Kolli Hills Travel Guide: Routes, Transport & Tips
Kolli Hills, also known as Kollimalai, is a mountain range in the Eastern Ghats tucked inside Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, rising to around 1,300 metres above sea level. Its relative remoteness is exactly what has kept it green, quiet and free of the crowds you find at more commercial hill stations. But that same remoteness means travellers often have questions about how to reach Kolli Hills, which route to take, and what to expect on the way up. This Kolli Hills travel guide covers every practical detail, from the nearest airports and railway stations to the legendary 70 hairpin bends, so your journey to MS Lotus Resorts & Inn is as smooth as the stay itself.
How to Reach Kolli Hills by Air and Rail
The nearest airport to Kolli Hills is Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) International Airport, while Salem Airport is also within reasonable driving distance. From either airport, the journey continues by road. For those travelling by train, Salem Junction is the most convenient major railway station, well connected to Chennai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru and other major cities, with Namakkal railway station also serving as an alternative. From Salem or Namakkal, private taxis and state transport buses run regularly towards the base of the hills, from where the climb to Kolli Hills begins.
Road Routes: How to Reach Kolli Hills from Major Cities
By road, Kolli Hills sits roughly 200 km from Coimbatore, around 360 km from Chennai, and about 4 to 5 hours by car from Bengaluru. The most common approach is via Namakkal, taking the Namakkal–Sendamangalam–Karavalli route before the climb begins at Karavalli. Travellers coming from Salem often go via Rasipuram and Belukurichi, while those from Attur can take the Thammampatti–Mullukurichi–Semmedu route. Whichever direction you start from, nearly every route eventually funnels into the base point of Karavalli, where the real adventure of the ghat road begins.
The Kolli Hills 70 Hairpin Bends Route
No Kolli Hills travel guide is complete without discussing its most famous feature: the ghat road with 70 continuous hairpin bends, stretching over roughly 27 to 30 km from the base at Karavalli to the hilltop village of Semmedu. This is considered one of the highest numbers of consecutive hairpin bends on any hill road in Tamil Nadu, and it is a major draw for bikers and road-trip enthusiasts. The road is well-paved in most stretches, but the sheer number of turns means the drive up takes close to an hour even without stops. Each bend is numbered, so you always know exactly how far you have climbed, and several offer wide, scenic viewpoints worth a brief stop.
Bus and Public Transport Options
For travellers who prefer not to drive, Tamil Nadu State Transport buses connect Kolli Hills to Namakkal, Salem and Attur, with Namakkal acting as the main gateway with the highest frequency of daily services. Buses from Salem typically route via Rasipuram and Belukurichi, while those from Attur pass through Thammampatti and Mullukurichi before reaching Semmedu. Private taxis are also readily available at Salem, Namakkal and Trichy for those who want a more flexible, direct journey straight to their resort.
Reaching MS Lotus Resorts & Inn
MS Lotus Resorts & Inn is located on the Semmedu–Neduvalampatty Main Road, positioned conveniently just after the final stretch of the 70 hairpin bends. This means that once you complete the climb, the resort is easy to find with straightforward road access, without any further off-road detours. Its location near the petrol bunk, local shopping areas and major tourist spots such as Agaya Gangai Waterfalls and Arapaleeswarar Temple makes it a practical base whether you arrive by private car, taxi or state bus.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
Since the ghat road involves 70 continuous hairpin bends, it is best to avoid driving up after dark and to keep a moderate, steady speed throughout. Fill your fuel tank before starting the climb, as options on the hill itself are limited. Keep the car windows slightly open on winding stretches if anyone is prone to motion sickness, and carry water and light snacks for the drive. Weekends and long holidays see heavier traffic on the bends, so an early morning start is usually the most comfortable option.
Wrapping Up
Knowing how to reach Kolli Hills in advance turns what could be a confusing drive into one of the most memorable parts of the trip. With the right route planned and a comfortable base like MS Lotus Resorts & Inn waiting at the top, the 70 hairpin bends become less of a challenge and more of an adventure.
