
Loam’s Viewpoint: A Thrilling Drive through India's Western Ghats on a Road with 40 Hairpin Bends
India, asia
63.8 km
780 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 78, the legendary Valparai-Pollachi Road in India's Anamalai Hills. This isn't just any drive; it's a 63.8 km (39.64 miles) rollercoaster with a whopping 40 hairpin bends that will have your knuckles white!
Give yourself 2-3 hours to soak it all in because you'll want to stop at Loam's Viewpoint. Named for a British officer who built this road way back in 1886, it sits pretty at the 9th hairpin turn, about 780m (2,559ft) above sea level.
Trust me, the views are worth the careful driving required on this accident-prone road. From the platform at the viewpoint, you'll be treated to a panorama of the winding mountain road below, the sparkling Aliyar reservoir, the majestic Anamalai range, and the distant town of Pollachi. And don't forget to snap some photos at the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th bends – seriously stunning! It's a must-do for any Valparai adventure!
Where is it?
Loam’s Viewpoint: A Thrilling Drive through India's Western Ghats on a Road with 40 Hairpin Bends is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 25.0009, 76.5023
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 63.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 780 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 25.0009, 76.5023
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