Introduction
We crossed off Kolli Hills (Kolli Malai) last of all our list–70 hairpin bends marked with numbers that come up out of the plains about Namakkal and go up to Semmedu on the plateau. We travelled in a 1.2-litre small hatchback with two adults, one child and weekend luggage.
To the point version of the feeling: the ride up is slow and oddly enjoyable in case you enjoy driving, whereas the ride down necessitates your full attention but leaves you with panoramic scenery and the contented, we did it smile. On a little automobile the turns were not that hard–not frightening, at any rate, as long as we kept in low gear and did not hurry.
Getting There and Best Time
- Where: Tamil Nadu, east of Namakkal. The ghat starts near Karavalli/Senthamangalam and hairpins are numbered 1–70 all the way up to Semmedu.
- Best season: October-March for clear views and cooler air. Monsoon (June-September) is lush but can bring fog, wet leaves, and temporary closures after heavy rain. Summer afternoons are warm; mornings and evenings are fine at altitude.
- Driving windows: Start the climb before noon and plan to descend in daylight. Fog builds quickly after late-afternoon showers.
Quick Planner: Distance, Time and Typical Costs
| Bengaluru → Kolli Hills (Semmedu) | 260–300 km, 6–8 hrs | Via Salem–Namakkal; time varies with breaks |
| Chennai → Kolli Hills | 360–400 km, 7–9 hrs | Via Ulundurpet–Attur or Tiruchy–Namakkal |
| Tolls (round trip from Bengaluru) | ₹700–1,050 | Depends on route |
| Fuel cost (small petrol hatch, round trip) | ₹3,200–4,600 | 15–18 km/L assumption |
| Local taxi (8 hrs/80 km on top) | ₹2,200–3,200 | For sightseeing if you park the car |
| Simple meals on top | ₹120–220 per person | Veg messes and tea stalls |
| Parking at viewpoints/temple | ₹20–50 | Informal at most places |
What the 70 Hairpins Actually Feel Like (Climb + Descent)
The climb
- Hairpins are marked and numerous–some in rapid sequence, some with intervals of short interruptions. We were in a small car and we were mostly in 2nd gear with a few tight curves reaching to 1 st gear. On steeper parts, power was sufficient with AC off.
- The road is one-carriage with distinct edges, and no buses and mini-trucks are seen very often. Lay-bys are–pull over and have some air.
- Feelings: You will experience a slight pulling when the valley falls down. Our boy was tallying up; he made the ascent a game, and not a struggle.
The descent
- This is where discipline matters. Engine‑brake in 2nd (and 1st on very tight/steep turns), short firm brake presses before turns, then release. The smell of hot brakes from other vehicles is common—don’t be that driver.
- Visibility: Corners: Rock walls are blind, honk slightly, stay far left, and watch the bend mirror where it is installed. Wet leaves and moss patches at the inside of turns after the showers.
- Feeling: Important, yet not frightening–meterical, as on the metronome of turn-brake-look–compensated by sweeps across the plains.
Small‑Car Setup and Techniques That Helped
| Pre‑drive checks: tyre pressure, brake feel, coolant | Confidence before the ghat | We topped up windshield wash—bugs + mist happen |
| Lighten the car | Steady pull in 2nd gear | We kept luggage minimal and water handy |
| AC off on steepest turns | Frees a bit of engine power | We used fan + windows slightly down |
| Look through the corner | Smoother steering inputs | Eyes lead hands—helped a lot on tight switchbacks |
| Short, firm braking; no riding brakes | Prevents brake fade on descent | If you smell brakes, take a 5‑min cool‑down stop |
| Use horn before blind bends | Alerts oncoming buses | One polite beep; don’t lean on it |
| Keep left, don’t cut | Buses need the wide arc | Mirrors in; watch for rock faces |
| Pause at signed lay‑bys | Resets focus, cools brakes | We stopped twice during descent |
Disclaimer: Drive within your ability. If rain turns heavy or fog drops to “white wall,” pull into a safe bay and wait 10–15 minutes—weather changes fast here.
Our Drive Timeline (With Stops)
- 7:15 PM: Out of Left Salem post breakfast, good run through Namakkal.
- 9:35 AM: Karavalli crossing- fuel fill-up, quick loo.
- 9:55-10:45 AM: Hairpin climbing 1-40; photo bay rest at a large curve.
- 11:10 AM: Hairpin 70 selfie (yes, there is one sign), entered Semmedu.
- Lunch: plain veg meals (rice, sambar, poriyal, rasam) outside Arapaleeswarar Temple.
- 1.30-4.30 PM: Seukuparai perspective + Masila falls + pineapple point.
- 4:45 PM: Started descent.
- 5:40 PM: Cooling half-way; children were served tea and bajji.
- 6:25 pm: On the plains before nightfall.
Pros and Cons (Our Verdict)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A satisfying, scenic climb that a small car can handle | Descent needs discipline; brake fade risk if careless |
| Clearly numbered bends—gamifies the drive for kids | Fog and wet leaves in monsoon reduce grip/visibility |
| Lay‑bys and decent tarmac most of the year | Narrow single carriage—patience needed behind buses |
| Rewarding plateau with views, falls, fruit stalls | Limited food variety on top; start with a full tank |
Our rating for the drive in a small hatchback: 4.5/5. Fun, safe if unhurried, and memorable.
Conclusion
The experience of driving the 70 hairpins of Kolli Hills in a small car was more of a little adventure: switchbacks that make you interested, numbered signs that give you morale, and a plateau landscape at the summit.
Get your pace, maintain the car in the right gear, treat the downhill run with seriousness and get rest when uncertain. We would gladly repeat it–this time overnights to see dawn in the perspectives in front of the plains heating up.
