Namakkal Rock Fort and Hindu temples The town of Namakkal is built around a rock fort. The rock fort is on the summit of the rock, and the remnants in brick and stone still bear the brunt of the skirmishes to lay siege to the fort by the Cholas in the 9th century. There are two rock–cut cave temples located on both sides of the hill dedicated to Narasimhaswamy and Ranganathaswamy. The caves were constructed by Adhiyaman rulers who ruled over Kongu Region during the 7th century. The Temple has been declared as monuments under the preservation of Monuments and sites Act 1958 and being administered by the HR&CE department of Government. A temple dedicated to the Goddess Namagiri Amman is situated within the temple complex of the Narasimha Swamy kovil. The famous Namakkal Digambara Anjaneyar Temple, housing an 18-foot-tall Hanuman statue is located opposte to the Narasimhaswamy temple. It is believed that the Hanuman statue keeps growing and to stop the growth a priest put a magic needle at the top of the statue's head. Hanuman statue carved out of a single stone at this temple. Tiruchengode Tiruchengode is 35 km from Namakkal. It is one of the seven Sivasthalams in Kongunadu. The Ardhanareeswarar temple is located on a hill. The presiding deity is depicted as half-male and half-female, vertically to represent Shiva and Parvati worshipped as one form. It is considered one of the oldest temples in this region. Tiruchegode is the olden Poondurainadu in Kongunadu. Tiruchengode olden name is Thirukodimadachengondurur. Kollimalai (Kolli Hills) Kolli Hills are at an altitude of in the Namakkal District and are 45 km from Namakkal town. The Kolli hills are featured in several works of classical Tamil literature such as Silappathigaram, Manimekalai, Purananuru and Ainkurnuru. The region was ruled by Valvil Ori whose valor and marksmanship are sung by several poets, and his exploits are a popular part of folklore. There are three reserved forests that are controlled by the Government of Tamil Nadu, namely Ariyur Solai, Kundur Nadu and Puliancholai. It is not correct to regard the name Kolli Hills (Tamil: kolli noi- killer disease) as being due to the incidence of deadly diseases. It is because early literature records the existence of a deity called Kollippavai on top of these hills. The hills are known for medicinal herbs and plants that grow in abundance on their slopes. The Arapaleswarar Temple,