Kolli hills

Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai (Tamil: கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district of India. The mountains rise to 1300m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². They are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountain is a site of pilgrimage, because of the Arapaleeswarar temple, but the area is also popular with hikers and nature lovers.

The Mountain is named Kolli Malai after the name of Goddess Ettukkai Amman temple. (KolliPaavai).

You climb 70 hairpin bends and reach Kolli Hills, 1,300 meters above sea level.

The Kolli hills became taluk and forms a part of Namakkal district. Semmedu is the headquarters for the Kolli hills and Semmedu is connected by road to Namakkal and Salem. Nowadays the Bus service is provided up to Arappulishwarar Temple. BSNL (earlier DOT) established the first Telecommunication networks (LDPCO) in 1977 and afterwards the Telecom facilities are continuously expanded depending upon the requirements at Kolli hills. 

Attractions in Kolli Hills:

• Akaashaganga (Waterfalls). The main attraction of Kolli Hills. One has to climb down (an back) 1302 steps to reach the falls. The steps are steep and can get very tiring. It takes approximately 30 min to climb-down to the falls and 1 hr to climb-up back. 

• Arapaleeswarar Temple. This temple, who main deity is Lord Shiva, is opposite the Akash Ganga falls. The temple is quite old with some history attached to it. 

• Botanical Gardens. This place is an ideal spot for loitering around with kids. These is a view point at the top of this Botanical Garden. 

• Ettukkai Amman Temple. This temple, who main deity is Amman. This is a very small temple. The goddess is considered to be very powerful among the locals. Try the Kuzhi Panigaram near the temple. 

• Masila Falls (Waterfalls). This is again a small waterfall. This is not as big as the Akash Ganga falls, but good enough for taking bath. 

• Mini Falls (Waterfalls). This is a small waterfalls situated close to the Arapaleeswarar temple. Not fit for any purpose other than viewing and photography 

• Pineappale Research Farm (Government facility).

• Sikku Parai. This is a view point. This is a very small place. One can get a very beautiful view of the valley from this spot. This spot is also called the "suicide point" by the locals. 

• Sozhakaadu. This place is right at the entry point of Kolli Hills. This place offers a telescopic view of the valley. One might need a special permission to visit this place.

Things to do:

Angling. There are many medium sized rivers at Kolli. There aren't any restrictions on fishing. 

Cuisine:

Fresh fruits are the main attraction. You can get fresh pineapple, tapioca, jack fruit.
There is one decent non-veg hotel and numerous veg hotels. Naatu Kozhi Varuval (Country Chicken Roast) is a local favorite.

Stay:

Good lodgings and resorts are scarce. Nallathambi Resorts should be preferred for a family stay. There are other small lodgings and mansions, available at a low rate. But service and cleanliness is not commendable. When planning for a weekend stay, make sure you book early.  

Local Transport to get around:

The place is very underdeveloped in terms of traveller's convenience. Very few lodging options, eat-outs and very few places to see. The climate is the best factor. You can relax, lay back and enjoy the nature.

How To Reach:

Buses are available only upto arapaleshwar temple . Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai (Tamil: கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district of India. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 70 hair pin bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.