Kolli Hills or Kolli Malai (கொல்லி மலை) is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu in Namakkal district. The mountains are about 1000 to 1300 m in height and cover an area of approximately 280 km². The Kolli Hills has 70 hair pin bends to reach the top of the hills. The Kolli Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, which is a mountain range that runs mostly parallel to the east coast of South India. The mountains are relatively untouched by commercial tourism and still retain their natural beauty.
Origin of the name
These mountains were sometimes known as “Kolli Malai”, the “Mountains of Death”. The reason is that early literature records the existence of an image called Kollippavai (கொல்லிப்பாவை) on top of these hills. This image was believed to represent the spirit of a maiden who lured wayfarers by her beauty and then killed them.
Historical References
Water falls in Kolli Hills
The Kolli Hills are featured in several works of classical Tamil literature such as Silappathigaram, Manimekalai, Puranaanuru and Aingurunuru. 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. His valor and marksmanship are sung by several poets, and his exploits are a popular part of folklore. Ori is said to have killed a lion, bear, deer and a boar with a single arrow.
The hills are said to be guarded by Kollipavai, the local deity. 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. The KolliPavai hills is still worshipped by the people here and her smile is revered. The mountains have several mythological legends associated with them, and often come across as an eerie place in contemporary tales due to the unexplored and less traveled terrain.
Infrastructure
The Kollihills is a sub taluk and forms a part of Namakkal district. Semmedu is the headquarters for the Kolli hills and Semmedu is connected by road to Namakkal and Salem via Kalappanaickenpatti. Nowadays the Bus service is provided up to Arappalishwarar Temple. BSNL (earlier DOT) established the first Telecommunication networks (LDPCO) in 1977 and after wards the Telecom facilities are continuously expanded depending upon the requirements at Kolli hills.
There is also one Horse track used by the Britishers connecting Semmedu to Chinna Pallamparai at plains through Vasalur nadu.
Farming and Vegetation
Kolli Hills forest
Apart from its historical significance, the mountains are covered with evergreen forests, but increasing areas of forests have been cleared for farming. Important farm products of the mountain ranges include coffee, tea, jackfruit, pineapple, black pepper and other spices. Rice and other minor millets form the staple food of the tribal people who inhabit these mountains. The jackfruit grown on these mountains is well known for its taste and fragrance and is often soaked in wild honey that is also harvested from these mountains. The mountains are covered by lush green vegetation in the spring and monsoon, and are streaked with streams which add to the natural beauty. There are three reserved forests that are controlled by the Government of Tamil Nadu, namely Ariyur Solai, Kundur Nadu, Pulianjolai.
Religious Significance
A serene pond
The mountain is a site of pilgrimage, because of the Arapaleeswarar temple, which is believed to have a secret path to the Shiva temple in Rasipuram. This Shiva temple is said to have been built by Valvil Ori in the 1st or 2nd century when he ruled this area. “Arappaleeswara sathakam” is the poem which praises the Lord Arappaleeswarar. It is believed that this temple exists during the Sangam period itself.
Tourism
Two viewpoints – one at Seekuparai and another at Selur Nadu – are being developed to encourage tourism. As of 2007, creation of a park and formation of an approach road to the Seekuparai viewpoint were nearing completion.The government maintains a pineapple research farm where hybrid varieties are created. Research about medicinal plants is also pursued on these mountains.The government holds a tourism festival in August.
Kolli Hills has been the top choice for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, trekking clubs and meditation practitioners among hill stations in Tamil Nadu. In comparison to other hill stations in Tamil Nadu, Kolli Hills is not commercialized, less polluted and offers unique mountain ranges. The district administration has recently developed a botanical garden, Boat house, Cave house, New waterfalls called Masila Falls. The administration also celebrated “Ori festival” with lot of cultural events.
Accommodation
There are few Resorts/Lodges that are available. A well known resort called “Nallathambi Resorts” has been operating for the last 15 years. It is situated in the highest point of the hills and offers medium and high end budget accommodations. Recently it underwent a thorough renovation/refurbishing.
“Panchayath Union Cottages” provides very low cost accomodation, it is owned my goverment of tamilnadu
“Arrow Mansion” is Located Near Semmedu Bus stand, which is the heart of Kolli Hills. Arrow Mansion is very economic and adjecent to Busstand.
“Wild Orchid Camp” near the Petrol Bunk, has 6 Swiss tents besides the Muthankulam lake. in Semmedu. The camp provides comfortable bath attached accommodation suitable for families and adventure groups alike.
“PA Holiday Inn” is the most preferred star resort located in semmedu providing quality services in kolli hills, operating for more than 15 years. They provide wide range of accommodation options both for family (small, medium or large) and groups (Corporate or private – any size).
Kolli Hills Hotels List & Namakkal Hotels List
Visit www.Easyinfo.in Travel guide
Kolli Hills and Surrounding Places
Under the foot hills of the Kolli Hills there are so many Small and Big Towns existing. From these places the Kolli Hills is visible in a panoramic view and the climatic conditions of these places is influenced by the climatic conditions of the Kolli Hills. Following are the few Towns surrounding the Kolli Hills: — Namakkal, Sendamangalam, Kalappanaiyakkan Patti, Belu Kurichi, SingalandaPuram, Rasipuram, Namagiri Pettai, Thammam Patti, Thuraiyur, Pulianjolai, Thathaiyankar Pettai and all these places are well connected by frequent bus services.
People of Kolli Hills come down by foot with their produces to the foot hills of Kolli Hills and they sell their produces and go back after buying their required materials. This type of activities take place in few places like, Karavalli, Belu kurichi, Thammampatti, Pulionjolai. People from various surrounding places of Tamil Nadu come to Belu Kurichi to buy the products of Kolli Hills.
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