KOLLI HILLS
AT
NAMAKKAL
Kolli Hills are located in the Namakkal District of the state of Tamil
Nadu. The destination is also referred to as Kolli Malai, which means the
'Mountains of Death'.
These hills are over 1000 to 1300 metres in height, which cover more than
280 sq. km. There are around 70 hairpin bends that take tourists to the top of
the hill. Moreover, the hills are part of the discontinuous Eastern
Ghats.
The
Kolli hills are featured in several works of classical Tamil literature such as
Silappathikaram, Manimekalai, Purananuru and Ainkurnuru. The region was
ruled by Valvil Ori around 200 A.D., who is praised as one of the seven great
philanthropists of ancient Tamil Nadu.
The hills are also known
for many fatal diseases such as malaria, which has led to them being called
"Kolli Malli", the "Mountains of Death".
Kolli Hills is a major
mountain range and is an outline of the Eastern Ghats. It is eighteen miles (28
Kilometers) long (north south) twelve miles (19 Kilometers) wide (east/west)
and the Kolli Block covers 441.4 square kilo meters. It falls within the
following coordinates: - Rest Longitude 78º 17'05" to 78º 27'45" and
North Latitude 11º 55' 05" to 11º 21'10".
The name Kolli Malai
refers to the mountain's once hostile nature; the unsuspecting and
unaccamatised aliens, attracted by natural beauty. Viewed from plains of
Namakkal the mountain appears as a flat-topped mass. The mountain has been
inhabitated from prehistoric times. It is much celebrated in the Tamil
Literature of the Sangam period; at least eleven poets mention it in their
poems.
It is also believed that
Chanakya, the author of Arthashastra was born in this area before he had
migrated to the North India to pursue education at Takshashila.
The
destination can be visited any time of the year, except for the monsoon season
when there is a danger of landslide due to heavy rainfall.
Cultivation of Jack
Fruit, Guvava, Hill Banana, Pineapple, Pepper, Coffee, Cardamom, topioca, honey
and rice are the main agricultural activities.
For the convenience of
the tourists the Panchayat Union has constructed six cottages at Semmedu. At
near Arapaleeswarar Temple a Youth Hostel is also available which could
accommodate up to 30 persons. This could also be used as a training center. An
excellent lawn and a rose garden greet the visitors.
The inmates can avail the
tasty Kolli hills food supplied from the canteen run by the Women Self Help
Group. All these accommodations are available for rent from the Commissioner,
Kollimalai Panchayat Union, and Semmedu (Phone No. 04286 247425). Apart from
these at present two private lodges with boarding facilities are
available.
By
Air
The
nearest airport situated at Trichy, which is around 90 km from Kolli Hills.
Prepaid taxis are available from this airport to reach the destination.
By
Train
Salem
Railway Station is the nearest railhead.
By
Bus
Direct
buses are available from the outside of the railway station for Kolli Hills.
