Take a peek into the untapped wilderness of Kolli Hills

Of all the scenic places to visit in India, there are only a few secret getaways not yet taken over by the organised tourism industry. For the adventurous souls, we offer an unspoiled gem in Tamil Nadu—Kolli Hills.

Situated on a hill station in the district of Namakkal, Kolli Hills (or Kollimalai) are rolling hills with untamed beauty. These hills recently got their turn under the spotlight when industrialist Anand Mahindra retweeted a picture of its maze-like hairpin bends. 

Anand had tweeted: “This is just phenomenal. I want to find out who built this road and then I will only trust my Thar to take me on it!”

Despite being tucked away, Kolli Hills is increasingly attracting more and more campers, bikers, and backpackers charmed by its mysteries. But be warned: this place is not for the faint-hearted. 

Mysterious  land

Kolli Hills wasn’t always as accessible as it is today. Even a few years ago, the roads leading up to it were unreliable. There were frequent landslides, making the roads even bumpier and dangerous. With tourist attractions growing, reaching Kolli Hills has become easier—newer roads are being constructed and there is even talk of a soon-to-be-launched bus service to nearby towns and cities.

But this could change things for the OG inhabitants of these hills, who are keen to preserve their way of life.

“We worship nature. Nature has always provided for us and we intend on preserving it,” a saffron-clad guru calmly stated during our visit. 

This is understandable because it's the seclusion of these hills that attracted many to settle down in these parts in the first place. Internet access and the transport industry could change all that.

In its more remote parts, we met mystics who claim to have lived in the wilderness and acclimated themselves to the calm and peace within its forests. 

Things to do

Once you make it to Kolli Hills, adventure is on the menu. There is no orderly list of tourist spots. For the most part, you will have to seek out your own adventure. But if Kolli Hills is on your watch list, here’s a quick itinerary that YS Life recommends:

As you drive up the winding hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, there are viewpoints from different altitudes giving you a panoramic view of the parallel range of hills and the plains. Besides the aesthetic bird’s eye view, it can also be a breather after an adventurous drive, and that’s a win in our books. 

Once you reach the top, which is also the main town Semedu, you will find small joints that serve piping hot beverages that help you deal with the chilly weather. For those who fancy boating, there is a small lake where boats take you around. As as added bonus, you get to see the scenic, cozy villages along the shore. 

One place not to miss is the Agaya Ganga waterfalls which translates to ‘The Ganges from the sky’.  Although a popular tourist destination, the journey to reach it can be tricky. It takes a 1200-step descent to experience this wonder! One you reach there, you discover that this site is the mother for many other smaller waterfalls and streams further into the forest. Don't let the challenge stop you, the adventure is worth it. 

For those who prefer more historic sights, there are several temples. Many of these contain deep, rich stories that are rooted in our culture and history. In fact, the best way to learn about them is to have conversations with the priests who are open to educating tourists about the rich heritage.

Given the hilly terrain, trekking is a no-brainer and Kolli Hills offers enough and more opportunities for you to indulge in it.

As for food, Kolli Hills stays true to its natural essence. Dosas infused with herbs, and green rice (blend with leafy vegetables) called paniyaram, are some that are commonly found. 

A peppery drink with herbs from the forest has been known to be a cure for those tackling pulmonary issues, and much more. This humble rasam is much more than a spicy punch of herbs and medicines, once it hits your palette. 

An abode within the peace and quiet

If you’re a camper, feel free to set up tents wherever your heart desires! But try not to wander too deep into the wilderness without the support of a local. 

If you do not wish to set up shop on your own, there are several hosts that provide eco-friendly tours for willing visitors. YS Life recommends Sunnyside Camping, for such kinds of experiences. 

Having covered the adventurous side of the stay, For those who aren’t into camping, SLR Hotels is your best bet. SLR Hotels is a 3-star resort located at a good altitude for a nice drive and fantastic views. 

For the most part, Kolli Hills is more than a nice drive and a scenic outing from your busy urban lives. It is about being limitless when it comes to exploration and going on adventures that most tourist spots do not offer. Once the travel bug bites, there is no stopping at all.