No.4, Annai Avenue, Vasanth Nagar EXTN,
Srirangam, Trichy, Tamil Nadu ,620006.
CIN: U31100TN2010PTC078389
DUNS Number: 859496557
There’s no denying that holiday is the most favorite word of every individual on earth. People crave long weekends, crafting a multitude of travel plans, and filling their bucket list, especially with the desire to visit popular hill stations particularly to beat the heat, enjoy breathtaking views and experience peace and serenity when compared to beaches or plains.
Taking about Tamil Nadu, hill stations are highland havens drawing travelers from across the globe for their soul-soothing experience. However, when it comes to choosing a destination, most people cling only to popular hill stations in Tamil Nadu like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri, and the Nilgiris. Whenever holidays approach they tend to visit these same places repeatedly, often overlooking the chance to explore new destinations.
Let’s talk about a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu—a place that is not included in conventional itineraries and is often overlooked by travelers. You might wonder, "Is it because of place is considered as dangerous?" Not at all. Or perhaps, "Is it inaccessible?" Again, the answer is no. So why, then, does this destination escape mainstream attention? The answer is simple: it’s almost too beautiful—so alluring that it defies description. True beauty is not easily viewed; it requires effort and a spirit of exploration. Yet, in the end, every step of your journey proves to be worthwhile.
I’m talking about Tamil Nadu’s most beautiful hill station Kolli Hills. Check out the blog to discover “Why visit Kolli Hills?” Where nature, tranquility, adventure, mystery, and thrill all come together to steal the spotlight."
Located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills popularly known as Kolli Malai, is a breathtaking mountain range. Spanning approximately 280 square kilometers this part of Eastern Ghats is elevated 4625 feet above the sea level. Since Kolli Hills remains untouched by commercial tourism all you can experience is the purest form of pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, exhilarating adventure and spiritual significance.
The Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend is not just a curvy mountain route but an impressive feat of engineering excellence and a true challenge for even the most experienced drivers. Journeying to Kolli Hills is an experience in itself. The route is well-known for its nearly 70 hairpin bends each with a sharp 180-degree twisty turn which gives you a thrilling experience and typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.
As you climb the Meandering trails of the Kolli Hills Ghat Road, the landscape transforms dramatically taking you through misty hills, lush forests, crystal clear waterfalls and breathtaking valleys slowly revealing merely 1% of Kolli Hills’ true splendor. This initial allure alone is so mesmerizing that it may create an illusion of having seen the hill’s full grandeur, even before you hit the summit. But there is much more to discover beyond the peak, promising an experience far richer than your first impressions suggest.
If you are a big fan of ghost stories, haunted places and spine-chilling mysteries, Kolli Hills—nicknamed “The Mountain of Death”—offers a gripping experience that goes far beyond the screen or pages of the fiction But don’t let the scary title alarm you. The nickname comes from ancient folklore surrounding a mythical guardian spirit known as Kollippavai.
According to legend, Kollippavai is a beautiful and altruistic mythological creature believed to have guarded this region from evil forces and wrongdoers. There is also a belief that her presence still endures in the hills turning the area a spiritually significant location in Tamil Nadu. There are numerous temples dedicated to her drawing pilgrims and devotees throughout the year.
Still, now you can hear local legend whispering spine-chilling stories of drifting along the curvy roads, spooky cries creepy howls from the dense forest, and strange figure sightings that elevate curiosity. Although there is no solid evidence behind these strange happenings it’s still quite thrilling to visit Kolli Hills and experience the Gripping atmosphere along with your mates after hearing those horror stories.
Agaya Gangai means “Ganges from the Sky” but offers you an experience that will make you say that it’s a “Ganges straight from heaven” Being the crown jewel of the Kolli Hills, Agaya Gangai is a cascading spectacle, plunging nearly 300 feet from a rugged cliff into the dense forest beneath. It is fed by the Aiyaru River, which gives its clear, roaring waters to this stunning fall. Reaching Agaya Gangai waterfalls is an adventure in itself as it requires a challenging yet beautiful trek down of about 1,300 -1500 steps from the premises of the most popular 12th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva - Arapaleeswarar Temple. All through your way to the waterfalls is designed with railings and resting spots so that you can pause and enjoy the natural beauty Even before you approach the waterfalls you can hear its thunderous roar throughout the pathways. You will be delighted with a shallow natural pool beneath the falls where the cascading waters create a gentle spray that soothes the entire area. Other than its scenic beauty, Agaya Gangai holds a great spiritual significance. This area is surrounded by ancient caves which are believed to have been meditating spots of revered sages Agastya and Bogar.
If the trekking to Agaya Gangai feels too challenging, Namma Falls offers a best alternative.
Popularly known as Namma Aruvi, this hidden gem is located in the serene landscapes of Kolli Hills. Accessible via an easy and short trek of approximately 100 meters from the nearby road, Namma Falls is another best waterfalls in Kolli Hills offering a gentle yet rewarding experience.
Masila Falls is a stunning natural attraction in Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu. Cascading from a height of about approximately 200 feet, this waterfall is medium-sized, family-friendly and safe for individuals to enjoy and explore its beauty to the fullest. There is also a parking place near the falls that has separate changing rooms and toilets for both men and women.
