Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know before visiting Kolli Hills — how to get there, when to come and how to stay safe.
About Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills (Kolli Malai) is a mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, India. Rising to about 1,300 metres, it is known for its forests, waterfalls, viewpoints, ancient temples and a rich tradition of medicinal herbs. The hills are reached by a famous ghat road of 70 hairpin bends.
Compared to popular hill stations, Kolli Hills remains relatively quiet and unspoiled, making it perfect for travellers who enjoy nature, gentle treks and a slower pace away from crowds.
How to reach
✈️ By Air
Nearest airports are Salem (~80 km) and Tiruchirappalli/Trichy (~120 km). Coimbatore (~180 km) has more connections. Hire a taxi or drive from there.
🚆 By Train
Namakkal and Salem are the closest railheads. From there it is a scenic road journey up the ghat to the hills.
🚌 By Road / Bus
Government and private buses run from Namakkal to Kolli Hills (Semmedu). Buses negotiate all 70 hairpin bends — sit toward the front if you are prone to motion sickness.
🚗 By Own Vehicle
Drive via Namakkal → Kolli Hills ghat road. The climb has 70 hairpin bends; allow extra time and check brakes and fuel beforehand.
Travel tips & essentials
Best time to visit
Roughly February to December is ideal — green and cool. Summers stay below ~30°C; winters (Dec–Feb) are chilly at 13–18°C. January can get extremely cold at this elevation. Plan 2–3 days to do the hills justice.
What to pack
Light woollens for evenings, rain jacket in monsoon, sturdy walking/trekking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, a small first-aid kit and a power bank.
Network & cash
Mobile signal is patchy; BSNL/Jio work best in parts. ATMs are few — carry enough cash, as card/UPI is unreliable.
Fuel & vehicle
Fill fuel before the climb. Petrol stations on the hills are limited. Self-drivers should be comfortable on steep, winding ghat roads.
Water safety
Never enter waterfalls or streams when the water is muddy or rising. Levels change fast after upstream rain. Watch children closely.
Trekking smart
Tell someone your route, carry water, and hire a local guide for caves and longer trails. Weather can change fast — be ready for sudden rain.
Respect local culture
Dress modestly at temples, remove footwear, ask before photographing people, and carry your litter back — help keep the hills clean.
Things to do
Trekking & hiking
From easy nature walks to the steep Agaya Gangai and Seekuparai trails.
Rock climbing
Granite boulders near Arapaleeswarar Temple, best with a local operator.
Birdwatching
Spot peacocks, hornbills and more in the forests and estates.
Coffee & spice tours
Guided walks through working coffee and pepper estates.
Cave exploration
Trek to the ancient Siddhar meditation caves with a guide.
Stargazing
Whole-night astronomy camps at Tamil Nadu's first Dark Sky Park.
Boating
Pedal and row boats on the Vasalurpatty lake.
Local food & produce
Kolli Hills is known for its medicinal herbs, coffee, pepper and especially its jackfruit. Don't leave without trying a few hill specialities:
Attukal kilangu soup
A local goat-trotter soup, traditionally valued for easing knee and joint pain.
Millet dishes
Hearty, healthy millet-based meals that are a staple of the hill cuisine.
Jackfruit specials
Kolli is famous for jackfruit — try chips, curries and seasonal fresh fruit.
Bamboo rice
A rare tribal delicacy of rice cooked in or harvested from bamboo.
Before you set off
Check the latest advisories and save the emergency contacts. A little planning makes for a safe and memorable trip.