Kolli Hills is a beautiful hill station located in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and peaceful environment. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major metropolitan city and a common starting point for travelers heading to Kolli Hills.

This route is popular among nature lovers and weekend travelers looking to escape city life. In this guide, you will learn about the main transport options from Bangalore to Kolli Hills, including trains, buses, and driving routes. Practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan will help you make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Bangalore to Kolli Hills – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a good option if you want a comfortable and affordable journey to nearby towns before continuing to Kolli Hills. However, there is no direct train to Kolli Hills, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway stations to Kolli Hills are Namakkal and Salem Junction, both well connected to Bangalore City Railway Station via regular trains covering approximately 350 to 370 km in 6 to 8 hours.

• Train fares from Bangalore to Salem or Namakkal range from ₹200 to ₹700 depending on class, with options like express and superfast trains available daily, making it convenient for most travelers.

• From Salem or Namakkal, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kolli Hills, which is about 70 km away, typically taking 2 to 3 hours by road on winding hill roads.

• Trains can get crowded during festival seasons like Pongal and summer vacations, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable to secure seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Kolli Hills from Bangalore, especially for budget travelers. You will need to take a bus to Namakkal or Salem and then switch to local transport to reach Kolli Hills.

• State transport buses operated by KSRTC and TNSTC run frequently from Bangalore to Salem and Namakkal, covering around 350 km in 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and route.

• Bus fares range between ₹300 and ₹600 for non-AC and AC coaches, with sleeper buses available for overnight travel, offering a comfortable option for long-distance journeys.

• From Salem or Namakkal bus stands, regular local buses and shared taxis operate to Kolli Hills, but frequency may reduce during monsoon months due to slippery roads.

• Booking tickets online through KSRTC or private bus operators is recommended to avoid crowded counters, especially on weekends and holidays when buses fill up quickly.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Kolli Hills is ideal if you prefer flexibility and want to explore the route at your own pace. The journey covers approximately 350 km and passes through scenic highways and towns.

• The most common route is via NH44 and NH544, passing through Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Salem before reaching Namakkal and then Kolli Hills, taking about 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic.

• Toll plazas are present on NH44 and NH544, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges may total around ₹300 to ₹400 for the one-way trip.

• Rest stops with food options are available at towns like Hosur and Salem, and you can enjoy local South Indian cuisine at highway restaurants along the way.

• During monsoon, the last stretch to Kolli Hills involves winding roads that can be slippery; drive cautiously and avoid night travel on these hill roads for safety.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Bangalore with daily rates starting from ₹2000, including fuel and driver options if needed for unfamiliar routes.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Kolli Hills, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets online in advance via IRCTC or KSRTC portals to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute rush, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose Salem or Namakkal as your destination station, then plan local transport from there to Kolli Hills, as direct trains to Kolli Hills are unavailable.

• Arrange a taxi or check local bus timings from Salem or Namakkal to Kolli Hills; taxis offer more comfort but cost more, while buses are economical but less frequent.

• If driving, plan your route using GPS apps like Google Maps and start early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Kolli Hills before dusk for safe hill driving.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and rain gear during monsoon; also keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded for areas with poor network.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Salem or Namakkal to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar with Kolli Hills routes.

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues, especially when traveling by bus or car through rural areas.

• Book your tickets at least a week in advance during festivals like Diwali or Pongal, as trains and buses become crowded and prices may rise.

• Local buses from Salem to Kolli Hills may not run late in the evening; confirm timings beforehand or arrange a private cab to avoid being stranded.

• Pack comfortable walking shoes and light rain jackets if traveling during monsoon, as trails and roads in Kolli Hills can be slippery and wet.

• Keep your luggage minimal and secure, as crowded buses and trains can lead to misplaced bags; use locks and keep valuables close to you.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bangalore to Kolli Hills is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and the roads are generally dry and safe for travel.

Monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains that can cause landslides and slippery roads in Kolli Hills, making travel risky and slower. Plan accordingly and check weather updates before starting your journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals and long weekends when roads and transport services are crowded, leading to delays and higher fares.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore help you avoid city traffic and reach Salem or Namakkal by afternoon, allowing ample time to continue to Kolli Hills before dark.

• Winter mornings can have fog on highways near Hosur and Salem, so drive carefully and keep headlights on for safety during this time.

Arrival at Kolli Hills & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kolli Hills, you will find a small but welcoming hill station with limited public transport. The main entry point is at the base town, from where you will travel uphill on winding roads.

Local transport options include shared jeeps, taxis, and private cabs that can take you to various points of interest like Arapaleeswarar Temple and Agaya Gangai waterfalls. Accommodation options are mostly guesthouses and small hotels near the hilltop.

Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are not common here, so it is best to negotiate fares before starting your trip uphill. Walking is also popular for short distances within the hills, but be prepared for steep climbs.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kolli Hills from Bangalore is by combining train or bus travel to Salem or Namakkal, followed by a taxi or local bus to the hills. This method balances comfort, cost, and convenience for most travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets online, starting early, and preparing for hill road conditions will ensure a smooth journey. With these tips and options, you can confidently plan your trip to Kolli Hills and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility it offers.