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Kolli Hills Tourism

Kollimalai hills

Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai are a mountain range situated in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu with an ominous name that means 'Mountain of Death'. Commercial tourism is largely untouched, and has thus maintained much of its natural magnificence.Because of the Arappaleshwar Temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the mountains are not only famous for their natural beauty, but also have religious significance. The summit is also accessible by car, and the car leading up to it winds with many twists and turns.

Kolli Hills attractions

In the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, the Agaya Gangai waterfalls are situated. These falls are the 300 ft fall taken by Panchanathi, the vivacious stream in the jungles of Kolli Hill, especially between November-March, originating from the River Aiyaru. Not only for its natural exuberance, but since it falls near the Arappaleeswarar Temple, the waterfall is also considered sacred.

For waterfall lovers, it is considered a treat, but it needs an upward trek of about 1300 steps to get here. Carrying supplies, being healthy and wearing good footwear & durable clothes is necessary. The waterfall is dangerous and should be avoided during the monsoons.

Within the famous Kolli Hills of Tamil Nadu, the Arapaleeswarar temple is an ancient temple founded by the Chola dynasty. It is known to be a popular place of worship for Lord Shiva in South India. The outer walls of the sanctum are covered by inscriptions showing the contributions of the kings of Chola to this temple.

The lore here indicates that blood started to gush out of something imbedded in the Soil while the land was being ploughed to create the temple. They discovered a Shiva Lingam upon searching. Even today, this Shiva Lingam can also be seen at the temple. A statue dedicated to Nandi, the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva, can also be seen here.

The Siddhar Caves of the Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, an ancient home for ascetics, are holy and serene. Sages lived here and developed different medicinal plants and practised unique healing practises, it is said. In the caves, these herbs can still be used. You can also spot the lively waterfall of Agaya Gangai, which is popular in this area, on the way to the caves.

The Tampcol Medicinal Farm in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, was founded by the Tamil Nadu Medical Plant Farms & Herbal Medicine Corporation Limited (TAMPCOL). The farm is situated between the popular Kolli Hills and boasts a scenic farm that is home to soothing medicinal herbs.

In 1983, the then Tamil Nadu government observed a need for developing medicinal plants, ayurvedic medicines and other Unani or Siddha practises. The farm is open every day from 8 am to 7 pm for tourists or locals. There is an on-site shop where visitors can buy some items designed for health and healing by TAMPCOL.

Kolli pavai (Ettukkai Amman) Temple : Centered on the name of Goddess Ettukkai Amman (Kolli Paavai), the local deity, the mountain is called Kolli Malai. Because of the unexplored and less travelled terrain, the mountains have many mythological legends associated with them, and sometimes come across as an eerie place in contemporary tales. The sound of saptha kannigal can be heard even in some locations.

Places to visit in kolli hills

Semmedu also has a statue-memorial to King Valvil Ori, and is the location for the August Festival of Valvil Ori Tourism. The festival is mainly a cultural event that originated in the traditional Adi festival when people from all 16 villages in the kingdom of Ori came together and danced, sang and feasted in honour of their king and deities.

Selur Nadu, which is believed to be the place where King Pari, another benevolent Tamil King, gave away his chariot to assist the helpless jasmine creeper, is one of the highest points in the hills. An ancient culvert can be seen here as well. The long and winding road is filled with beautiful scenery from Semmedu to Selur Nadu. Banana and coffee plantations are a feast to the eye with their red and green coffee berries gleaming in the light, tall silver oak trees wrapped around with glossy pepper leaves, guava and orange trees laden with fruit and a host of other typical tropical plants of this region.

The drive up the hill will take you to Solakkadu, which is also one of the highest points in the hills, the main town here. It is worth visiting the viewpoint within the Highways Bungalow complex, because from here one can have a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and plains. Many small and large cities exist under the foothills of the Kolli Hills. The Kolli Hills are visible in a panoramic view from these locations and the climatic conditions of these locations are affected by the Kolli Hills' climatic conditions.

Botanical Garden, Kolli Hills: The Botanic is one of the best places to visit in Kolli Hills, situated just 3 kilometres from Semmedu. With a stunning Rose Garden, a magnificent viewpoint, eco-friendly cottages, and a fun-filled Children's Park, the Botanical Garden is a must-visit when visiting this destination on your next tour.

In many works of classical Tamil literature, such as Silappathigaram, Manimekalai, Purananuru and Akananuru, the Kolli Hills are featured. Mahavidwan R. Raghava Iyengar gave extensive references to Kolli Pavai from early Sangam literature in the research monograph Araichi Katturaigal, concluding that the picture is in Kolli Hills. Around 200 A.D., Valvil Ori, who is celebrated as one of the seven great philanthropists of ancient Tamil Nadu, ruled the region. Several poets sing of his valour and marksmanship, and his exploits are a common part of folklore. Ori is said to have been killed with a single arrow by a lion, a bear, a deer and a boar.

The hills are said to be guarded by Kollipavai, also known as the local deity, "Ettukkai Amman." According to legend, when they were searching for a quiet location to do their penance, the sages chose Kolli hills. When the sages began their ceremonies, however, the demons invaded the hills to hinder the penance. The sages prayed to Kollipavai, who, according to the storey, with her enchanting smile, chased away the demons.

The hills of KolliPavai are still adored by the people here, and her smile is admired. Because of the unexplored and less travelled terrain, the mountains have many mythological legends associated with them, and sometimes come across as an eerie location in contemporary tales. The sound of saptha kannigal can be heard even in some locations. This mountain is full of herbs that preserve vigour and wellbeing.

The forests are rich and diverse here. Patches of tropical evergreen forests occur higher up the slopes and one such is the Ariyur Shola. Several species of endemic trees and plants live in these forests. In the entire southern part of the Eastern Ghats, Kolli hills are said to have the largest expanse of evergreen or shola forest cover. In this area, several coffee plantations, fruit orchards and silver-oak estates exist.

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Itinerary

Day 1 - Kolli Hills Sightseeing

Morning pick up from Theni. Then proceed towards Namakkal (Kolli Hills) Hotel Check in. Then proceed towards Kolli Hills major attractions such as Arapaleeswarar Temple, Botanical Garden, Tampcol Medicinal Farm. Come back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Kolli Hills.

Day 2 - Kolli Hills Sightseeing

Morning Breakfast at Hotel. Then proceed towards Kolli Hills major attractions such as Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Boat House, Rock pillar view point, Siddar Caves. Come back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Kolli Hills.

Day 3 - Kolli Hills Sightseeing

Morning Breakfast and then Check out from Hotel. Then proceed towards Kolli Hills major attractions such as Seurnadu view point and Mini falls. Then proceed towards Theni. Finally drop at Theni.