Certain things happen at certain time for reason, and my recent sojourn to Kolli Hills ( Kollimalai in Tamil) is perfect example. Mind had always aspired to venture out at every given opportunity over past year and half but it never materialised. New destination which had right ingredients to have thrilling riding experience – 70 hair pin bends- made it easier to say YES to my Night riders gang.
Kolli Hills is locates in eastern ghats in tamilnadu , Namakkal district. Mountain rises to height of 1300m and offers one of best rider experience with 70 hair pin bends to manoeuver.
Rich vegetation covering 280 sqkm provides lungs with purest of oxygen and pleasure to eyes as one winds up the mountain.
Every turn and view of valley below is out of the world. Refreshing change from hustle bustle of congested man made cities.
Kolli Hills offers something for travellers of all age groups – Waterfalls ( Akaya Gangai falls), lake, boating, hiking terrain, temples ( Kollipavai Amman , Arapaleeshwar ). Local produces – Jackfruit , bananas, pineapple, spices – are sold by mountain dwellers.
We were surprised to note the top quality of roads all way from base of mountain to top… can’t remember spotting a single pothole. As you rode up the mountain, climate gets cooler and windy.
Limited accomodation options could be one of reasons for Kolli Hills not being in regular list of travellers, in a way it’s blessing in disguise as it preserves prestine flora and fauna. Though locals share growing concern of rise in forest area being cleared for coffee plantations and farming.
258 kms from Bangalore , 200kms from Coimbatore , 360kms from Chennai , 62kms from Salem. Considering frequency of trains… Salem would be closest railway station. Distance is incidental, encourage you all to plan a visit to this untapped jewel in eastern Ghats.
Note of caution/ Advice: In era of selfies and instant photo clicks via mobiles, kindly ensure we park our vehicles in a way it doesn’t impact movement of vehicles. Roads are narrow and there are few spots widened , for us to pause and capture Kodak moments.
Route map – Bangalore to Kolli Hills
https://goo.gl/maps/Uo5wWvSWKwJ2
Travel Diaries 
Breathtaking images I must say…..indeed it is a hidden jewel in our country…..it’s amazing to travel to these places through these words n images…..crisp n precise info….great job!!
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