Friday, March 29, 2013

Curves and Bends - Valparai

1-40
There are various aspects fascinate about Valparai, which is considered as seventh heaven on earth, near Coimbatore, was also marvelous with roads ways, taking us through number of curves and hairpin bends while traveling front and back. And among the 40 hairpin bends, half of them arrive at close distance and as series zigzag is a mild adventure and amusement if someone rides with caution. I have traveled to Valparai twice and both my rides as up and down on this ghat section (mountain road) was amazing.

My first time travel on this road was more excited rather the second one, but unlike early, the later one got me more opportunity to stay on the way with views on awesome curves and bends with lower Aziyar reservoir at rear. It takes at least three hours to reach Valparai from the foothill, if one travel on an average speeds and admiring the scenes alongside the road. From the 9th hairpin bend or Loam’s view, we get a panoramic view on the widespread Aziyar reservoir and road winding along the mountains, forest and waterfalls.  

Fascinating curves
The road to Valparai was constructed in the year 1886 and until then people had only used horseback or single foot path to reach Valparai and its adjacent villages. Everyone knows it’s not easy to built roads on mountains and during the construction of this road; many people had lost their lives exposed to mystique diseases and mosquitoes bite. The road was well planned and constructed on the supervision of PWD Engineer Mr. Mathew Loam and by appreciating his astonishing work; the stunning viewpoint (9th bend) was named after him.

The relative who accompany us throughout our Valparai visit, during our later turn, had much detail to reveal every part of this Western Ghats region.  Since a resident of Valparai and retired primary health center employee, he had traveled to even remote areas of Valparai and helped treating tribes had reflected him in learning many things which he mere shared with us. The 9th bend is a vital part of this mountain road and anything damage to it means, totally cut off the transportation from rest of the country

Crucial bend
The crucial 9th hairpin bend (above and below)
9th bend
The 9th bend is also fascinated for the sight of Niligir Thar – a endanger species, that spread only on Western Ghats. Perhaps, Anamalai is the only region where Thars are found at minimum large in numbers. One could find the Thar’s – state animal of Tamil Nadu, grazing on the mound above the 9th bend! 
The curves we come across
View on the curves we come across

16 comments:

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Wow that's one of the most amazing roads I've ever seen. So scenic and curvy! That would be a wonderful road to travel.

TexWisGirl said...

i can only imagine how difficult that was/is to construct and maintain! scary!

Ponniyinselvan/karthikeyan(1981-2005 ) said...

Amazing photos
karthik+amma

George said...

The scenery along this road is absolutely beautiful. We've been on a few mountain roads like this. The hairpin curves can be a little scary, but the views are well worth it.

Indrani said...

Terrific scenic views. Drivers have to concentrate on roads though.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wow---that is really a 'curvy' road, Jeevan.... BUT--the view once you get up there is wonderful....

Have a great weekend.
Betsy

Destination Infinity said...

How I wish now that I had traveled upwards from the Monkey falls! Unfortunately, I traveled in my bike!! The view is just wonderful and I will someday visit Valparai...

Destination Infinity

Karen Lakis said...

That's beautiful, but the road looks just a bit scary. Thanks for sharing this!

Anonymous said...

That road is hair-raising but what a wonderful view!

Jyoti Mishra said...

a heaven indeed :)
breathtaking views

Vetirmagal said...

அய்யோ கொள்ளை அழகு!

Reminds me of those roads in Darjeeling.

Beautiful captures Jeevan.

Kalyan said...

looks a scenic paradise...beautiful place & the pics!

deeps said...

this is one place i have been to ...
glad u put it up here..

Rahul Bhatia said...

Very fascinating views!

Krishna/കൃഷ്ണ said...

beautifully captured... its common roads in high ranges...

thanks for sharing...

Neeraj said...

Beautiful ghat pictures... journeys in ghat roads are always exciting.