Forty Hairpins to Heaven

Whispering melodies, an un-succumbed dream; 

Misty haze and the gleam of the realm-

FORTY HAIRPINS TO HEAVEN

                                          -R.Mahathi

                                          (13.06.2025)

Set amidst the Western Ghats lies the tranquil village of Pollachi- a few kilometres south of it, bedecked with misty clouds and chilly breeze, rise the serene hills of Valparai. 

Brimming with timeless spontaneity and breathing tranquillity of profound sense, the hills of Valparai welcome you with an allure all its own. 

A few hours of travel from the nearest Pollachi bus stand drops you at Aliyar dam- which adorns the foothills. Onwards begins our journey as we waft through the dam- our eyes soaking in every glimmer of the majestic Aliyar river. 

Aliyar dam

The dam, The river, The cooing of birds--

The perfect ensemble!

As we hasten our way forward, the road begins to curl and climb- one hairpin turn leading to another in twisting vengeance- the higher up the altitude we traverse, the more we get engulfed by mist and clouds. 

 HAIPIN BENDS (1-9): The Ascent

With monkeys bouncing about in the pavement; the surreal coalescence of sky, hills, lush greenery outside the window pane and ARR songs in the car-- your giddiness ebbs away in an instant-- unbeknownst to yourself!  

Now, higher up the altitude- you reach the 9th hairpin bend which lands you up at the Loam's view point offering a full fledged view of the surmounting hills and the twisty pavements which appear as minuscle lines. 

HAIRPIN BENDS(10-18):The Drift 

Crossing the ninth hairpin bend, we are greeted by lush green elegance, as plethora of tea and coffee plantations dance to shifting rhythms of the weather.

From chilly mist to balmy heat, get yourself ready to unprecedented weather conditions.

The 16th hairpin bend leads to a humble hamlet called Attakatti. A small museum adjacent to it recalls the tales of former British lieutenants, governors and wildlife secretaries who were associated with the hills during its primitive years and their respective contributions.

Attakatti wildlife department

As you saunter a little ahead in Attakatti, you reach the Hornbill view point- offering picturesque view of the Annaimalai hills cloaked under the mist.

After a warm sip of chai and looking abound plantations, we hustle forward fiercely under the gloomy mist which now siphons abound in blind white. 

Teas, monkeys, deers and birds--the ascent continues.

HAIRPIN BENDS( 20-40): The Serendipity

We are now headed towards the 32nd hairpin bend- past the flora and fauna, delved deep within the wild lies the statue of Lord Carven Marsh, who is credited as the father of the plantations back in the era. This statue installed by his wife speaks volumes amidst the deaf hush that surmounts the forest.

Up we rise and reach the 40th hairpin bend- a hazy view of the Balaji temple visible a little higher up the altitude. Chocolate shops nearby and traffic cones installed-- is there civilisation nearby?

You squint and move on for just a few kilometres ahead and ...lo! we have reached the heart of the hills,  the town of Valparai, bustling with life, as its people saunter around in quiet pride to look after their monotonous routines.

There we go, we have successfully finished our endeavour!

Traffic and honkings, the mist and the hush- the unique contrast coalesced onto one another feels like paradise. Lucky are those who live amidst the hills, thick and through--forty hairpins away!

Valparai town
(all images from mobile gallery)

Valparai continued