Loam’s Viewpoint: A Thrilling Drive through India's Western Ghats on a Road with 40 Hairpin Bends
Perched at an elevation of 780m (2,559ft), Loam’s Viewpoint is a beautiful lookout located in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, India.
Is the road to Loam’s Viewpoint paved?
The path to this viewpoint is entirely paved and forms part of the State Highway 78, otherwise known as the Valparai-Pollachi Road. Characterized by 40 hairpin bends and countless precarious curves, this road demands cautious driving due to its high accident-prone nature.
How long is the road to Loam’s Viewpoint?
Stretching over 63.8 km (39.64 miles), this road runs from Pollachi to Valparai in a north-south direction. The viewpoint is strategically positioned on the 9th hairpin bend and carries historical significance, being named after Mr. Loam, a British general officer tasked with laying this road in 1886.
Is the journey to Loam’s Viewpoint worth it?
A non-stop drive along this route typically takes between 2 and 3 hours. The viewpoint at the 9th bend, features a platform that offers stunning views of the picturesque mountain road, the azure waters of the Aliyar reservoir, the sprawling Anamalai mountain range, and the town of Pollachi. The viewpoint is a must-visit location when traveling to Valparai. Particularly, the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th hairpin bends provide breathtaking points to capture memorable pictures.