History has it that atop the majestic Kolli Hills, existed a ghost of “Kolli Pavai” which is how the hills received its name that literally translates into the “Mountain of Death.” However, much famed as the Kollimalai amidst the locals, these mighty hills rise up to an impressive altitude of more than 4,265 feet. No matter how mysterious the Kollimalai secrets may be, this guide proves that there’s a lot more to Kolli Hills than what meets the eye.
Table Of Content
- Kolli Hills Snippet
- Best Time To Visit Kolli Hills
- 3 Best Places To Visit In Kolli Hills
- Other Attractions In Kolli Hills
- 3 Things To Do In Kolli Hills
- 3 Best Places To Visit Near Kolli Hills
- What To Shop From Kolli Hills
- Kolli Hills Accommodation
- How To Reach Kolli Hills
- Frequently Asked Questions About Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills Snippet
Location: Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu
Altitude: 1300 meters or 4,265 feet (approximate)
Famous For: Offbeat hill station, waterfalls, famous view points, and an ancient temple
Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days
Population: 45,000 approximately
Languages Spoken: Tamil, and English
Nearest Airport: Trichy
Nearest Railhead: Salem
Distance Of Kolli Hills From Major Cities
- Chennai: 367 Kms
- Bengaluru: 258 Kms
- Kochi: 385 Kms
- Coimbatore: 202 Kms
- Madurai: 214 km
- Salem: 62 Kms
Before we go ahead, take a look at the dangerous hair pin bends that a traveler has to get through in order to reach the mesmerizing hilltop of these Hills.
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Best Time To Visit Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu can be visited all round the year except for the month of January as the temperatures drop down considering the altitude of this picturesque destination. In all the other months the weather in Kolli Hills is quite pleasant. Hence, the best time to visit Kolli Hills is from February to December. Also, since there are limited number of attractions, an ideal duration of 2 to 3 days would be enough to explore the best of the Hills.
3 Best Places To Visit In Kolli Hills
Here is the list of places that you must visit on your vacation in this destination. Keep scrolling down and read along!
1. Arapaleeswarar Temple
With a rich culture and historical significance that dates back to as long as the 1st century CE, the Arapaleeswarar Temple was built by the then-ruler Valvil Ori. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and a crucial part of Kolli Hills sightseeing, the temple stands as a witness to the great Dravidian style of architecture till today.
Location: Arapaleeswarar Temple, Kolli Hills, Rasipuram Taluk, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 6 am to 12 pm, and 4 pm to 7 pm
Tips: The place is known for historical significance
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2. Botanical Garden, Kolli Hills
Located at a distance of just 3 kilometres from Semmedu, the Botanical is one of the best places to visit in Kolli Hills. Featuring a beautiful Rose Garden, a majestic viewpoint, eco-friendly cottages, and a fun-filled Children’s Park, Botanical Garden is a must-visit when on your next trip to this destination. It is one of the best amongst all the other Kolli hills tourist places.
Location: Semmedu, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8 am to 8 pm
Tip: Pets are not allowed inside the premises of the Botanical Garden.
3. Tampcol Medicinal Farm
Much famed for being a home to medicinal plants in abundance, Tampcol Medicinal Farm in Kolli Hills is a must-visit attraction which is run by the State Government of Tamil Nadu. Located on the way to Vaasaloorpatti while going back from Semmedu, the medicinal plants, shrubs, and herbs grown at this farm are widely used in the production of Unani, Siddha, and Ayurvedic products to a great extent in India.
Location: Enroute Vaasaloorpatti, Kolli Hills, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8 am to 7 pm
Tips: Chitharathai – it is the best remedy for cold and sells for INR 400 per kilogram
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Other Attractions In Kolli Hills
- Ettukai Amman Temple
- Masilla falls, and Namma Falls
- Selur viewpoint, Sirumalai viewpoint, Binnam viewpoint, and Seekuparai viewpoint
- Bogar Caves, and Kayanavandhu Caves
3 Things To Do In Kolli Hills
Check out the list of things you can do to make your trip extra special. Keep scrolling down and read along!
1. Agaya Gangai Waterfalls
A notable part of the Eastern Ghats and located in the famous Kolli Hills, the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls or the Kollimalai Falls, measures up to 300 feet, comprises about 1000 steps descending to the base and is much famed amidst the trekkers. The Kolli Hills Falls trail stretches up to a distance of just 1 kilometre from the Arapaleeswarar Temple, a trek to Agaya Gangai waterfalls is a vital part of the hills trekking in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the best Kolli hills tourist places.
Location: Kolli Hills, Rasipuram Taluk, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Throughout the day
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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2. Vasalurpatty Boat House
Located at a distance of about five kilometers from the city center of Vasalurpatty, the boat house is built on an artificial lake which is one of the popular places to visit in Kolli Hills. The serene lake is encircled by the lush green landscape of the hills which makes is it one of the must experiences in this destination.
Location: Vasalurpatty, Kolli Hills, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 5 per person
3. The Siddhar Caves
Fit for only one or two people to enter the caves at a time, it is believed that the Siddhar Caves are encircled by medicinal herbs on all sides which is also a speciality of Kolli Hills. Considered to be centuries old, Siddhar caves served as a home to the sages who practised traditional medicine and natural healing.
Location: Tamil Nadu
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: NA
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3 Best Places To Visit Near Kolli Hills
If you are thinking to explore the places near Kolli hill, then here is the list of few of the best places. Keep scrolling down to know more!
