It was a bright and bustling morning in Trivandrum as 12 passionate riders revved their engines, joined by 22 others from different parts of Kerala and Karnataka, all ready for an epic three-day adventure to Kolli Hills, covering approximately 600 kilometres one way. This wasn’t just a ride; it was a journey through the heart of Tamil Nadu, filled with camaraderie, scenic landscapes, and cherished memories. Among us was JK, who brought along his wife as a pillion, adding a special touch of warmth and companionship to the trip.

Day 1: Trivandrum to Kolli Hills

The first leg of the journey saw us riding the well-maintained NH-44. We left early in the morning which made this bit even smoother thanks to scarce traffic. We enjoyed the lush greenery on offer throughout this section topped by occasional temple spires peeking over the horizon, and bustling small towns. Our first significant stop was at Dindigul, a city renowned for its biryani and historical significance.

At Dindigul, we indulged ourselves in a delightful meal. Dindigul Thalapakatti Biryani is famous and offers authentic flavours of Tamil Nadu in all of its dishes. After the meal, we could all agree that we were not disappointed. The meticulous preparation of the Biryani lived up to the hype. After the meal, we were charged for the next leg.

After a few more kilometres of riding, the ascent to Kolli Hills began and in a word, it was fantastic. It is known as the ‘Mountain of Death’. The ascending road has 70 hairpin bends and once you start riding, the nickname starts to make sense. It is a challenge for even the most experienced of riders.

Once you get the hang of it and start to flow naturally, it is one of the most enjoyable roads to ride on. As we climbed higher, the terrain started to shift– valleys, forests, and the cool, crisp mountain air became our companions for the rest of the section. We reached our destination in the late evening. Though we were tired, the adrenaline from the ride up the hills remained. We ended the day by checking into a cosy resort nestled in the hills.

Day 2: Exploring Kolli Hills

We spend the Day 2 exploring Kolli Hills. The place is a beacon of serenity and a rich culture. The place is said to be the abode of the legendary Kolli Pavai, a mystical deity said to protect the hills. We explored the famous Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Kolli Botanical Garden, the Boat Club, and Namma Aruvi Waterfalls. The end of the day was marked by a campfire and the time spent there consisted of joyous exchanges, discussion of motorcycles, and an exchange of stories.

Day 3: Kolli Hills to Trivandrum

The return journey began on Day 3 and as always, we decided to start early. The reason this time was to avoid traffic, of course, but also to enjoy the hairpin bends a little more. While the corners were the same, they felt entirely different while descending. Add to that the morning mist and we had the time of our lives.

The ride back was more reflective, each of us cherishing the experiences of the past two days. A few stops along the way allowed us to savour local delicacies and stretch our legs before we finally rolled into Trivandrum by nightfall, tired but content.

Reflections

This ride was not just a journey through distance but a celebration of friendship, the joy of riding, and the beauty of nature. From the mouthwatering biryani at Dindigul to the scenic Kolli Hills, every moment was etched into our memories. For 34 riders and one adventurous pillion, this trip was a testament to the freedom and thrill of the open road.