Kolli Hills (Kollimalai) is a compact range of the Eastern Ghats in Namakkal district, rising to between 1,000 and 1,300 m. It has none of the crowds or shopping streets of the better-known hill stations, and that is its appeal: forest, small villages, spice and fruit gardens, and a handful of waterfalls and viewpoints.
The hills are best known for the ghat road from the Namakkal side, whose tight bends are numbered on signboards all the way up. This three-day trip gives you one full day on top, which is enough for the main sights without rushing.
Why choose Kolli Hills
Kolli Hills suits people who want a cool, quiet break rather than a sightseeing checklist. Evenings are pleasantly cool for much of the year, and mornings often bring mist over the valleys. The hills appear in classical Tamil literature and were ruled around 200 CE by the chieftain Valvil Ori, remembered as one of the seven great patrons of ancient Tamil poets.
Farming here is a big part of the landscape. Black pepper vines climb the silver oak trees, and the hills are known for jackfruit, pineapple, oranges and tapioca. Buying pepper, honey or fruit from local shops is a good way to take something home.
Agaya Gangai falls and the Arapaleeswarar temple
Agaya Gangai, fed by the Ayyaru river, falls into a deep forested gorge. The trail starts near the Arapaleeswarar temple, a Shiva temple believed to have very old roots, and goes down roughly a thousand steps to the pool at the base. The steps are steep and can be slippery when wet. It is not advised for people with knee, heart or breathing problems; the temple and the view from the top are rewarding on their own.
Access to the falls is controlled by the local authorities and is sometimes closed after heavy rain or when water levels are high. Timings and rules change, so check locally or on the Namakkal district website before you go.
Route at a glance
- Pondicherry → Attur via Villupuram and Ulundurpet: about 3.5–4 hours
- Attur → Rasipuram → Kalappanaickenpatti (foot of the ghat): about 1–1.5 hours
- Ghat road up to the plateau: allow at least an hour at a relaxed pace
- Total one way: roughly 245–260 km depending on where you stay, 5.5–6 hours
Driving the ghat road
The road is narrow in places, with sharp bends and limited room to pass buses. Our drivers take it slowly and use the horn at blind corners. Anyone prone to motion sickness should eat lightly before the climb and sit in the front. Night driving on the ghat is best avoided, which is why the itinerary reaches the top by mid-afternoon.
Best time to visit
Tamil Nadu Tourism suggests June to October, when the waterfalls are fuller and the hills are green. November to February is cooler and clearer for viewpoints, though the falls are thinner by late winter. In heavy monsoon spells, landslips or closures of the falls trail are possible.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Kolli Hills is simple compared with Ooty or Kodaikanal: small hotels, a few resorts and homestays, mainly around Semmedu. We can help you book a stay that suits your budget and group size. Mobile network and ATMs are limited in parts of the hills, so carry some cash.
How to customise
- Shorten to 2 days / 1 night if you only want Agaya Gangai and one viewpoint
- Combine with Yercaud via Salem for a two-hill trip
- Add Namakkal’s rock fort and Anjaneyar temple on the way
- See other hill breaks such as the Yercaud hill getaway or the Hogenakkal and Yelagiri weekend
Official information: Tamil Nadu Tourism
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kolli Hills from Pondicherry?
Kolli Hills is roughly 245 km from Pondicherry by road, about 5.5–6 hours by car via Villupuram, Attur and Rasipuram, including the ghat climb.
How many hairpin bends are there on the Kolli Hills road?
The main ghat road from Kalappanaickenpatti on the Namakkal side is widely signposted and known for about 70 hairpin bends, which makes it one of the most winding roads in Tamil Nadu.
How many steps are there to Agaya Gangai falls?
Roughly 1,000 steps lead down from near the Arapaleeswarar temple to the base of the falls. The climb back up is the hard part, so allow time and carry water.
What is the best time to visit Kolli Hills?
June to October is best for waterfalls; November to February is cooler with clearer views. Avoid days of very heavy rain, when the falls trail may be closed.
Is Kolli Hills good for a family trip?
Yes, for families who enjoy nature and quiet. Young children and older travellers can enjoy the viewpoints, Masila falls and boating even if they skip the Agaya Gangai steps.
