What makes a bike trip to Kolli Hills iconic is the sheer frequency of its turns.

By Ajit Brar

You’ve tracked the sheer vertical drop-offs of the Himalayas and cruised the salt-washed corners of the Konkan coast. But if you want to test your pure cornering stamina, lean angles, and rapid-fire gear transitions on a tight, continuous loop of asphalt, it’s time to point your front tire toward Kolli Hills (Kolli Malai) in Tamil Nadu.

Famously dubbed the “Mountain of Death”—partly due to ancient local folklore surrounding a guardian deity, and partly due to its unforgiving road layout—this offbeat mountain range is a dream destination for motorcyclists. Unlike commercialized hill stations, Kolli Hills remains wonderfully raw, giving travel vloggers and adventure seekers a pure, uncrowded playground to capture some incredible riding footage.

Rising to an altitude of around 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) in the Namakkal district, the true magic of the Kolli Hills road trip begins at the Karavalli forest checkpost at the base. From here, you have exactly 26 kilometers of unrelenting switchbacks up to the central hilltop village of Semmedu.

What makes a bike trip to Kolli Hills iconic is the sheer frequency of its turns. This isn’t a long, drawn-out hill climb where you can settle into a cruising gear. The Kolli Hills Ghat Road (MDR181) throws 70 continuous hairpin bends at you in a single, short mountain section.

The switchbacks are numbered sequentially from 1 to 70. As you climb higher, the air shifts from hot and humid plains to a crisp, misty chill. The physical effort required to continuously flick your bike left and right while maintaining steady throttle control makes reaching the 70th bend incredibly satisfying.

Once you clear the final bend and arrive at the plateau, the landscape opens up into a peaceful agricultural haven filled with pineapple plantations, jackfruit orchards, and dense forests.

1. Agaya Gangai Waterfalls

Translating to “Ganges of the Sky,” this spectacular 300-foot waterfall cascades down a sheer cliff in a hidden valley of the mountain range.

The Stairmaster Challenge: Reaching this waterfall is a legendary workout. You have to descend (and eventually climb back up) roughly 1,000 to 1,200 steep stone steps. It is physically exhausting but the cold, natural water massage at the bottom is worth every ounce of sweat.

2. Arappaleeswarar Temple

Located right at the entrance of the Agaya Gangai trail, this ancient Shiva temple dates back to the Sangam period (over 1,800 years ago). It holds deep historical and architectural significance, featuring intricate stone carvings and a serene spiritual energy.

3. Seekuparai & Selur Viewpoints

For panoramic views of the entire valley below, ride out to these government-maintained vantage points. They feature small watchtowers that are perfect for catching a breathtaking sunset or setting up a tripod for cinematic time-lapse shots.

4. Masila Falls

If your legs are too sore from the Agaya Gangai trek, Masila Falls is a much gentler, easily accessible alternative. It’s smaller, family-friendly, and lets you park your motorcycle right near the water’s edge.

Because Kolli Hills isn’t crowded with luxury resorts or heavy tourist commercialization, a successful ride depends entirely on solid preparation.

• Watch for the Blind Spots: The road is a two-lane mountain highway, but local government buses and heavy trucks often take up the entire width of the narrow hairpin corners. Honk aggressively before entering every single bend and stay strictly on your side of the lane.
• Prep for the Waterfall Trek: Do not attempt the climb down to Agaya Gangai in heavy, leather riding boots or a textile riding jacket. Change into comfortable walking shoes and light clothes at the top, and carry small sips of water.
• Book Your Stay in Advance: Options for a premium Kolli Hills resort or budget homestays are limited at the top in Semmedu. Avoid arriving late in the evening without a booking, as options are scarce and local shops close early.
• Sample the Local Produce: The mountain is famous for its organic agriculture. Make sure to try the fresh, mountain-grown pineapples, jackfruit, and locally harvested wild pepper and honey sold by roadside vendors.
• Best Time to Visit: The ideal window is right after the monsoon, from September to December. The waterfalls are roaring, the hills are intensely green, and a thick blanket of morning fog drapes over the roads, making the ride even more magical.

The Guwahati to Tawang ride tests your high-altitude limits, and the Mumbai to Goa highway rewards you with coastal ease—but a ride to Kolli Hills is a concentrated dose of absolute riding focus. Pack your gear, tune your brakes, and go conquer the 70 loops!

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