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.
Kolli Hills Snippet
Location: Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu
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 Kms
- 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 Kolli
Hills.
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 Kolli Hill weather 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 Kolli Hills.
Places To Visit In Kolli Hills
Here is the list of places that you must visit on your vacation in Kolli
Hills. 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
2. Botanical Garden, Kolli Hills
Located at a distance of just 3 kilometers from Semmedu, the Botanical is
one of the best places to visit in Kolli Hills. Featuring a
beautiful Rose Garden, a majestic view-point, eco-friendly cottages, and a
fun-filled Children’s Park, Botanical Garden is a must visit when on your next
trip to Kolli Hills.
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
Must Buy: Chitharathai –
it is the best remedy for cold and sells for INR 400 per kilogram
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 upto 300 feet, comprises of about a 1000 steps descending to the base,
and is much famed amidst the trekkers. The Kolli Hills Falls
trail stretching up to a distance of just 1 kilometer from the Arapaleeswarar
Temple, a trek to Agaya Gangai waterfalls is a vital part of Kolli hills
trekking in Tamil Nadu.
Location: Kolli Hills,
Rasipuram Taluk, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
Best Time To Trek: Post monsoons during the months from November to January
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 Kolli Hills.
Location: Vasalurpatty, Kolli Hills, Namakkal
District, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Monday to
Sunday – 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 5 per
person
Boating Charges: INR 20 per person for a two-seater pedal boat
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 specialty of Kolli Hills. Considered to be
centuries old, Siddhar caves served as a home to the sages who practiced
traditional medicine and natural healing.
Other Things To Do In Kolli Hills
Visit the Ettukai Amman Temple
located in Valapoor
Encounter surprises at Masilla falls, and
Namma Falls
Explore the many viewpoints such as Selur
viewpoint, Sirumalai viewpoint, Binnam viewpoint, and Seekuparai
viewpoint
Trek to the remote Bogar Caves,
and Kayanavandhu Caves
Stay at one of the traditional wood houses
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.
Kolli Hills To Puliancholai
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.
Kolli Hills To Salem
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.
Kolli Hills To Madurai
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)
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)
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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