Udumalpet: Where Five Western Ghats Day Trips Begin at Your Doorstep

Twenty-five kilometres south on SH 17 brings you to Amaravathi Dam and the Amaravathi Sagar Crocodile Farm, described as the largest crocodile nursery in India with around 100 crocodiles — a genuinely unusual attraction that holds attention for visitors of all ages. The dam itself sits within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, which extends into the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.

The Sainik School at Amaravathi Nagar, roughly 15 km out, is a landmark along the same corridor — useful orientation if you are navigating the route for the first time. The road along the Amaravathi River, flanked by coconut farms and hill backdrops, is part of the experience.

See the places to visit near Udumalpet guide for a fuller picture of the sanctuary and surrounding attractions.

Valparai, Pollachi and Aliyar: Longer Day Trips on the Same Road Network

Valparai, Aliyar Dam and Pollachi are reachable as longer day trips from Udumalpet, each following routes that connect naturally to the same NH-209 and SH 17 corridor. Pollachi is the closest of the three and works well as a half-day excursion or a stop on the way back from Amaravathi.

Valparai, set in the high Anamalai Hills and surrounded by tea and coffee estates, takes more of the day but rewards the drive. Aliyar Dam and its adjoining eco-park add another option for families who want a dam-and-garden outing without the longer climb to Valparai. Regular bus services from Udumalpet connect to Pollachi, which also serves as a staging point for onward travel — practical if part of your group prefers not to drive.

What the Hotel Provides for Day-Trip Guests

Practical details matter when you are planning multiple early-morning departures. The property offers:

• Free parking — drive in and out without any added cost, useful when day trips require an early start
• Free WiFi — check routes, weather and opening times the evening before
• 24-hour front desk — late returns from Valparai or a long Amaravathi afternoon are not a problem for check-in or assistance
• Daily housekeeping and free in-room toiletries — rooms are refreshed each day so you return to a clean space
• Travel and accommodation information — the front desk can help with general route queries for the surrounding region

Room options include Standard, Deluxe and Executive Interconnected configurations — the Executive Interconnect Room works particularly well for families who need connected space across multiple nights.

Getting to Udumalpet and Onward Connectivity

Coimbatore International Airport is approximately 80 km by road — around one hour fifteen minutes to one hour thirty minutes depending on traffic — making it the practical air gateway. Udumalaipettai railway station connects via Podanur Junction to Coimbatore, and regular government and private bus services run to Coimbatore, Pollachi, Palani, Dharapuram and Palladam.

Once in Udumalpet, the hotel sits on the Udumalpet–Palladam Road in Chinnaveerampatti, from which the routes toward Thirumoorthy Hills and Amaravathi branch off without needing to pass through the town centre. For guests arriving by car from Coimbatore, NH-209 brings you directly into Udumalpet.

Planning Your Stay Around the Destinations

A two-night stay covers the core circuit comfortably: Thirumoorthy Hills and Amanalingeswarar Temple on day one, Amaravathi Dam and the crocodile farm on day two, with Pollachi or Aliyar as a lighter add-on if time allows. Three nights opens up Valparai without rushing.

The surrounding countryside — the Amaravathi River, irrigation canals, coconut farms and the hill backdrop — is also a recognised Tamil and Malayalam film shooting location, which gives the landscape a familiarity for many visitors even on a first visit.

For direct booking and current room availability, visit the Arthana Grand Inn contact page or call the front desk directly.