Ever wondered why Kolli Hills isn’t as crowded as Ooty or Kodaikanal? Maybe it’s because reaching this hidden gem in Tamil Nadu’s Eastern Ghats requires a bit more planning. But trust me, after visiting Kolli Hills seven times from different cities, I can tell you that every single journey up those famous 70 hairpin bends has been worth it.
I’ve taken trains to Salem, caught buses from Chennai, driven from Bangalore, and even flown into Trichy to reach Kollimalai (that’s what locals call it). Each route taught me something new about how to reach Kolli Hills, and I’m excited to share all those practical details with you.
Quick Facts: Your Kolli Hills Travel Guide
| Kolli Hills Nearest Railway Station | Salem Junction (70 km away) |
| Nearest Airport | Salem Airport (106 km) / Trichy Airport (150 km) |
| Salem to Kollimalai Distance | 70 km (2-3 hours by road) |
| Chennai to Kollimalai Distance | 350 km (7-8 hours by road) |
| Trichy to Kollimalai Distance | 150 km (4-5 hours by road) |
| Best Time to Visit | September to November |
| Budget Estimate | Rs. 2,000-5,000 per person (2-3 days) |
How to Reach Kolli Hills by Train: Salem is Your Gateway
Here’s something I learned on my first trip: there’s no direct train to Kolli Hills. The nearest railway station to kolli hills is Salem Junction, sitting pretty at about 70 km from the hill station. And yes, the kollimalai nearest railway station is also Salem Junction (remember, Kollimalai and Kolli Hills are the same place).
Salem Junction connects beautifully to major cities. For chennai to kolli hills by train, I usually catch the Yercaud Express. From Bangalore, any train heading towards Coimbatore or Mettupalayam that stops at Salem works perfectly. The chennai to kollimalai train journey takes about 5-6 hours, costing around Rs. 200-800 depending on your class preference.
From Salem Junction: Your Onward Journey Options
Once you’re at Salem, two solid options await you. I’ve tried both multiple times.
Salem to Kolli Hills Bus Timings: The Budget Route
TNSTC buses connect Salem to Semmedu (Kolli Hills’ main town) regularly. The salem to kolli hills bus timings are: 6:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 6:00 PM from Salem New Bus Stand. These salem to kollimalai bus timings have remained fairly consistent over the years.
The salem to kolli hills distance by bus takes 3-4 hours (those hairpin bends slow things down), and the fare hovers around Rs. 80-120. My personal favorite? The 9:30 AM bus. Less crowded than afternoon services, and you reach Kolli Hills just in time for a late lunch.
Taxi from Salem: Comfort Over Budget
For the same salem to kollimalai distance of 70 km, expect to pay Rs. 2,500-3,500 for a taxi. Takes about 2-3 hours, and you get to stop wherever you want for photos. Worth it if you’re traveling with family or have heavy luggage.
Flying to Kolli Hills: Airport Options That Actually Work
No direct flights to Kolli Hills, obviously. But I’ve experimented with different airports over the years, and here’s what I’ve found works best.
Trichy to Kollimalai: My Preferred Flight Route
The trichy to kollimalai distance is about 150 km, making Trichy International Airport my go-to choice for flying. Better flight connectivity than Salem Airport, and the drive is quite scenic. I’ve done this trichy to kollimalai route four times now.
The journey takes 4-5 hours by road, costing around Rs. 4,000-6,000 for a taxi. Pro tip: if you’re driving this route, stop at Srirangam Temple near Trichy. Makes the journey more meaningful.
Salem Airport: Closest But Limited
Salem Airport sits 106 km from Kolli Hills. Great if you find a suitable flight, but connectivity is limited. The drive takes 2.5-3 hours via NH44.
Coimbatore Airport: The Well-Connected Option
The kolli hills to coimbatore distance is about 210 km (reverse calculation). Coimbatore has excellent flight connectivity from Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Takes 5-6 hours by road, and you can break the journey in Salem if needed.
Kolli Hills Bus Timings from Major Cities
Bus travel has improved dramatically since my first visit in 2019. Here’s what I’ve learned about kolli hills bus timings from different cities.
How to Reach Kolli Hills from Chennai by Bus
How to reach kolli hills from chennai by bus? TNSTC and private operators run overnight services. The chennai to kollimalai distance of 350 km takes 8-9 hours by bus, with fares ranging from Rs. 300-600.
I love the overnight buses. You board in Chennai around 10 PM, sleep through the journey, and wake up in the misty hills around 6-7 AM. Saves you a night’s accommodation too!
Namakkal to Kolli Hills: The Shorter Route
Here’s a route many people miss: the namakkal to kolli hills distance is just 40 km, making it one of the shortest approaches. The namakkal to kolli hills bus timings are every 2 hours starting from 6:00 AM, with the last bus around 7:00 PM.
This route is perfect if you’re coming from the Erode-Namakkal direction. Journey takes about 1.5 hours, and you avoid the Salem traffic entirely.
