Kolli Hills

Kolli Hills is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, rising to about 1,300 metres. Known for its 70 continuous hairpin bends, dense forests, waterfalls and viewpoints, it is a nature and pilgrimage destination. The range is noted for the Arapaleeswarar Temple, Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, botanical garden and trekking trails, offering a cooler climate and panoramic views over the surrounding plains.

Visitors can expect a forested mountain range in the Eastern Ghats accessed via 70 hairpin bends, with cool climate, viewpoints over plains, waterfalls, and small villages. Key areas include Agaya Gangai Waterfalls with steep steps, Arapaleeswarar Temple, Botanical Garden, Seekuparai and Selur Nadu viewpoints, and trekking trails through shola forests and coffee and pepper plantations. The area offers nature walks, photography, temple visits and local produce markets.

Kolli Hills is mentioned in early Tamil Sangam literature and is associated with the legend of Kolli Pavai, the guardian deity of the hills. The Arapaleeswarar Temple is attributed to the Chola period and reflects the region's long-standing religious and agricultural history in the Eastern Ghats.

The hills are culturally significant as the abode of Kolli Pavai and as a centre associated with Siddhars in Tamil tradition. The Arapaleeswarar Temple is an important Shaivite pilgrimage site, and the area is known for traditional cultivation of pepper, coffee, pineapple and tapioca by local communities.