17-18 November 2012
About
Kolli hills is a mountain range in Eastern ghat. Located in
Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, it is about 280 km from Bengaluru. Compared to
other hill stations, this is relatively known and less visited by tourists. Best
time to visit this place is during the months of November and December when
North East monsoon bring much awaited respite from hot weather.
Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu, it is about 280 km from Bengaluru. Compared to
other hill stations, this is relatively known and less visited by tourists. Best
time to visit this place is during the months of November and December when
North East monsoon bring much awaited respite from hot weather.
 |
| View from one of the hairpin bends |
Our travel, highways and 70 hairpin bends
The road from Bengaluru to Namkkal was superb thanks to four
lane highway. The only painful part is Hosur Krishnagiri stretch which is being
widened to six lanes. More painful is that we need to pay toll for the road in
construction.
lane highway. The only painful part is Hosur Krishnagiri stretch which is being
widened to six lanes. More painful is that we need to pay toll for the road in
construction.
We took diversion just before Namakkal to Senthamangalam. The
climb to Kolli hills start at a place Karavalli. The best part of the trip is
the drive to Kolli hills. There are about 70 hairpin bends and it is a sheer
fun for the person driving on this stretch.
climb to Kolli hills start at a place Karavalli. The best part of the trip is
the drive to Kolli hills. There are about 70 hairpin bends and it is a sheer
fun for the person driving on this stretch.
Our stay was at “Nallathambi resort”, a decent place for a
good price.
good price.
Masila falls
This is located about 15km from the hotel. Reaching this
place was bit difficult as there were numerous diversions with no sign boards.
One practical difficulty for outsiders is that every board is in Tamil. Even
tourism department boards do not provide information in English. Thankfully,
locals help a lot and that practically solves the problem!
place was bit difficult as there were numerous diversions with no sign boards.
One practical difficulty for outsiders is that every board is in Tamil. Even
tourism department boards do not provide information in English. Thankfully,
locals help a lot and that practically solves the problem!
Masila falls is a there stage falls. Tourists are allowed
till second stage where they can get into water. Steps are being created to enter
into the falls. We were there in the evening and the last tourist batch had
left. That allowed us to enjoy the falls in solitude. My daughter loved this
place as she could get into water and also enjoy in a kids playground area
nearby.
till second stage where they can get into water. Steps are being created to enter
into the falls. We were there in the evening and the last tourist batch had
left. That allowed us to enjoy the falls in solitude. My daughter loved this
place as she could get into water and also enjoy in a kids playground area
nearby.
Lake
A small lake created for tourists. Nothing great but kids
like it. It would have an uneventful but for the pedal boat which we took broke
down in the middle of the ride!! It was only I, my wife and daughter. My
daughter looked scared but there was nothing to worry as we had worn life jackets.
It took quite an effort for us to bring back the boat to the starting point. We
were offered a free ride but my daughter was not ready for another round in
water.
like it. It would have an uneventful but for the pedal boat which we took broke
down in the middle of the ride!! It was only I, my wife and daughter. My
daughter looked scared but there was nothing to worry as we had worn life jackets.
It took quite an effort for us to bring back the boat to the starting point. We
were offered a free ride but my daughter was not ready for another round in
water.
Sekuparai view point
Panoramic views of the plains and hills can be seen from
this view point.
this view point.
Arapaleshwar Temple and falls
This is a religious important Temple. Akash Ganga falls is
also nearby but one need to walk a km or more to see this falls. We could not
visit this falls due to circumstances where we had to return to Bengaluru. For people
who do not want to walk can spend some time in a mini falls next to the Temple.
also nearby but one need to walk a km or more to see this falls. We could not
visit this falls due to circumstances where we had to return to Bengaluru. For people
who do not want to walk can spend some time in a mini falls next to the Temple.
Note: Forest department closes the gate to Akash Ganga falls
at 3PM. It is necessary that you reach before that.
at 3PM. It is necessary that you reach before that.
Overall, Kolli hills is a nice place to spend a weekend. The
70 hairpin bends and waterfalls do not disappoint you!!
70 hairpin bends and waterfalls do not disappoint you!!
Santosh bs
Nice! Need to visit here sometime. Any good staying options you would recommend…?
Aravind GJ
Santosh,
Thanks!!
You should visit this place. There are many birding opportunities for you.
I would recommend "Nallathambi resort" itself!! It is good for the price. The other place I saw was PA Holiday Inn. Not sure how good is that place.
R Niranjan Das
Nice post on Kolli hills. Agaya gangai falls is a must visit.
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
Srikanth Manjunath
Super..the 70 hairpins..wow..reading your blog itself made me to not miss this place..super pics, good information buddy
Aravind GJ
Niranjan,
Thanks!! Akash Ganga is reserved for future 🙂
Srikanth,
Thanks for your comments.
manima
Please visit http://www.kollihills.co.in to know more about accomadation option.
Aravind GJ
manima,
Thanks!!
Santosh bs
Incidentally Aravind, I'm going there tomorrow. Any specific pointers you have, just drop me a mail at santosh.badri @ gmail dot com.
Thanks!
Aravind GJ
Santosh,
I was out of station and saw your comment only now!!
Hope you had a nice trip. Waiting to see your snaps!!