Kolli Hills Tamil Nadu

Kolli Hills is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in India. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 72 hair pen 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.

Tourism: Two viewpoints - one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu - are being developed to encourage tourism. As of 2007, creation of a park and formation of an approach road to the Seekuparai viewpoint were nearing completion. The government maintains a pineapple research farm where hybrid varieties are created. Research about medicinal plants is also pursued on these mountains.The government holds a tourism festival in August. Kolli Hills has been the top choice for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, trekking clubs and meditation practitioners among hill stations in Tamil Nadu. In comparison to other hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills is not commercialized, less polluted and offers unique mountain ranges. Recently, the local administration has been in full swing to create a Botanical Garden, a Boat House and giving an overall face lift to the view points.

Kolli Pavai is also known as 'Ettukai Amman', who is the local deity of the Kolli Pavai Amman Temple. Ancient sages used to worship Kolli Pavai Amman, who is believed to chase away the demon interrupting the rituals of these sages.

These hills are over 1000 to 1300 metres in height, which cover more than 280 sq. km. There are around 70 hairpin bends that take tourists to the top of the hill. Moreover, the hills are part of the discontinuous Eastern Ghats.

Kolli Hills are also famous for their rich collection of rare herbs that are effective for almost all kinds of diseases. Besides, Tamil literature like Purananuru, Ainkurnuru, Manimekalai and Silappadhikaram talk about Kolli Hills.

In 200 AD, the entire region was under the control of Valvil Ori, who is believed to be one of the prominent philanthropists of ancient Tamil Nadu. He is also believed to have used a single arrow for killing a boar, lion, bear and deer. His marksmanship and valour have been mentioned in the works of various Tamil poets.

Kolli Hills are covered with evergreen forests, including tea, coffee, pineapple, black pepper, jackfruit and many other plant spices. The tribal people living in the region are fond of eating rice and millets. These tribal people also often eat the ripe jackfruit and mostly soak it in wild honey for adding to its taste and fragrance.

Kundur Nadu, Pulianjolai and Ariyur Solai are the three main reserved forests of the region that are managed and controlled by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Arapaleeswarar Temple, Siddhar Caves, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Botanical Garden, Masila Falls and Selur View Point are few of the popular attractions of the region. The Government of Tamil Nadu has established a Boat House in the region that attracts travellers.

Trekking at Kolli Hills is the main adventure activity available in the destination. There is a pineapple research farm maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu at Seekuparai Viewpoint. An annual tourism festival in the month of August is organised at this farm by the state government. Ori Festival is also celebrated in grand style in the region.

The destination can be easily accessed from the closest airport situated at Trichy, which is around 90 km from Kolli Hills. Prepaid taxis are available from this airport to reach the destination. Salem Railway Station is the nearest railhead, outside which direct buses are available for Kolli Hills. The destination can be visited any time of the year, except for the monsoon season when there is a danger of landslide due to heavy rainfall.