Kolli Hills Adventure from Pondicherry

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Depart early from Pondicherry and enjoy a scenic drive along the East Coast Road, arriving at the foothills of Kolli Hills by mid‑morning. Stop for a quick snack at a local dhaba before beginning the ascent.

Afternoon: Explore the famous Arapaleeswarar Temple perched on a cliff, then hike to the refreshing Agaya Gangai Waterfalls for a short dip and photo session.

Evening: Check into a comfortable homestay in Semmedu Village, enjoy a traditional Tamil dinner, and unwind with a cultural storytelling session by the locals.

Day 2: Trekking & Return

Morning: Embark on a guided trek to the iconic Shivalaya Falls, passing through lush coffee plantations and spice gardens, with opportunities to sample fresh coffee.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Kolli Hills Fort Ruins and take in panoramic views of the surrounding valleys before heading back down the hill.

Evening: Return to Pondicherry, stopping at a roadside restaurant for a final meal, and arrive back in the city by nightfall.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Travel (Pondicherry ↔ Kolli Hills round trip) – 4 hours – ₹1,200
• Arapaleeswarar Temple entry – 30 mins – Free
• Agaya Gangai Waterfalls – 1 hour – ₹50
• Homestay (1 night) – Overnight – ₹1,500
• Guided trek to Shivalaya Falls – 3 hours – ₹800
• Kolli Hills Fort Ruins entry – 45 mins – ₹30
• Meals (2 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks) – – ₹1,200
• Miscellaneous (drinks, tips) – – ₹200
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹5,080

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day to explore the nearby Yelagiri Hill Station or spend more time trekking the lesser‑known trails. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the evening cultural session and head straight back to Pondicherry after the afternoon trek, reducing travel time and accommodation costs.