Kolli Hills

A hidden hill station of South India, Kolli Hills is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in India. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 72 hair pen bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty. 

Kolli Malai sometimes known as Kolli Hills. The reason is that early journalism records the existence of an image called Kollippavai on top of these hills. This image was believed to represent the courage of a maiden who lured wayfarers by her beauty and killed them. Kolli Hills will be the top choice for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, trekking clubs and meditation practitioners among hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

Kolli Malai will be a top choice for nature lovers, trekking clubs, hiking enthusiasts and meditation practitioners among hill stations in Tamil Nadu. In comparison to other hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kolli hill is not commercialized, offers unique mountain ranges and less polluted. The Namakkal district administration has developed a botanical garden, Cave house, Boat house and a new waterfalls called Masila Falls. The "Ori festival" is also celebrated by administration with lot of cultural procedures. The Mountain is a place of pilgrimage, because of the Arapaleeswarar temple, which is said to have a secret path to the Shiva temple located at Rasipuram. This Shiva temple is believed to have been built by Valvil Ori in the 1st or 2nd century when Valvil Ori ruled this area. "Arappaleeswara sathakam" is the poem which praises the Arappaleeswarar god. It is believed that this temple exists in Sangam period itself.

The Kollimalai is a sub taluk and becomes a part of Namakkal district. The headquarters for Kolli hill is Semmedu joining by road to Salem and Namakkal.

Tourist Attractions:                                                                                                                      

Akaashaganga (Waterfalls). The main attraction of Kolli Hills. One has to climb down (and back) 1302 steps to reach the falls. The steps are steep and can get very tiring. It takes approximately 30 mins to climb-down to the falls and 1 hr to climb-up back.

Arapaleeswarar Temple. This temple, who main deity is Lord Shiva, is located right opposite the Akash Ganga falls. The temple is quite old with some history attached to it.

Botanical Gardens. This place is an ideal spot for loitering around with kids. There is a view point at the top of this Botanical Garden.

Mini Falls (Waterfalls). This is a small waterfalls situated close to the Arapaleeswarar temple. Not fit for any purpose other than viewing and photography  edit
Masila Falls (Waterfalls). This is again a small waterfall. This is not as huge as the Akash Ganga falls, but good enough for taking bath.

Ettukkai Amman Temple. This temple, who main deity is Amman. This is a very small temple. The goddess is considered to be very powerful among the locals. Try the Kuzhi Panigaram near the temple.

Sikku Parai. This is a view point. This is a very small place. One can get a very beautiful view of the valley from this spot. This spot is also called the "suicide point" by the locals.

Sozhakaadu. This place is right at the entry point of Kolli Hills. This place offers a telescopic view of the valley. One might need a special permission to visit this place.

FLORA AND FAUNA

 The wilds of Kolli Hills are known for their medical herbs and plants. The vast expanse of forests of Kolli Hills boasts varieties of rare medical plants and these are regular sources for the preparation of indigenous Indian Medicines. Major tree species are Neem,Veepaloai,Usil, Velvel, Neermathi, Tamarind, Seetha Odai, Naval, Illupai., Silver Oak etc. Lemon grass is also prominent in most of the Reserve Forest areas. Wild animals like Rabbit, Wild boar, Bear, Hare, Peacock, Jackal, Jungle cat, Monkeys and variety of birds are seen in forest.

Transport and communication
State Transport Corporation and many private buses operate many buses from Salem, Rasipuram and Namakkal.
Nearest railway station is Salem which is 80 kms. away.
Nearest airport is Trichy, which is 150 kms. away.
Own transportation is the easiest as the roads are very good.
Vodafone, BSNL, Aircel  and Docomo have good signals.
Internet is available thro' the same services.

No comments:

Post a Comment