A Relaxing Weekend at Kolli Hills

Last weekend, my friends and I from Coimbatore took a much-awaited trip to Kolli Hills. Our journey began early Saturday, August 23. In Thindal, we picked up one friend and stopped for breakfast at Vilvam Restaurant, a recommendation from my friend. The meal was a perfect start to the trip.

Our next stop was Namakal, where we visited the Hanuman Temple and met a few local friends. The darshan was peaceful, and afterward, we were warmly welcomed into my local friend's home. It was my first visit, and I was delighted by the hospitality. His wife prepared fresh, piping-hot ulundu vadas with chutney, which were so delicious that she kindly packed some for our journey ahead.

Renowned for its towering, open-air idol of Lord Hanuman (Anjaneyar)

From Namakal, we continued to Kolli Hills, all five of us together. We reached the guest house around 1:30 pm, and it immediately impressed us with its neatness and beautiful surroundings. The view of the nearby waterfall from the guest house added to the charm.

Lunch was simple but delightful—hot fish fry packed fresh, with a huge number of fish fries. We couldn't finish it and completed it during dinner, which everyone enjoyed with drinks and lively conversation. The afternoon passed with more treats: local fruits like pineapple slices sprinkled with salt and chili, sweet and mouthwatering jackfruit, and soft, delicious bananas. We spent the time chatting about life, politics, and the local spices, feeling completely relaxed in the serene environment.

Later in the day, we headed to Massila Falls, just a ten-minute walk from the guest house. The waterfalls were refreshing, and one of my friend couldn’t resist spending a long time under the cascading water.

Refreshing time at Massila Falls – a perfect spot to cool off.

On our way back, we tried the healthy Mudavattukal Kilangu (Oak Fern Root) Soup—a unique and nourishing experience.

Enjoying the famous Oak Fern Root Soup at a local shop.

Dinner at the guest house was a treat: hot Onion Uttapam, Chapathi with chicken gravy, sambar, chutney, and tomato-onion chutney. We ended the day talking late into the night, completely satisfied with the day’s experiences.

Sunday, August 24, started early with coffee delivered to our rooms. After freshening up, we enjoyed a hot breakfast of poori, idly, sambar, chutney, and masala. Energized, we visited the ancient Arappaleeswarar Temple, just a few kilometers away.

Exploring the ancient Arappaleeswarar Temple, rich in history and architecture.

Afterward, we explored the local spice market. The market was fascinating; we learned about various spices and couldn’t resist buying a few to take home.

Colorful spices at Kolli Hills market – a treat for the senses!

A delicious snack arrived at the guest house—a vedakoli (hill chicken) side dish with dry gravy, which was quickly devoured. Lunch at 1:30 pm was equally satisfying, featuring vedakoli gravy, dhal, tasty rasam, cooling buttermilk, and rice. After lunch, we packed our bags and left the guest house, making our way back to Namakal by 6:30 pm. After warm goodbyes to Vmy friends family, we drove back home, arriving around 10:00 pm.

This trip to the Kolli Hills was truly refreshing. It offered the perfect combination of nature, good food, and quality time with friends. Every moment, from the peaceful temple visits to the delicious local meals and the playful waterfalls, left me relaxed and happy. It was a weekend well spent—simple, joyous, and memorable.