Tucked in the picturesque hills of the Western Ghats, Poombarai Village Viewpoint offers visitors a serene and breathtaking glimpse into the heart of Tamil Nadu’s rural landscape. Known for its lush greenery, terraced farms, and panoramic vistas, this hidden gem is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The surrounding views of the village, lush green fields and the mountainscape add to the beauty of the place. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or someone looking to experience the cultural richness of a traditional South Indian village, Poombarai Village View Point has something to offer everyone.
About the Poombarai Village View Point
The Poombarai Village Viewpoint, as the name suggests, offers a panoramic vista of the Poombarai village. Located approximately 20 kilometres from the popular hill station of Kodaikanal, this viewpoint unveils a scene straight out of a painting. Everywhere you look from the viewpoint showcases nature’s marvel, especially with the green fields in terraced patterns and the valleys underneath. Also, you get to witness the slow life of the villages and the beauty of the red-tiled roofs scattered around add to the character of the place and the village.
What’s amazing about the Poombarai Village viewpoint is its accessibility. Due to its central location, tourists can comfortably reach it, plan a leisurely hour, or even host a picnic there. Since the viewpoint is quite famous among tourists, basic amenities like benches are available for people to rest and soak in the views of the surroundings. For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting during sunrise or sunset, when the landscape is bathed in a warm golden glow, creating a truly magical spectacle.
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Poombarai Village View Point History
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Not much comes up when you look up Poombarai Village View Point’s history. However, the actual history of this viewpoint is associated with the village’s history and existence. It is intertwined with the village’s cultural and religious heritage. The village is home to the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple, which dates back over 3000 years. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, and is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees.
Many individuals who visited the temple often stopped at the viewpoint to relax, catch a break and embark on their journey forward. Not just that, the viewpoint also offers stunning views of the terraced farms that characterise the landscape of Poombarai. Most of these terraces were created by indigenous tribes and local farmers to maximise arable land in the hilly terrain. Seeing these engineering and agricultural marvels from this viewpoint further adds to the allure of this spot. Over the years, it has become increasingly popular as more people discover this hidden treasure’s tranquil charm and scenic splendour.
Best Time To Visit
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Poombarai enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, much like the rest of Tamil Nadu. However, when it comes to visiting viewpoints, you want to prioritise visiting during the months when the skies are clear so you get clear views of the surroundings. The months from October to March are thus considered “peak” seasons.
The combination of cool temperatures with minimal rainfall makes this period perfect for tourists to explore outdoor activities without any restrictions. If you can bear a little bit of the warm and humid weather, March to May is a great time to visit since it coincides with the blooming of the Kurinji flowers, a vibrant purple spectacle that transforms the hills surrounding Poombarai.
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Things To Do
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Like any other viewpoint, the Poombarai Village Viewpoint Tamil Nadu offers limited activities to indulge in its surroundings. Usually, the primary purpose of visiting the viewpoint is to admire the breathtaking panorama. However, you can add the following activities to the list as well:
Picnic with a View
The viewpoint is easily accessible, and the natural beauty of the surroundings makes this a perfect spot for you to arrange a picnic and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. You can pack a few snacks and drinks and have a memorable experience.
Photograph the surroundings
The viewpoint offers endless opportunities to capture stunning photographs. From panoramic vistas of the village to close-up shots of the terraced fields, this location is a photographer’s paradise. Given that there are no extra charges on your camera or shots, don’t shy away from making the most out of the natural beauty around the viewpoint.
Visit the Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple
Although not at the viewpoint, the temple is around 10 m walking distance from it. Given the historical, religious, and cultural ties between the viewpoint and the temple, you don’t want to miss out on seeking blessings from the temple while you are there. Besides offering your prayers, take the time to soak in the beauty of the intricate carvings and the serene atmosphere that prevails inside the temple.
Nature Walks
The area around the Poombarai Village View Point, Tamil Nadu, is filled with hiking and trekking trails that take you through dense pine forests. While the experiences are adrenaline-pumping, you need a guide with you for safety reasons. Some of the routes are unexplored, so the risks of getting lost are quite high.
Places to Visit Near Poombarai Village View Point Tamil Nadu
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Your journey to the Poombarai village viewpoint should include many of the iconic tourist attractions near the village. Beyond the viewpoint, there are a myriad of amazing spots that need to be explored.
1. Poombarai Village
As you descend from the viewpoint, the first and most sensual thing to do is explore the village. There are reports that this village is 3000 years old. So, stop and explore the village to appease the history buff within you. You can interact with the locals about the best spots to explore, try the local cuisine and witness some of the vibrant coloured homes.
Distance from Poombarai Village View Point: N/A
2. Mannavanur Lake
This picturesque lake is around 16 km from the village, so you need to take local transportation to the lake. However, the views of the free-flowing lake with the green hills on the side make for an experience that’s beyond any description. You won’t understand the true beauty of the view until you see it yourself.
Distance from Poombarai Village View Point: 16.5 Km
3. Vattakanal Waterfalls
For a refreshing adventure, head to the Vattakanal Waterfalls. Cascading down lush greenery, these waterfalls create a mesmerising spectacle. Take a dip in the cool waters or simply enjoy the sound of the cascading water. The waterfalls are almost 20 km from the viewpoint, so once you finish soaking in the views of the Mannavanur Lake, stop at them next.
Distance from Poombarai Village View Point: 19.7 Km
4. Kodaikanal
If you’re looking for a wider range of activities and attractions, Kodaikanal, the hill station near Poombarai, is just a short drive away. Explore the vibrant markets, indulge in boating on Kodaikanal Lake, or visit popular attractions like Pillar Rocks and Coaker’s Walk. Given the kind of accessibility the hill station provides, you can end your trip at Kodaikanal and then plan.
Distance from Poombarai Village View Point: 20.5 Km
How To Reach
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Poombarai Village, as mentioned, is around 20 km from Kodaikanal. Once you reach Kodaikanal, you can either hire a taxi or take a public bus to the village. The drive takes the tourists through lush green hills and valleys, offering a scenic view along the way.
Once you set foot in Poombarai village, the viewpoint is within walking distance. You can enquire about the exact location of the viewpoint from the locals or follow Google Maps to reach your destination. Reaching the viewpoint won’t take you more than 10-15 minutes on foot.
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Poombarai Village Viewpoint is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquillity. When you seek a peaceful retreat, an adventure in the hills, or a glimpse into the traditional rural life of Tamil Nadu, this destination has something to offer. As you gear up for your trip to Tamil Nadu , stop to add an offbeat location like this to your itinerary.
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Cover Image Credit: Kerry Raymond for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions about Poombarai Village Viewpoint
How to travel from Kodaikanal to Poombarai?
Poombarai is around 20 km from Kodaikanal. There are taxis for hire or you can take a local bus from the hill station to the village.
What are the Poombarai Village View Point Timings?
The Poombarai Village View Point timings are from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM. For better views and safety, consider visiting during the morning time.
Are there any accommodation options near Poombarai Village Viewpoint?
The Poombarai village is a quaint and offbeat village with no hotels and resorts. You’d need to book your accommodation at Kodaikanal, which is the nearest hill station from there.
Can I find food and water at Poombarai Village Viewpoint?
What other places can I visit near Poombarai Village Viewpoint?
Nearby attractions include Kodaikanal, Mannavanur Lake, Berijam Lake, Vattakanal, Palani Hills, and Guna Caves.
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