Arapaleeswarar Temple, located at Semmedu in Kolli Hills, is dedicated to Shiva and regarded as the principal shrine among the Nava Kailasam, a circuit of nine ancient temples scattered across the hill range. Pilgrims traditionally begin the circuit here before visiting the remaining shrines, each linked by local legend to the cure of a different ailment. The temple's hilltop setting reflects Kolli Hills' long-standing role as a place of pilgrimage. Arapaleeswarar Temple sits at an elevation of 1197 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are February, March, June, and July, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Temple Tank– Brahma Theertham, Arapaleeswarar Temple Main Shrine, and Navagraha Shrine. Other notable highlights include nine-step climb marking Nava Kailasam pilgrimage start, ancient stone Nandi facing the sanctum, and morning sunlight on the east-facing Shiva lingam. It falls within Namakkal district and Tamil Nadu, India.
State: Tamil Nadu
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Hours
February, March, June, July
The temple is about 25 kilometres from the base town of Semmedu, and the drive takes roughly 1.5 hours on a narrow, hairpin-bend ghat road with 70 curves. The road is well-tarred but steep, so it is advisable to hire a local cab or drive slowly in a small vehicle; buses also run from the base, but they can be crowded and bumpy.
There are no hotels directly at the temple, but the nearby Kolli Hills town of Semmedu offers budget lodges and a forest guesthouse, which are basic but clean. For food, small local eateries serve simple South Indian meals (rice, sambar, and curd) near the temple entrance, but it is wise to carry your own water and snacks, as options are limited and close early by 6 PM.
The ideal time is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) as heavy rains can make the winding ghat roads slippery and risky for senior travellers.
The temple sits atop a small hillock, requiring a climb of about 150 stone steps, which can be tiring for seniors. There are no lifts or palanquin services, but resting benches are available along the way, and local porters can be hired for a small fee to assist those who need help.
Traditional Indian attire is preferred, with men in dhoti or trousers and women in sarees or salwar kameez; shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed. You must remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum, and it is customary to carry coconut, flowers, and camphor for the offering, which are available from shops near the entrance.