Kolli Hills is a serene and relatively less explored hill station in Tamil Nadu, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is known for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and spiritual significance.
I had the opportunity to travel to Kolli Hills in May 2023. I have to admit that the nice and welcoming weather in this hill station adds to its beauty. In Kolli Hills, also known as Kolli Malai, we slept in a homestay while touring the local villages and tribal communities.
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What are the major attractions in Kolli Hills?
The lovely Kolli Hills are said to have gotten its name, which directly translates to “Mountain of Death,” from the ghost of “Kolli Pavai,” who used to reside there. The Kollimalai, as the locals call these formidable hills, reach an astounding height of more than 4,265 feet. In this blog, I am trying bring light to the major attractions in Kolli Hills.
1. 70 hairpin bends
The journey to Kolli Hills is known for its famous 70 hairpin bends, which are a series of sharp turns on the road leading up to the hill station. These bends are quite challenging and add an element of thrill and adventure to the trip.
The road to Kolli Hills starts from the base and winds up the mountain, taking you through a scenic route with beautiful landscapes and lush greenery. A thrilling experience, travelling over the hairpin turns offers breath-taking vistas of the hills and valleys in the area. The environment grows colder as you ascend, providing refuge from the heat of the lowlands.
2. Agaya Gangai Waterfalls:
Another popular attraction in Koli Hills is Agaya Gangai Waterfalls that is known for its natural beauty and picturesque surroundings. The waterfall is formed by the river Aiyaru, which flows through the dense forests of Kolli Hills.
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls cascades down from a height of approximately 300 feet, creating a mesmerizing sight and a thunderous sound. The name “Agaya Gangai” translates to “Ganges of Sky” in Tamil, suggesting the purity and magnificence associated with the falls. The water plunges into a pool at the base, providing a refreshing spot for visitors to take a dip or enjoy the cool mist.
To reach Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, visitors need to undertake a short trek through the lush green nature. There are also 1200 concreted steps that you need to ascend for reaching at the waterfalls. The trek offers a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the surroundings, with lush greenery, diverse flora, and the sound of chirping birds.
3. Arapaleeswarar Temple:
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. It is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees and showcases beautiful Dravidian-style architecture.
4. Seeku Parai View Point:
Seeku Parai View Point is around 2 kms from the Semmedu town. Like the majority of visitors, I would agree that this viewpoint at Kolli Malai is a must-see. There is a small parking space for guests and a good view tower for taking in the scenery. It would be wonderful to observe the magnificent vista of the valley below and the sight of the mighty hills that rise to the sky at dusk.
5. Malayali Tribes of Kolli Malai
One of the largest tribal groups in the Kolli Hills area is the Malayalis. They have a unique culture, language, and traditions and are said to be of Dravidian ancestry. They specialize in horticulture, farming fruits, vegetables, and spices, and their main occupation is agriculture. We got a chance to visit one small village where these Malayali Tribes reside and enjoy a meal with them.
How to reach Kolli Malai or Kolli Hills?
It is true that this location cannot be reached immediately by rail or plane, but this makes it an intriguing location for cyclists, bike riders, and road trippers. However, from surrounding cities like Salem, Coimbatore, and Chennai travelers can reach Kolli Hills with ease.
The nearest airport to Kolli Malai is Trichy domestic airport which is at around 100 kilometers distance. If you are traveling by train, Salem would be the closest railhead to Kolli Hills. You also have options like state-run buses, cabs, and private buses to Kolli Hills. This hill station is well connected with nearby cities including Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Erode, and so on.
Is it worth visiting Kolli Hills?
Compared to more well-known hill stations, Kolli Hills is a relatively unknown site and may have less developed tourism infrastructure. But this also adds to its appeal and offers a chance to encounter a more genuine and unspoiled natural environment. Kolli Hills should be on your travel itinerary if you value nature, love peace, and are looking for an extraordinary location with beautiful scenery.
Also read: The Most Popular Things to do in Jaisalmer
