A Magnificent feature in Kolli Hills with 70 Hairpin Bends
Kolli Hills Namakkal
Kolli Hills Road is a beautiful mountain section in the particular shape of the kidney bean. The Hills is situated on the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 1200 m. in the Namakkal District. The Kaveri River flows from the southern and western edges of the mountain. The hills are said to be guarded by Kollipavai also called Goddess Ettukkai Amma, the local deity. The serene mountain range of Kolli Hill is an offbeat paradise, where visitors will traverse through 70 hairpin bends. Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend is a perfect blend of natural splendor, pilgrim destinations, mysteries, and adventures.
Kolli Hills Geography and Geology
Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend Tamilnadu is a part of the Eastern Ghats in the east of Namakkal as well as Rasipuram towns in Tamil Nadu. This beautiful mountain range is referred to as the Kolli Malai, which means the ‘Mountains of Death due to its dangerous bends. The hills covered more than 280 sq. Km. area with nearly 70 hairpin bends, which take the tourists to the top of the hill. The hills are part of the discontinuous Eastern Ghats, a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of southern India. It is situated at a distance of 43 km from Namakkal and 120 km from Trichy. The mountains are covered by green vegetation in the spring and monsoon and are streaked with streams.
Kolli Hills Hairpin bend forms part of the Southern Granulitic Terrain (SGT), a region located in the northern and central parts of Tamil Nadu State. This region has experienced multiple episodes of crustal deformation during and after its formation because of which the rocks are highly deformed and metamorphosed to granulite facies. The study area is almost entirely composed of charnockite.
Folktale
The early Hindu literature talks about the existence of the Kolli Pavai ghost on the top of these hills and in this way, the hill earned this name. This image or spirit is used to tempt the wayfarers and kill them. Visitors would surely love to roam around the entire place to explore the beauty of nature as well. Detailed Kolli Hills route Map shows the location of Kolli Hills Hairpin bend, where you can see the Kolli Hills peak point and Namakkal district headquarters.
Major Attractions in Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend
Arapaleeswarar Temple
Arapaleeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at Periakoviloor, in the vicinity of Akasa Gangai waterfall. The temple is said to have been built by ruler Valvil Ori in the 1st or 2nd century AD. The temple has a secret path to the Shiva Temple in Rasipuram and essential part of Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend Road sightseeing.
Tampcol Medicinal Farm
The Tampcol Medicinal Farm is located in Kolli Hills Road Tamilnadu on the way to Vaasaloorpatti while returning from Semmadu. The medicinal plants, shrubs, and herbs grown on this farm are widely used in the production of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani products. It is a State Government organization.
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Botanical Garden
Botanical Gardens is one of the best attractions to visit in Kollimalai Hills. It features a beautiful rose garden, a majestic viewpoint, exo-friendly cottages, and a fun-filled Children’s Park.
Ettukai Amman Temple
Ettukai Amman Temple is an ancient temple located in Valapoor Nadu. The deity worshipped here is Kolli Paavai or Ettukai Amman. The temple is a hut with a palm leaf roof.
Agasa Gangai Waterfalls
Agasagangai Waterfalls is the waterfall of the river Aiyaru that cascades down from a height of 91 meters. The waterfalls comprise about 1000 steps descending the base and are located near the Arapaleeswarar Temple. The trail from Arapaleeswarar Temple to the waterfalls covers a distance of about 1 kilometer.
Siddha Caves
It is said that in ancient times, the Sidha lived here. He researched and meditated in the caves practicing traditional medicine and methods of natural healing. The location is also an excellent trekking path.
Things to do in Kollimalai Hills
There are plenty of locations that are worth visiting on Kolli Hills Road- Peryaswamy Temple, Ettukai Amman Temple, Pineapple Farms, View Point, and the Telescope House. Attukalkilangu soup and raw was selling in these hills. This is very tasty and a good medicine for knee pain. The Valvil Ori festival is organized every year during August which is an awesome experience.
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls Trek
The Agaya Gangai Waterfalls or the Kollimalai Falls measure up to 91 meters and include about 1000 steps descending to the base, which is heaven for the trekkers. The trek to Agaya Gangai waterfalls is a crucial part of Kolli Hills trekking. The trail stretches up to the distance of 1 km from Arapaleeswarar Temple.
Explore Siddhar Caves
The Siddhar Caves is one of the exciting places to roam around in the Kolli, you will surely love to explore lots of beautiful places here. The cave has a narrow place fit for only one or even two people to enter the caves at a time. It has been believed that the Siddhar Caves are surrounded by medicinal herbs on all sides.
Vasalurpatty Boat House
The boathouse has been built on the artificial lake which is one of the favorite places to visit in Kolli Hills. The place is situated at a distance of about 5 km from the city center of Vasalurpatty. The tranquil lake is surrounded by the vibrant green landscape of the hills which makes it one of the best attractions in Kolli Hills.
Best Time to Visit Kollimalai
Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend Tamilnadu can be visited all around the year but the best time to visit Kollimalai Hills is from February to December. Avoiding monsoons is the best idea. Winter months are moderately cold, You will be a witness to some beautiful foggy scenes over there.
How to reach Kolli Hills Hairpin bend
Kolli Hills Hairpin Bend can be easily reached from the cities of Chennai and Salem. The nearest railway head is Salem Junction which is located at a distance of 90 kilometers. Trichy Domestic Airport is the nearest airport to the hill station of Kolli Hills Road.
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