Maiden Trip of trek avocation: Kolli Hills

Kolli hill is small mountain range located at in central Tamil nadu in namakkal. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km².our journey to kolli started from Chennai at Friday night to Salem, total of six ppl and later 2 joined us at Salem bus stand. From there we caught the bus for rasipuram which is located at some 30 km from Salem. From rasipuram after finishing breakfast we boarded bus for kalapanayakkanpatti(k.n.patti), we continued our remaining journey in a private vehicle which can be hired from k.n.patti. The total 30 km journey consisted twists and turns through whooping 70 hairpin bends taking over the Eastern Ghats. The journey that started by 10.30 PM the night before, ended at kolli hills at 11.30 AM next day morning.

Entire journey through the Ghats was of great picturesque value and every glare outside the window was peep into a totally different world for life less known to the city dwellers. One good thing about this place is, unlike ooty and kodai kanal its still untouched by tourism beyond tamilnadu and least exploited by travelers and hence it preserves the natural aura of its own. Be ready to disconnect ur self from all the manly comforts and even cell phones (network available at very selective spots)

Youth hostel. Kollimalai

After boarding at Youth hostel in Kolli we prepared ourselves for visiting the most heard about this place the "AKASA GANGAI" waterfalls which is near Arappaleeshwarar temple. Our hungry heads caught the attention of small fruit vendor selling guava which was one of the special delicasy of the hills. The relatively low fare fruit was best thing we had for that time thoroughly drowning ourslef in its red savory color from inside, cherished with bit of chili powder and salt. After having our hungry souls satisfied, we all headed towards the falls. Reaching the falls required descending down of thousands of steep steps which is yet date the most adventures steps one can ever descended.

The sheer enthusiasm to see the falls made us to take quick steps in spite of all the steep and dangerous which at last paid off largely when the sheer sight of such big fall of water occurring at such a height of about 300 ft with water touching us through breeze from at least 100m from the actual site of fall. The entire sight was truly mesmerizing. The green flora of the region which was nurtured by fall water was also indication of perenilaity of the water fall. The large amount of pressure created by water falling from the top kept us away even from reaching the vicinity of falls.


After having bath at relatively still water, as compared to falls, we dried ourselves to prepare for some rounds of photo shoot at the rocks which were adjacent to the steps on which we had to ascend back now. the climbing on the rock to have us parallel to the falls and have some clicks was also an experience of a kind. The only regret we had in our mind is our failure to capture the entire falls or the exact spot of the falls where it reaches ground because of too much water droplets flying in the air in all directions which may have damaged our lens. Then came the most difficult part, to ascend back up on the same steep steps. As the slope was very high and the size of the steps was very small and irregular we had to take multiple breaks through the upward journey only to be deeply tired physically. After leaving our wet clothes in the hostel we all prepared our self to satisfy the most demanding thing at that point "FOOD".

The food we had was prepared by some localities and the perfect way to enjoy that food was in open location. Adjacent to that place there was stream of water flowing down which was directed. The food was simple and consisted of sambar and rasam along with tomato curry cooked in local flavor, spices and methodology of that region along with rice and curd. We had our food in biodegradable plates made out of betel nut leaves. After finishing up with the delicious food we quenched our thirst with the water coming out of the stream to end our perfect eco dining experience.

The more fulfilling eco dining experience made us lil bit lazy and our foots heavy and eyes looking for lil power nap made to return back to hostel wherein we slept for sometime only to prepare ourselves to enjoy the special jackfruit of this region. The Jackfruit grown on these mountains is well known for its delicious taste and fragrance, was our savior for the evening. After one more fulfilling experience we left for Arappaleeshwarar temple in the dusk of falling lights of the evening sun. The temple is Shiva temple located on the stream Aiyaru. It is dedicated to Arappaleeshwarar. After having darshanam at the temple our foot carried us to a local tea shop.our activity for the day ended with glass of chai and darkness taking over the entire hillock.
After refreshing ourselves with some night strolling at the lawn in hostel, we had night snacks that consisted of dosa with coconut chutney and special "Ceylon parotha" eaten along with spicy curry. Spending night at totally unmanned place with only trees and wild life as our companion was enthralling experience to be cherished for which is not easily available even at many other hill points.

Next day morning was even better than day before with entire mountain range soaked in bland sunlight. The garden around the hostel saw a breather with fresh dose of sunlight after mild rains at night, there were dew deposited on the soft petals of flowers which resembled no less than pearls shining in sun. Most of us at that time were either strolling lazily over the garden lawn enjoying the warmth of morning sun and some were trying to capture the ecstasy with lens but overall the place above the ground was no less than heaven.

After having morning breakfast we all left for our last point in the trip, the VIEW POINT. Frankly speaking it’s a man made construction in form of round balcony like structure to make safe passage for humans to view the panoramic view of the valley and the whole mountainous area. Just a peek from that place will take you to a place which totally disconnects you from rest and brings oneness with the nature as a whole. The sight from the height immensely delivers exaliating feeling for both mind and body. After this point we started our journey back to the point or ground zero only to stop at Solakadu to relish country pineapples. The small sized red pineapple, specialty of this place was really quite a savor to our taste buds. this last stop was the last retreat of our journey in kollimalai only make us wanting for more of this place which will surely reside in the deep memories of everyone of us who participated in this enthralling journey would like to end this with Cynthia ozick's lines which describes it all “Nothing is so awesomely unfamiliar as the familiar that discloses itself at the end of a journey."

Trek demographics

Location: Kolli hills, Namakkal district, TamilNadu, INDIA
Reaching there: From Chennai/Bangalore one can reach Salem bus depot which is very well connected with other parts of the country. From here either one can get a direct bus to kolli hill or break up the journey as salem-rasipuram-kalappanayakkanpatti-kolli hill since the frequency of the straight buses to kolli hills are very less. Kalappanayakkanpatti which is at the foothills falls on the state highway between rasipuram-senthamangalam-namakkal. There are buses to kolli hills from namakkal too. The last trip from kalappanayakkanpatti to kolli hill (also known as kollimalai in local dialect) can be carried over in a bus or a private transport can be hired.
Places of intrest:
· Arapaleeshwarar temple
· Akasa Gangai waterfalls
· Seekupaarai (Suicide point)
· Kolli Paavai temple
· Solakkadu view point
· Siva temple,Pungulam
· Valvil ori statue
· Herbal forest
· Vasular Patti Lake Boat house
Time to visit:
Generally throughout the year since the climate is pleasant all through. Difference in the season is with the amount of water at the water fall and the fruits available in the hills. Best season would be between Mar-august when the waterfall is normal and the fruits are at abundance.
For boarding and other details:
Commissioner, Kollimalai Panchayat Union, Semmedu
(Phone No. 04286 247425).
Cottages (Panchayat Union) - 247425
Youth Hostel (Panchayat Union) - 247425
Hotel Nallathambi Resort - 247227, 247257, 247463
PA Lodge - 247488, 247466