There’s no denying that holiday is the most favourite 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.
Talking about Tamil Nadu, hill stations are highland havens that draw travellers from across the globe for their soul-soothing experiences. 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 revisit these same places, often overlooking the chance to explore new destinations.
Here’s a thought: why not break the routine?
Let’s talk about a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu, a place that is not included in conventional itineraries and is often overlooked by travellers. You might wonder, “Is it because the place is considered 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, tranquillity, adventure, mystery, and thrill all come together to steal the spotlight.”
The stunning beauty of the Kolli Hills
Located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills, popularly known as Kolli Malai, is a breathtaking mountain range. Spanning approximately 280 square kilometres, this part of the Eastern Ghats is elevated 4625 feet above 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.
Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend
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 and 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 splendour. This initial allure alone is so mesmerising 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.
The Legend of Kolli Hills
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 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 into 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.
Attractions in Kolli Hills –
Waterfalls in Kolli Hills
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls
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 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 their 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 meditation spots of revered sages Agastya and Bogar.
Namma Falls
If the trek to Agaya Gangai feels too challenging, Namma Falls offers the 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 one of the best waterfalls in Kolli Hills, offering a gentle yet rewarding experience.
Masila Falls
Masila Falls is a stunning natural attraction in the Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu. Cascading from a height of 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.
Arappaleeswarar Temple
Established during the Chola period, Arappaleeswarar Temple is one of the most popular Shiva Temples 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.
Kolli Hills Viewpoints –
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 mesmerising 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 the Kolli Hills if you wish to visit breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Valappurnadu Viewpoint offers expansive views of the captivating Kolli Hills.
Kolli Hill Caves
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.
- Agaya Gangai Cave Area
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
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 Caves (Near Kolli Foothills)
Puliancholai is a small forest village located at the foothills of the Kolli Hills. Puliancholai, which is home to 30 families, also houses caves related to Siddhars. These are often included in pilgrimages and spiritual trails linked to the Kolli Hills.
Tribal Villages in Kolli Hills
Located deep within the misty forests of the 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 the 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 that 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.
Things to do at Kolli Hills
1. Thrilling rides – If riding is your passion, then you simply shouldn’t miss riding up to the 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 two of the highly recommended things to do. One of the most popular trekking routes in the 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 the 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 jackfruit-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 ripe coffee cherries. You can learn about traditional and organic farming methods, shade-grown techniques and also how climate influences its flavour. And the best part? At the end of the tour, you 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 scenery is so magnificent that it often surpasses 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, colourful wildflowers, and a variety of birds and butterflies, making it the best for macro and wildlife photography. You can also document the routine, festivals and traditions of tribes who are residing in the hills.
Where to stay at Kolli 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.
Best time to visit Kolli Hills
The best time to visit Kolli Hills is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging 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 and March, as it is an ideal period in which the water flow is higher, making the falls more impressive. You must avoid travelling to Kolli Hills during the Monsoon season (June to September) and the summer season (April – May)
How to reach Kolli Hills
- 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 in 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 to drive via Ulundurpet and Salem.
- From Bangalore: Approximately 280 Km.Takes about 5 to 6 hours to 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.