Established during the Chola period Arappaleeswarar Temple is one of the most popular Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu. Arappaleeswarar” is derived from the Tamil words “Aru” (meaning mysterious or secret), “Appa” means father and “Ishwarar” means Lord Shiva. Collectively these words mean “The Lord who mysteriously made his presence. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested here to offer blessings to the revered sage Agastya. What truly sets the Arappareshwar Temple apart is the strange phenomenon associated with the inner sanctum. It is said that during particular lunar phases, a soft, elusive fragrance fills the inner chamber in the absence of flowers or incense lit. Devotees believe this aroma is a symbol of his divine presence. The speciality of this Arappareshwar Temple lies in its architecture as the inner sanctum is perfectly aligned with the rising sun during the summer solstice, brightening the Shiva Lingam with a single beam of sunshine.
How can one of the most breathtaking hill stations have only one viewpoint? Kolli Hills has five astounding viewpoints, each offering panoramic views that are truly unique when compared to any other hill station in Tamil Nadu.
• Kolli Hills Bend Viewpoint
Located along the hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, this viewpoint offers an impressive perspective of the area’s iconic 70 curves. Surrounded by thick lush greenery, the pathway is as thrilling as the view itself. This is one of the best spots to enjoy both Sunrise and sunset as the magical light across the landscape offers a mesmerizing experience.
• Seekuparai Viewpoint
Situated just 2 km away from Semmedu, Seekuparai Viewpoint is the top attraction at Kolli Hills. Well-known for its captivating views dense forests and lush valleys this will leave you spellbound with its beauty. Commonly known as “Suicide Point” due to its cliffs, the viewpoint is a must-visit for nature and adventure lovers
• Selur Viewpoint
If you wish to be amidst mist-shrouded valleys and gently undulating hills then Selur Viewpoint is a must-visit. Your journey to Selur Viewpoint itself is a visual treat as the pathway teems with vibrant wildflowers and silver oak trees. This is the best destination for photographers and nature lovers.
• Sirumalai & Binnam Viewpoints
These are isolated viewpoints that offer serene landscapes and spectacular views of the surrounding green valleys and mountain ranges that are far away. This spot is ideal for those who seek peace and want to experience crowd-free exploration.
• Valappurnadu Viewpoint
This is the best attraction in Kolli Hills if you wish to visit breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Valappurnadu Viewpoint offers expansive views of the captivating Kolli Hills.
As mentioned earlier, legend suggests that sages once meditated in these hills, and to support this belief, you can still find those mysterious caves in the Kolli Hills.
Situated near the magnificent Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, these caves are closely related to the legendary sage Agastya, who is believed to have meditated in this spot. To reach this cave, one must climb down hundreds of steps beside the gushing waterfall.
Siddhar Caves are scattered across the hills and are believed to have been a resting place for Siddhars who excelled in alchemical knowledge and yogic powers. The best part of visiting Siddhar Caves is that you can still find meditation chambers, stone-carved steps, and spiritual carvings on rocky surfaces and deep inside the forests.
Puliancholai is a small forest village located at the foothills of Kolli Hills. Puliancholai which is home to 30 families also houses caves related to Siddhars as well. These are often included in pilgrimages and spiritual trails linked to Kolli Hills.
Located deep within the misty forests of Kolli Hills are the vibrant tribal villages that offer a glimpse into an ancient way of living in close connection with nature. There are many tribal communities in Kolli Hills such as Valavanthinadu, Thirupulinadu, Gundurnadu, Ariyurnadu, Devanurnadu, and Selurnadu. However, the majority of the tribal population in Kolli Hills is the Malayali tribal community, one of the indigenous tribes who have lived in this area for generations. You can Visit these iconic villages to get a glimpse into their lifestyle which showcases eco-friendly homes, practices traditional agriculture, traditional basket weaving, crafting tools, and hear stories from the local legends. The best part of visiting Kolli Hills is that you can taste Millet, jackfruit, turmeric, and wild honey which are grown using age-old sustainable methods.
1. Thrilling rides - If riding is your passion, then you simply shouldn’t miss riding up to Kolli Hills. The impressive stretch of 70 incessant hairpin bends is a boon for bikers and driving enthusiasts. Each route takes you through stunning, steep, inclined valleys that offer not only an adrenaline rush but also a memorable scenic adventure.
2. Trekking and Hiking -
Kolli Hills is all about exploring nature to its fullest and Trekking and hiking are one of the highly recommended things to do. One of the most popular trekking routes in Kolli Hills is a pathway that leads you to the majestic Agaya Gangai Waterfalls. The trekking trail starts near the Arapaleeswarar Temple and involves climbing down more than 1,000 steep steps through a thick forest. On your way to the falls, you will discover the untouched natural beauty and experience rejuvenation like never before. If you are a beginner you can trek to Namma Falls which is easy to visit when compared to Agaya Gangai Falls.
