India's 'Mountains of Death' is not actually a mountain – what and where is it?

The Kolli Hills may not initially seem much different from other serene hills of South India, with its forest mists, village life, falls, mountain roads, and cool air. However, tucked away within the Eastern Ghats range is one of the most challenging mountain roads in India, earning the area the ominous moniker: the "Mountains of Death."Oddly enough, the name does not relate to any dangerous animals, mysterious disappearances, or elevation challenges. Instead, it comes from a single road that boasts an unforgiving 70-plus hairpin bends, all spiraling around the side of the mountain.Kolli Hills, also known as Kolli Malai, is situated in the Namakkal district of the state of Tamil Nadu, and has an altitude of about 1,000 to 1,300 meters above the sea level. The hill road leading into the region is what truly defines the destination.Initially, the path may appear easy going, but soon the turns will become tight, steep, and far more dramatic. As soon as one turn passes, the other comes, marked by signboards at numbered spots on the uphill way. While some enjoy the journey, others find it exhausting. Suffering from motion sickness is not unusual here, due to the absence of straight roads between the corners.In recent years, Kolli Hills became famous among bikers who view the trip to the location as sort of a challenge. During weekends, motorcycling groups from major Indian cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore come here just for fun rides. The name Kolli Hills mostly stems from the dangers associated with the journey back in those days. While travelling through the area, one had to be careful because of sharp turns, steep drops, thick fog and slippery mountain roads that often led to accidents. Even today, drivers unfamiliar with mountain roads need to be cautious, especially during monsoon season when visibility drops and the roads become slippery.However, besides its recent dangers, the hill range has some history and folklore, which gives another explanation for its frightening name. The hills, according to some ancient folklores, are connected to the legend of Kollipavai – an enigmatic maiden, who lured travellers to death. There are also many legends connected to the Kolli Hills in ancient Tamil Literature.Despite the fearsome title, modern-day Kolli Hills is far more adventurous than dangerous, provided travellers drive responsibly.Apart from the serpentine road winding in and out of the mountains, one can find a serene and verdant mountainous region full of woods, farms, waterfalls, and temples once at the top of the Kolli Hills. One prominent tourist destination in the Kolli Hills is Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, a majestic waterfall located amid the hills. Access to this place takes visitors through hundreds of stairs built into the greenery and into a beautiful waterfall flowing down to the valley below.Other natural attractions found within the Kolli Hills include pepper plantations, jackfruit farms, medicinal herbs, and peaceful mountain settlements. Trekking, camping, and nature photography are some of the activities growing in popularity in the region. One other attraction worth mentioning in the Kolli Hills region is the historical Arappaleeswarar Temple.The best time to visit the Kolli Hills would be during the period of October to February because the temperature is cool during this period. The monsoons change the hills to a verdant shade, but heavy rains may make the roads difficult to drive through.Travellers visiting the place via road should see to it that the brakes are in proper working condition due to the steep inclines and declines.Kolli Hills is situated about 60 kilometers away from Namakkal. The closest railway station to the area is Salem Junction, whereas the nearest airport is located at Tiruchirappalli. Travellers usually arrive at Kolli Hills through roadways, passing through Namakkal or Rasipuram.While for most people, travelling to Kolli Hills means an enjoyable drive, by the time they cover all the turns, they realize that it has turned into a memorable journey.