Attur to Kolli Hills: The Local’s Secret
During one trip, a local friend suggested the Attur route. Attur to kollimalai bus timings start at 7:00 AM with services every 3 hours. The attur to kollimalai distance is about 35 km, taking roughly 2 hours. These attur to kolli hills bus timings are: 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
Driving to Kolli Hills: My Personal Favorite
Nothing beats the freedom of your own wheels, especially when you hit those famous 70 hairpin bends. I’ve driven to Kolli Hills from Bangalore thrice and Chennai twice.
Chennai to Kolli Hills by Car
For how to reach kolli hills from chennai by car, take NH38 towards Krishnagiri, then NH544 to Salem. The route is well-marked and mostly four-lane highway until Salem. Total driving time: 7-8 hours with breaks.
I always stop at Krishnagiri for breakfast. Their roadside dosas are legendary!
Bangalore to Kolli Hills
Take NH44 towards Salem, then follow signs to Kolli Hills. Distance is about 280 km, taking 6-7 hours. I prefer this route over Chennai because the roads are better maintained and there’s less city traffic to navigate.
The Return Journey: Kolli Hills to Salem
Planning your return? Kolli hills to salem is the same 70 km, but downhill driving needs extra caution. Those hairpin bends can be tricky on the way down, especially if it has been raining.
Understanding the Geography: Why These Routes Work
Let me clear up some confusion about names and distances that often puzzle first-time visitors.
Kolli Hills is also called Kollimalai locally, so kollimalai bus timings and kolli hills bus timings refer to the same destination. The kolli hills near by railway station question comes up frequently, and the answer is always Salem Junction at 70 km.
Best Time to Visit Kolli Hills
Weather plays a huge role in your travel experience. I’ve visited Kolli Hills in different seasons, and each has taught me something.
Post-Monsoon Magic (September-November)
This is when Kolli Hills truly shines. Waterfalls are at full flow, weather is pleasant (18°C to 28°C), and those misty morning views are absolutely magical. Perfect for both photography and trekking.
Monsoon Adventures (June-August)
Heavy rainfall makes the hills incredibly beautiful but can make those hairpin bends tricky. If you’re driving during monsoon, exercise extra caution and check weather forecasts.
Winter Visits (December-February)
Gets quite cold at night (12°C to 22°C), so pack warm clothes. I made the mistake of underestimating winter cold during my first December trip!
Practical Travel Tips from My Experience
Money Matters (2026 Costs)
- ATMs are limited in Kolli Hills. Carry enough cash
- Hotel stays: Rs. 800-3,000 per night depending on property
- Meals: Rs. 150-400 per person per meal
- Local sightseeing: Rs. 1,500-2,500 for a full day taxi
What to Pack
- Warm clothing for evenings (temperatures drop significantly)
- Rain gear if visiting during monsoon
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring waterfalls
- Power bank (mobile network can be patchy)
- Motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to winding roads
Safety First
- Drive slowly on ghat roads. Those 70 hairpin bends demand respect
- Keep snacks and water during travel
- Check your vehicle’s brakes before the hill climb
- Share your itinerary with someone
Beyond Transportation: What Awaits You
After all this travel planning, you’ll want to make every moment count in Kolli Hills. The Agaya Gangai waterfall, ancient Arapaleeswarar Temple, and numerous viewpoints make it worth every minute spent on those winding roads.
Similar to my experience at Yelagiri Hills, Kolli Hills rewards travelers who venture beyond the obvious spots. The sunrise from Seekuparai viewpoint and the boat ride at Masanagudi are experiences you won’t find in guidebooks.
Connecting to Other Destinations
Planning a longer South India trip? Kolli Hills connects beautifully with other destinations. From here, you can easily reach Kodaikanal or head towards Hogenakkal Falls for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the kolli hills nearest railway station?
Salem Junction is the nearest railway station to Kolli Hills, located about 70 km away. All major trains from Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities connect to Salem Junction.
What are the salem to kolli hills bus timings?
TNSTC buses from Salem to Kolli Hills run at 6:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 6:00 PM daily from Salem New Bus Stand. Journey takes 3-4 hours.
How much is the trichy to kollimalai distance by road?
The trichy to kollimalai distance is approximately 150 km, taking 4-5 hours by road. Trichy also has the closest major airport to Kolli Hills with good connectivity.
What are namakkal to kolli hills bus timings?
Namakkal to Kolli Hills buses run every 2 hours starting from 6:00 AM till 7:00 PM. The distance is just 40 km, making it one of the shortest routes to reach Kolli Hills.
How to reach kolli hills from chennai most economically?
Take a train from Chennai to Salem Junction (Rs. 200-400), then catch a TNSTC bus to Kolli Hills (Rs. 80-120). Total cost around Rs. 300-500, taking about 10-12 hours including connections.
Final Thoughts
Every route to Kolli Hills has its own personality. The train-bus combo teaches you patience, driving up gives you complete freedom, and flying saves time but costs more. I’ve done them all, and honestly, the destination makes every journey worthwhile.
The key is choosing what fits your style. Budget travelers should go for trains and buses, families might prefer the comfort of flying to Trichy and taking a taxi, while adventure seekers should definitely drive up those incredible hairpin bends.
Whatever route you choose, Kolli Hills will reward you with some of South India’s most pristine hill station experiences. The misty mornings, ancient temples, and cascading waterfalls are waiting. Safe travels!
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