1. Puliancholai
Serving as a gateway to Kollimalai, Puliancholai is a rising trekker’s paradise located at the foothills of Kolli Hills. Comprising of more than 24 identifiable trails for trekking, there’s a lot more to Puliancholai than what meets the eye.
2. Salem
Soon to be a smart city, the city of Salem famous for silver, silk, and steel. Located in a close proximity to Kolli Hills, Salem serves as a perfect delight to travelers who want to explore the nearby places as well.
3. Madurai
Set on the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, Madurai is famous for being a home to one of the ancient temples of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Considered to be one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu, Madurai is a must visit city on your next trip to South India.
What To Shop From Kolli Hills
Coffee, pepper, rice, and honey, are some of the popular things to buy for those who feel like shopping in Solakkadu, Kolli Hills. Traditional varieties of fruits are also famous in the local shopping markets called the shandy which are held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Kolli Hills Accommodation
Looking for a comfortable accomadation in Kolli Hills? Here is the list of the best ones which will provide you remarkable services. Take a look!
1. Silverline Retreat Hotel
Though most of the hotels are more like Kolli Hills homestays, the Silverline Retreat Hotel is one of the best accommodation options one can get at this beautiful hill station. Offering affordable rooms in Kolli Hills combined with ultimate comfort and perfect environs, one must stay at Silverline Retreat Hotel to make the most out of the escapade in Kolli Hills.
Address: Sandhana Paarai, Valazhavandhanadu, Kolli Hills Taluk, Namakkal
Price/Night: Starts from INR 2,000 (double-sharing basis & tax excluded)
TripAdvisor Ratings: 4/5
Website | Reviews
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2. Nallathambi Resort
For those who’re looking for comfortable and cozy Kolli Hills cottages, look no further than Nallathambi Resort. Considered to be one of the best Kolli hills hotels and resorts, Nallathambi Resort is a perfect resort for family, couples, and groups as well.
Address: Semmedu, Kolli Hills, Namakkal
Price/Night: Starts from INR 1,500 (double-sharing basis & tax excluded)
TripAdvisor Ratings: 3.5/5
Website | Reviews
How To Reach Kolli Hills
Though this beautiful hill station is not directly accessible by air or by train, it makes for an apt destination for a perfect bike trip or a long drive. However, Kolli Hills can be reached easily from the nearby cities of Chennai, and Salem.
By Air: Trichy domestic airport is the closest airstrip from the hill station of Kolli Hills. Located at a distance of about 90 kilometers, one can reach Kolli Hills from the nearby cities like that of Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, and so on, by reaching Trichy airport via regular flights.
By Train: The railway station of Salem is the nearest railhead to Kolli Hills which is located at a distance of just 90 kilometers.
By Road: One can travel via state-run buses from Salem which is well connected with the nearby cities of Chennai, Madurai, and so on. Other than that, one can also choose to hire a taxi from the nearest airport or the nearest railway station which would cost the travelers approximately INR 1000 to INR 1200 on an average.
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Mesmerized much? Well now that you have one more destination to tick off from your bucket list, make sure you keep this guide handy to explore the best of Kolli Hills on your next Tamil Nadu vacation. And for when you’re back, don’t forget to share your experience with us at travelogues@traveltriangle.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kolli Hills
What is famous in Kolli Hills?
Kolli Hills is famous for its natural beauty. The following are the most popular attractions in Kolli Hills- Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arappaleeswar Temple, Boat House, Botanical Garden, View Points, Siddhar Caves, Selur Nadu, Tampcol Medicinal Farm, Mini Falls and a many more.
What is special in Kolli Hills?
The flora and fauna of Kolli Hills and the majestic landscapes, awesome weather, and the mysterious folklores by the locals make Kolli Hills a special place to be explored in South India.
How many hairpin bends Kolli Hills?
The road to Kolli Hills is also known as Kollimalai Ghat Road and is one of the most adventurous mountain roads with a length of nearly 46.7 kilometers. There are 70 continuous hairpin bends here. The road starts in Kalappanaickenpatti and ends at the ‘mountains of death’, popularly known as Kolli Hills.
How many steps are there in Kollimalai?
Kollimalai has 1,000 steps and it takes nearly 1 hour to trek down.
How do I get to Kolli Hills?
The distance between Chennai and Kolli Hills is 357 kilometers. This beautiful hill station in South India can be reached easily via road from Chennai in nearly 6 hours. There is no local railway station here, however, you can get down at Salem which is nearly 46 kilometers from Kolli Hills. For the most comfortable journey for Kolli Hills, you can reach Chennai via flight or train and board a bus or hire a taxi for Kolli Hills.
How do I get from Kolli hills to Trichy?
The straight distance between Kolli hills and Trichy is 73 kilometers. The driving distance is 107 kilometers and if you are traveling in the early morning then the journey will take nearly 1 hour 32 minutes. The traffic is likely to higher in later hours.
What is the best time to visit Kolli hills?
The best time to pay a visit to Kolli hills is all year long. The temperature remains moderate and extremely pleasant throughout the year. However, it is better to avoid going in January as the weather drops immensely during this time of the year.
What can I shop for in Kolli hills?
Some of the popular things that you can buy in Kolli hills are coffee, honey, rice, and pepper. Other than this, one can also buy some exotic fruits.
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