Morning: Depart Chennai on a Thursday night train and arrive at Salem Railway Station around 06:00 AM. A quick taxi ride (≈1 hour) brings you to Namakkal, where you catch a local bus to the foothills of Kollimalai.
Afternoon: After checking in at a modest hotel in Namakkal, board the bus to the hill station and begin a guided trek through the Kollimalai forest. The trail leads to a scenic waterfall where you can enjoy a short break and a refreshing splash.
Evening: Continue the hike to the renowned viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills at sunset. Return to Namakkal, unwind at your hotel, and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll around Namakkal to explore its famous Anjaneya Temple and the historic Namakkal Fort. Optional short hike to a nearby ridge for additional photo opportunities.
Afternoon: Catch a bus back to Salem, then a taxi to the railway station for the return journey to Chennai. The train departs early Saturday afternoon, allowing you to arrive in Chennai by early evening.
Evening: Arrive back in Chennai, concluding the short but invigorating hill‑station escape.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the adventure, consider adding an extra night in Kollimalai to explore additional trails and nearby villages, or schedule a sunrise hike at the viewpoint for a spectacular experience. To shorten the trip, you can skip the evening trek on Day 1 and return to Namakkal directly after the waterfall, allowing a same‑day return to Chennai on Saturday morning.