Kolli Hills, Tiruchirappalli - Best Season to Visit, Things to Do

At a distance 50 km from Namakkal, 87 km from Salem, 135 km from Trichy & 395 km from Chennai, Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai is a small mountain range located in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the popular places to visit near Trichy.

These hills are situated at an elevation of 1000 to 1300 m and cover an area of approximately 280 sq km. The Kolli Hills has 70 hairpin bends to reach the top of the hills from the Namakkal side. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty. It can be visited as a day trip as part of Tiruchirappalli tour packages.

The mountain is named Kolli Malai after the Goddess Ettukkai Amman (Kolli Paavai). According to legend, the sages chose Kolli hills when they were looking for a peaceful place to do their penance. However, the demons invaded the hills to disrupt the penance when the sages began their rituals. The sages prayed to Kollipavai, who according to the myth, chased away the demons.

Trekking at Kolli Hills is a popular activity. Trekking to Agaya Gangai Waterfalls is a wonderful experience. There are two viewpoints - one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu. There is a pineapple research farm maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu at Seekuparai Viewpoint. Kundur Nadu, Puliancholai, and Ariyur Solai are the three main reserved forests of the region. Arapaleeswarar Temple, Siddhar Caves, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Botanical Garden, Masila Falls, and Selur View Point are the popular attractions of the region. The Government of Tamil Nadu has established a Boat House in the region that attracts travellers. An annual tourism festival in the month of August is organized at the pineapple research farm by the state government. Ori Festival is also celebrated in grand style in the region.

Kolli Hills are covered with evergreen forests, including tea, coffee, pineapple, black pepper, jackfruit, and many other plant spices. The wildlife such as Sloth bear, barking deer, Indian pangolin, jackals, mongoose, palm civets and many reptiles and snakes, the endangered Python molurus, and several birds are found in Kolli Hills.

The best time to visit Kolli Hills is throughout the year, except for the monsoon season when there is a danger of landslide due to heavy rainfall.

There are few Resorts and Lodges are available for accommodation. Boating is available at Boat House after the botanical garden.