For those seeking a high-level challenging experience, trekking from Vasalurpatty to Seekuparai Viewpoint is a must-do activity. This trekking trail takes you through dense woods and rocky terrain leading you to the most breathtaking Seekuparai Viewpoint.
3. Experiencing local culture and cuisine - A visit to Kolli Hills is incomplete without immersing yourself in the area's local culture and tasting its authentic cuisine. At Kolli Hills visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle, language, practices, customs traditional music, folk dances, and age-old agricultural practices of the tribal communities like Kollimalai tribes and Malayali who have preserved it over generations. The cuisine of Kolli Hills is simple wholesome, and deeply connected to the landscape. Meals are often prepared using freshly harvested local produce which includes millet, spices and herbs which have enormous amounts of nutritional value. Wild honey and jack fruits-based dishes are very popular here and they are freshly handpicked from the dense forest.
4. Coffee Plantation Tours and Tasting -
Kolli Hills is not only popular for its adventurous hill station but also for its thriving coffee plantations located amidst misty hills A guided coffee plantation tour includes a walk through the lush coffee estates, where visitors can see the entire journey of coffee - from the initial stage of flowering to harvesting to ripe coffee cherries. You can learn about traditional and organic farming methods, shade-grown techniques and also how climate influences its flavor. And the best part? At the end of the tour can grab the chance to taste freshly brewed local coffee.
5. Nature Photography -
Ensure your lenses are well-protected while capturing the captivating natural beauty of Kolli Hills because the sceneries are so magnificent that they often surpass the frame of your camera. Kolli Hills is the best place in Tamil Nadu to capture breathtaking natural beauty. Photographers get opportunities to take impeccable shots of dramatic valleys, rolling hills, and magnificent routes with their iconic hairpin bends. Beautiful spots like the spots Agaya Gangai and Namma Waterfalls offer picturesque scenes with gushing water framed by lush greenery. The dense forests at Kolli Hills are home to rare plant species colorful wildflowers, and a variety of birds and butterflies, best for macro and wildlife photography. You can also document the routine, festivals and traditions of tribes who are residing in the hills.
Kolli Hills has budget hotels to luxury resorts. Silverline Retreat Hotels, Seattle Garden, Black Pepper Resorts Kolli Hills, Kukoo Huts, and Gambhiraa Resorts are the finest stays located in Kolli Hills
The best time to visit Kolli Hills is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, where the daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C. Since October to March is a post-monsoon season, this period is ideal for outdoor explorations like trekking hiking and sightseeing where you get to see the hills covered by thick mist and the landscape remains exceptionally scenic. The best time to visit waterfalls in Kolli Hills is between November to March as it is an ideal period in which the water flow is higher making the falls more impressive. You must avoid traveling to Kolli Hills during the Monsoon season (June to September) and summer season (April - May)
By Air - Trichy airport is the nearest to reach Kolli Hills covering approximately 90 km. From the airport, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kolli Hills by a 3-hour drive.
Salem Airport - 102 km away from Kolli Hills.
Coimbatore International Airport - 205 km from Kolli Hills
By Train
Namakkal Railway Station is the nearest junction to reach Kolli Hills Covering 55 Km.
Salem Junction is also the best option to travel to Kolli Hills which is situated Approximately 112 km away.
By Road
Kolli Hills is well-linked by road, making it accessible from various major cities.
•From Chennai: Approximately 350 km away. Takes around 6 to 7 hours of drive via Ulundurpet and Salem.
• From Bangalore: Approximately 280 Km.Takes about 5 to 6 hours of drive via Salem.
•From Coimbatore: Approximately 160 km away. Takes 4 to 5 hours to drive.
•Bus facilities to Kolli Hills are also available from major cities in Tamil Nadu like Salem, Namakkal, and Trichy.
FAQs
1. How many hairpin bends in Kolli Hills?
There are 70 hairpin bends in Kolli Hills
2. Is Kolli Hill haunted?
There are spine-chilling stories about Kolli Hills but there is no solid evidence behind these strange happenings.
3. Is it safe to visit Kolli Hills with Family?
Traveling to Kolli Hills with family is absolutely safe if visited only during post-monsoon season (October to March)
4. How many hours it will take to cross the hairpin bend in Kolli Hills?
Approximately it will take one hour to drive from the Foot Hills to reach the peak.
5. Is Kolli Hills dangerous?
No, Kolli Hills is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. But the Ghats road might be sometimes dangerous during monsoon season or for inexperienced drivers.
6. Are there any fixed visiting times for waterfalls in Kolli Hills?
You can visit waterfalls in Kolli Hills between 6 AM-6 PM
7. How many waterfalls are there in Kolli Hills?
There are 4 falls in Kolli Hills namely the Agaya Gangai, Namma Falls Masila Falls and Nallathanniya Falls.
8. What is the best time to visit Kolli Hills?
The best time to visit Kolli Hills is from October to March.
9. What are the things to do in Kolli Hills?
Trekking, Hiking and waterfalls visiting are must-to activities at Kolli Hills
10. Where to stay in Kolli Hills?
Kukoo Huts, Silverline Retreats and Gambhiraa Resorts are the best spots to stay in Kolli Hills
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