Munnar to Valparai: A stormy ride through 40 hairpins & tiger reserve
