Kolli Hills One Day Trip from Bangalore – Solo Budget Travel Guide

 Kolli Hills One Day Trip from Bangalore – Solo Budget Travel Guide

Introduction 

If you are looking for a refreshing weekend getaway from Bangalore without taking office leave, Kolli Hills is the perfect choice. Famous for its 70 hairpin bends, Agaya Gangai waterfalls, herbal soups, and peaceful atmosphere, it is one of the best places for a quick solo adventure.

I recently did a solo one-day trip from Bangalore to Kolli Hills on a budget, using only trains and buses. In this guide, I’ll share my exact experience, travel tips, itinerary, and costs so that you can plan your own trip easily.

My Journey from Bangalore to Kolli Hills

Evening Departure from Bangalore

My journey began on Saturday evening. I took the SMVT Bengaluru – Nagercoil Express at 5:15 pm and reached Salem Junction at 9:55 pm. Salem station is lively, with many shops just opposite the exit. I had a simple dinner (dosa for ₹60) before heading back to the railway waiting room.

Since sleep is important for a long trip, I bought a platform ticket and rested there until 2:20 am. My plan was to catch the Palakkad Express at 2:40 am to Namakkal. This is the smart route if you want to reach Kolli Hills early in the morning.

Reaching Namakkal and the Bus to Kolli Hills

I reached Namakkal Railway Station at 3:30 am. The station has been renovated recently and looks neat and modern compared to last year. A bus was already waiting outside, which dropped me at Namakkal Bus Stand.

From there, frequent buses (every 30 minutes) go to Kolli Hills. Look for buses with “Arapaleeswarar Koil” written on them. I boarded the 5:30 am bus, which stopped for tea before entering the ghat road.

The famous 70 hairpin bends started soon after the Kolli arch. The ride felt like a mini roller coaster with twists and turns through the misty mountains. By 7:20 am, I reached the final stop near the waterfalls.

Exploring Kolli Hills

Entry & First Impressions

At the entry gate, I paid ₹30 for the ticket. They also check bags for plastic bottles – if you carry one, you must pay a ₹20 deposit, which is refunded when you return it.

From here, it’s about a 30-minute downward walk with steps leading to the Agaya Gangai waterfalls. The walk itself is scenic, with beautiful views of the Eastern Ghats. If you love photography, charge your gadgets because every turn is worth capturing.

Agaya Gangai Waterfalls – The Highlight

When I reached the bottom, I was stunned. The Agaya Gangai waterfalls is one of the most gigantic falls I have ever seen, dropping from nearly 300 feet. The force of the water was thrilling – like a natural body massage. I even tasted the water, and it was refreshing and pure.

After spending time inside the water, the return climb was a real challenge since it’s all upwards. Many visitors found it exhausting, but since I’ve done several treks before, I managed by climbing 150 steps at a time, resting, and repeating until I reached the top.

Herbal Soup & Shopping

Back near the entrance, I tried the famous Mudavattukal Kilangu herbal soup, unique to Kolli Hills. It was so good that I had it three times! There are also many shops selling Ayurvedic soap, spices, raw honey, and jackfruit products.

For breakfast, I had a simple meal for ₹50.

Arapaleeswarar Temple

At 12:20 pm, I visited the Arapaleeswarar Temple, just a short walk from the waterfalls. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is peaceful and filled with positive energy.

Namakkal Rock Fort – Evening Plan

At 1:30 pm, I took a bus back to Namakkal and reached the bus stand by 3:40 pm. After lunch for ₹90, I walked about 1 km to the Namakkal Rock Fort, built in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak.

   

The climb is not very steep, and at the top, you get a stunning panoramic view of the entire Namakkal city. The cool breeze and peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect place to relax. I even took a short nap there until evening.

Return Journey to Bangalore

At 9:00 pm, I boarded a train from Namakkal to Salem and then caught the SMVT Bengaluru Express at 11:25 pm. By 4:00 am on Sunday, I was back in Bangalore – refreshed, happy, and ready for office on Monday without taking a single leave.

Trip Budget 

*Train tickets (Bangalore–Salem–Namakkal–  Bangalore): ₹400

*Bus fares: ₹200

*Food & snacks: ₹250

*Entry fees: ₹30

Miscellaneous (soups, shopping, etc.): ₹150

Total: ₹1,000 (approx.)

Conclusion

A Kolli Hills one-day trip from Bangalore is the perfect weekend escape for nature lovers, solo travellers, and budget backpackers. From the thrilling hairpin bends to the powerful waterfalls and peaceful temples, every moment was worth it.

If you’re looking for a short yet memorable journey, Kolli Hills should be on your travel list. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and follow my blog for more travel experiences!

FAQs 

1. How many hairpin bends are there in Kolli Hills?

There are 70 hairpin bends, making the ride thrilling and unique.

2. Is Kolli Hills safe for a solo traveller?

Yes, it is safe, especially if you use public transport and travel during the day.

3. How much does a one-day trip to Kolli Hills cost?

Around ₹800–₹1200 depending on transport, food, and activities.

4. What is the best time to visit Kolli Hills?

October to March is best for pleasant weather. Monsoons (July–September) are ideal for waterfalls but the roads may be slippery.

5. What are the must-visit places in Kolli Hills?

Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arapaleeswarar Temple, herbal soup stalls, and Namakkal Rock Fort.

Previous Solo Adventures from Bangalore:

Before you continue exploring, check out my first solo trip:

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