PULLIYACHOLAI TOURISTSPOT

PULLIYANCHOLAI-KOLLI HILLS

               On the foot hills of Kolli hills, South India lies Puliyancholai. Its a lush area of hills in the range of 800 – 1200 m. Beautiful waterfalls and weather make it perfect for a hike under the sun. The hike was from Puliyancholai (72 Km from Trichy) to Akaya Gangai waterfall at Kolli Hills. Kolli hills is known for its mystical stories and it is believed that the “Tree of Life” is found somewhere in the mountains nearby. Besides, the water has very high medicinal value. One can have fantastic views of Million years old curved rocks, Dolmens, Pithukkuli Cave, different shaped big stones, forest produces on the way and at the Top plain – Honey, Guava, Orange, Mustard, Fenugreek, Garlic, Paddy, Maze, Millets, Jack fruits (more than 12 varieties) etc.,

            The elevation varies from 500m to 1190m .Lower Western side of the hills consists Mixed Bamboo forest and Upper hill sides comprises patches of Evergreen forest. Eastern side of the Hills consists tropical deciduous and mixed evergreen forest. Kolli hills has steep rugged peaks in western slope when compared to vast and gentle eastern slope Numerous rocky streams traverse the wet evergreen forests clothing the middle hills and flow during the rainy season. Pools of water in these streams are the major source of water for the habitat. The Forest Department has constructed a number of check dams at strategic places to help the fauna tide through the drier months. There are forested patches here which are unspoilt and good for trekking, the weather is invariably pleasant and there are a great many dormant waterfalls that spring to life in the monsoon months. 

            Viewed from plains of Namakkal the mountain appears as a flat-topped mass. The mountain has been inhabited from prehistoric times. It is much celebrated in the Tamil Literature of the Sangam period; at least eleven poets mention it in their poems. Next to the Servarayan, this is the only mountain that is still covered with remnants of rain forests. History has it that a popular king, Valvil Ori, ruled in this area, and there is a statue of him to remind us of this. Valvil Ori Festival and Tourism Festival are celebrated during August every year. This place is also said to be a Siddhar Bhoomi. Valuable natural herbs were grown here.

            Kolli Hills is also famous for its jackfruit, various varieties of pineapple, the small delicious mountain bananas and wild corn. 

            In prehistoric times, elephants and tigers roamed this hills freely, but due to increase in deforestation, they vanished from the scene. At present sloth bear, Jackal, Bats are sharing the space with inhabitants. The rich and varied vegetation provide perfect habitat for a variety of amphibians and reptiles including colourful tree frogs, cryptic toads etc. The king cobra, krait, python, vine snake are amongst a wide variety found here. Flying lizards, Chameleon, Forest Calotes may be spotted by a keen visitor. For bird watchers, Western & Eastern slopes is ideal place to watch the birds

            It s a pretty hill station with a pleasant cool climate. Kolli hills temperature never rises above 30ºC or falls below 13ºC.