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Kolli Hills also known as Kolli Malai is a small mountain range nestled in heart of Tamil Nadu in the district of Namakkal. It is situated at an elevation of 1000 to 1300 m above the sea level and is sprawled over an area of 280 sq km.
A visitor has to pass through 70 hairpin bends to reach at the summit of the hills. Kolli Malai forms a component of the Eastern Ghats, running corresponding to the eastern coast of South India. The mountains are unmarked by the commercial tourism. Kolli hills experiences a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year. The productive compartment in Namakkal district possesses exotic tropical fruits and medicinal plants grow in abundance.
Kolli Hills can be traced from the ancient Tamil literature. In the ancient Tamil epics such as Silapadikaram and Manimekalai, there is reference of Kollipavai, the goddess in the sacred copse, who is also deemed to be the protector of the woods here.
In accordance with the references in Tamil Sangam literature, Kolli Hills was once ruled by the generous and heroic King Ori, who stayed in here for sometime during 200 A.D. The region comprises 18 nadus (villages) including the present Rasipuram and Senthamangalam, were under his reign. His time was the most prosperous, as far as these hills were concerned with the affluence of paddy, millets and spices that grew abundantly.
The place just has 16 quaint little tribal villages that once composed the hill kingdom of Ori. There is a natural charm in the lap of the hills which is still in existence. This makes a perfect holiday miles away from the maddening crowds.
Kolli Malai is a great option for nature lovers, trekking clubs, hiking enthusiasts and meditation practitioners among hill stations in the state of Tamil Nadu.
The Namakkal district administration has developed a botanical garden, Cave house, Boat house and a new waterfalls called Masila Falls, which attracts the visitors over here. There is also a festival celibrated here called “Ori festival”.
There is another attraction that grabs the interest of the visitors and that is Arapaleeswarar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kollipavai temple is located in one of the 15 sacred groves here and can be approached only on foot.
The Kollimalai is a sub taluk and becomes a part of Namakkal district. The headquarters for Kolli hill is Semmedu adjoined by road to Salem and Namakkal.