Key hubs
Kolli Hills airport and railway station
- Airport
- Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), about 130 to 140 km by road; Salem and Coimbatore are alternatives
- Railway station
- Salem Junction (SA), about 88 km; Namakkal station is about 45 km from the hills
- Getting around
- A hired car or taxi is easiest; local buses run up the hills from Namakkal and Salem. Distances between sights on the plateau are short but roads are narrow.
How to reach Kolli Hills by air
The nearest major airport is Tiruchirappalli (TRZ), about 130 to 140 km by road, followed by a taxi. Salem and Coimbatore are other options; confirm flight availability before planning.
How to reach Kolli Hills by train
Salem Junction (SA) is the main railhead, about 88 km away. Namakkal station is about 45 km from the hills. Take a taxi or bus from either.
How to reach Kolli Hills by road
Three routes are listed by Namakkal district: from Namakkal via Sendamangalam, from Rasipuram via Kallappanaickenpatty and from Salem via Mettala, Mullukurichi and Nariankadu. The final climb from Karavalli has about 70 hairpin bends.
Getting around Kolli Hills
A hired car is easiest for the scattered sights. Buses run up the hills, reportedly as far as the Arapaleeswarar temple. Distances on the plateau are short but roads are narrow; ask your driver about current road conditions.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Kolli Hills
- Take motion-sickness medication before the ghat road and ask the driver to go slowly.
- Carry water, a hat and a light layer; air cools on the plateau.
- Travel in daylight and avoid the ghat road after dark or in heavy rain.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.