Kolli Hills Road (Road MDR181) is a dangerous mountain road with a length of 46.7 km located in Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai, a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district on the east coast of South India. The road features 70 continuous hairpin bends. The Mountain is named Kolli Malai after the name of Goddess Ettukkai Amman (also known as Kollipavai) guarding the hills with her divine protection.
The road starts from Kalappanaickenpatti. 70 continuous hairpin bends take you to Kolli Malai or ‘the mountains of death’. Riding through these hairpin bends is an exhilarating experience. Up to around the 25th hairpin bend, the road is great. After that the road is quite bad - pot holes and patches. Some of the hairpin bends are very narrow and do not have space for two vehicles to take the turn. The views of the plains below are beautiful and the dense green tropical forests surrounding the hairpin bends adds to the charm. The road is a ghat road: the name of the access routes into the mountainous Western and Eastern Ghats mountain ranges of the Indian Subcontinent. These roads are remarkable feats of engineering and most date back to British times. Ghat roads were built to connect to the famous Hill Stations of the Indian Subcontinent.
The 70 hairpin bends, which are spread across a little more than fifteen kilometers are nearly continuous and it is indeed a pleasure to drive on these winding roads. It can be visited all round the year except for the month of January as the temperatures drop down considering the altitude of this picturesque destination. The hairpin bends are numbered.
Kolli Hills is visited by nature lovers, hikers, trekking clubs, tourists and meditation practitioners among hill stations in Tamil Nadu. Agaya Gangai is the waterfall situated near the Arappaleeswarar temple.
Nestled in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India, Kolli Hills Road is a dream destination for road trip enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This winding mountain route, renowned for its hairpin bends and breathtaking landscapes, attracts bikers, nature lovers, and travelers looking for an offbeat escape.
It’s
paved with some steep parts. Starting from Karavalli, at 238 meters
above the sea level, the ascent is 20.4 km long via 70 hairpin turns,
ending at 1.198 meters, at Solakkadu. The elevation gain is 960 meters.
The average gradient is 4.70%. To make the journey more exciting and
thrilling, there are markings at every turn painted in blue and yellow
on stones. So you keep on counting the no of turns you have completed
and the turns yet to be completed. The weather is very pleasant and full
of fresh air as it is scarcely populated and away from the main city.
Infrastructure:
The Kolli hills became taluk and forms a part of Namakkal district. Semmedu village is the headquarters for the Kolli Hills block and Semmedu is connected by road from Namakkal and Salem. Nowadays the Bus service is provided up to Arappaleeswarar Temple. BSNL (earlier DOT) established the first Telecommunication networks (LDPCO) in 1977 and afterwards the Telecom facilities are continuously expanded depending upon the requirements at Kolli hills.
Road Conditions and Driving Tips:
The road is well-maintained, but the sharp curves demand careful driving. Here are some essential tips for a safe journey:
Drive cautiously: The steep bends require constant attention and control.
Check your vehicle: Ensure your brakes, tires, and engine are in top condition.
Start early: Daylight driving is safer, and the morning mist adds to the beauty.
Avoid overspeeding: The hairpin bends can be tricky, so maintain a moderate speed.
Refuel beforehand: There are limited fuel stations on the hill road.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Kolli Hills Road is during the spring months (March to June) or autumn (August to December) when the weather is pleasant, offering ideal conditions for exploring the scenic beauty of the hills without extreme heat or heavy rain; avoid monsoon season and peak winter months as the weather can be challenging then
Attractions Along the Way:
Arapaleeswarar Temple – A historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its spiritual significance and scenic surroundings.
Agaya Gangai Waterfalls – A stunning 300-foot waterfall nestled amidst the hills, accessible via a trek down 1000+ steps.
Siddhar Caves – Ancient caves believed to have been used by sages for meditation.
Seekuparai Viewpoint – Offers panoramic views of the lush valleys and distant hills.
Botanical Garden – A great spot to explore the rich biodiversity of Kolli Hills.
The Route and Its Famous 70 Hairpin Bends:
Kolli Hills Road is a challenging yet exhilarating stretch that takes you to the serene Kolli Hills, located in Namakkal district. The road is known for its iconic 70 hairpin bends, making it one of the most thrilling mountain roads in South India. Covering a distance of approximately 46 kilometers from the foothills to the hilltop, the road ascends through dense forests, misty valleys, and lush greenery.
What is The Mystery of Kolli Hills?:
According to legend, the sages chose Kolli hills when they were looking for a peaceful place to do their penance.
However, the demons invaded the hills to disrupt the penance when the
sages began their rituals. The sages prayed to Kollipavai, who according
to the myth, chased away the demons with her enchanting smile.
Why Kolli Hills Road is a Must-Visit:
Whether you’re a biker looking for an adrenaline rush, a traveler seeking peace in nature, or a history enthusiast exploring ancient sites, Kolli Hills Road has something for everyone. The combination of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage makes this journey truly unforgettable.
So, if you’re planning your next road trip, put Kolli Hills on your list and experience the magic of its winding roads and breathtaking landscapes!
For more information - Kolli Hills Road
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