Kolli Hills Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Kolli Hills

Arapaleeswarar Temple is largely believed to have been constructed in the 1st or 2nd century AD by Valvil Ori during his rule, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located at Periakoviloor, it is in the vicinity of the splendid Akasa Gangai waterfall. Inscriptions dating back to the Chola period have been found at the temple according to experts in the field. Another important historical monument unearthed here is a megalithic burial site. A secret path to the Lord Shiva temple at Rasipuram is thought to exist at Arapaleeswarar Temple. The Shivalinga in the temple was found by a farmer, according to legend. While ploughing, the farmer accidently hit the Shivalinga, and the structure started to bleed.

It is said that the small wound on the Shivalinga is visible to this day.

Seekuparai and Selur Nadu refer to two viewpoints that are being developed by the government in an effort to promote tourism in Kolli Hills. Extremely low pollution coupled with considerably high privacy, due to a lack of awareness regarding the viewpoints, make Seekuparai and Selur Nadu an ideal place to visit and unwind. Trekking, boating and meditation are some of the more popular activities carried out here whilst visitors might also enjoy simply idle gazing at the serene natural scenery. Trekking is not recommended for those with health complaints as it can be quite a strain and carrying water at all times is necessary.

A pineapple research farm is also maintained by the government here and is worth visiting. Many hybrid varieties of pineapples are created and preserved here. Research into medicinal plants is also carried out in nearby areas.

Agaya Gangai refers to a multi-tiered waterfall of the river Aiyaru that cascades down from a height of 300 feet. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Agaya Gangai waterfall is located nearby the Arapaleeswarar Temple. A set of steps that are more than a thousand in number exist from the temple to the bottom of the waterfall. The steep nature of these steps make both the descent and ascent quite tiring, and people who get winded easily or those who have health problems are advised to take an extremely slow approach. A couple of viewpoints are present on the way and offer a spot to relax for tourists.

Agaya Gangai literally translates to Ganges of the sky and the view from the top is breathtaking. Tourists are advised to be on the watch for slippery rocks close to the waterfall while witnessing its grandeur from up close.

Timings: 7 am – 5 pm

Masila Falls is a medium-sized waterfalls that is a popular destination for families holidaying together due to its visually appealing nature. The falls are 200 feet in height. A concrete pathway that extends right upto the waterfalls exists and an improvised parking spot has been set-up in recent times for the benefit of tourists. This is a place where tourists love to shower in the refreshing waters of the falls. At the top of Masila Falls, Masi Periyasamy Temple is located.

The view from near the temple is enchanting and the lush greenery that surrounds the waterfalls adds to the feeling of being in another world altogether. This pristine location is another one of Kolli Hills that is largely untouched by commercialism.

The Swami Pranavananda Ashram is located close to the Vilavam town in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. Situated away from human habitation, the ashram has an aura of total divinity and peace. The hills surrounding the ashram are maintained unofficially by the ashram staff that look to prevent any sort of pollution via dumping of plastic, smoking and/or other means. Breaking of tree branches and plucking of flowers are also frowned upon. Pranavananda Brahmendra Avadhuta Swamigal presides over the ashram and is a Frenchman by birth.

It said that the Swamiji had a clear vision of Lord Shiva during penance and built a temple dedicated to the god. Community work including cleaning, cooking, gardening and the like, spiritual discussions and meditation are some of the activities carried out daily in the ashram.