Discovering the Beauty of Kolukkumalai

January 23, 2024

A vacation to Kolukkumalai is like entering a dream, where time slows down and nature's magnificence takes center stage. Kolukkumalai, located near the famed tourist destination of Munnar in Kerala, is refreshingly off the beaten path, making it an ideal hideaway for people seeking solitude and spectacular views. Imagine you're standing above the world, surrounded by emerald green tea bushes. Crisp mountain air dances about you, bearing the alluring perfume of newly picked leaves. The light paints the valleys below in gold, while mist-covered mountains cradle the horizon. This is Kolukkumalai, the world's tallest kolukkumalai tea estate, and it's more than a location; it's an experience.

"Kolukkumalai, located over 7,900 feet above sea level, is well-known around the world for cultivating rare and flavorful tea leaves." This tea farm is home to a historic tea industry from the mid-twentieth century that never fails to surprise! Kolukkumalai, with its amazing ambiance and stunning visual magnificence of verdant tea gardens, provides you with the sight of several tiny, jaw-dropping peaks around the hills, as well as a demonstration of the orthodox tea process.

Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari

The Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari is great if you just have a few hours to spend in Kolukkumalai and wish to view the sunrise from the mountain. To book the Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari, contact one of Suryanelli's jeep drivers. Suryanelli is a settlement in Munnar that serves as the starting place for excursions to Kolukkumalai. Ideally, you should reserve a hotel in or near Suryanelli and request that they organize a Jeep for you. All of Suryanelli's hotels have connections with or know of jeep drivers who can transport you to the Kolukkumalai dawn.

You can also inquire about jeeps at the Suryanelli Jeep stop, but planning ahead of time helps to minimize delays and confusion. The Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari begins at 5 a.m., so make sure you booked into your accommodation early the day before and had enough sleep. The sunrise drop-off spot at Kolukkumalai is around 45 minutes to an hour away from your pickup point in Suryanelli. The journey to the summit of Kolukkumalai is a total off-road adventure via tea farms. You may not be able to see anything because you will be in complete darkness.

Once left off, you must hike 1.5 kilometers to reach the Kolukkumalai mountain. The sunrise at Kolukkumalai occurs at 6 a.m. The sun will rise through the clouds in the mountains' background. It is a sight to see. You can also see Tiger Rock, a naturally formed rock shaped like a tiger's face. After you've spent some time here, return to your Jeep and follow the same path back to Suryanelli. This time, however, you will be able to see the tea gardens that surround you, unlike before, when it was dark.

Kolukkumalai Trekking

If you have at least a few days, I recommend one of the Kolukkumalai trekking and camping packages offered by travel operators in Kolukkumalai. It allows you to explore Kolukkumalai at your own speed and view sights that you would not otherwise see on the Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari. We traveled with the Black Eagles Camp, a Kolukkumalai-based tour company that has been operating for many years. Their tour package includes two days and one night. It includes camping, food, and a guided hike to see the dawn from the summit. The tent they supply can accommodate two people, including their luggage. You have access to well-kept toilets and bathrooms near the tents. The sunrise journey takes place early the next morning, as I will detail later. Aside from the hike and camping package, you can inquire about additional activities at their campsite. They feature sports like ziplining, kayaking, and slacklining, which were still under construction when we went.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Nestled in the Western Ghats of southern India, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate exemplifies the region's rich legacy and picturesque splendor. Perched at an elevation of around 8,000 feet above sea level, this tea estate is renowned not just for its superb tea production but also for the stunning vistas it provides. In this blog post, we'll look at the history, procedure, and distinctive features that make Kolukkumalai Tea Estate a must-see destination for tea fans and nature lovers alike.

The Brooke Bond Company, a pioneering company, founded Kolukkumalai Tea Estate in the early 20th century. The plantation has been scrupulously preserved over the years, keeping its unique splendor while also contributing to India's fascinating tea cultivation history. Kolukkumalai's elevation distinguishes it as the world's highest organic tea estate. The estate is surrounded by lush foliage, mist-covered hills, and breathtaking views that go as far as the eye can reach. Visitors can enjoy the calm of the countryside while learning about the challenges and pleasures of growing tea at such high altitudes.

The estate is well-known for its orthodox tea manufacturing technique, which uses traditional methods to enhance the flavor and aroma of the tea leaves. Visitors can take guided tours to see the various steps of tea production, from picking the young leaves to the precise processing that produces the high-quality tea that Kolukkumalai is known for. Kolukkumalai provides a one-of-a-kind tea tasting experience for people looking for a sensory journey. Engage your taste buds with a diverse range of teas, each with unique qualities affected by the region's altitude, climate, and soil. From powerful black teas to delicate green teas, there is something for everyone's tastes.

One of the most enchanting experiences at the estate is witnessing the sunrise. As dawn breaks, the surrounding hills and tea plantations are bathed in golden hues, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Many visitors trek to Kolukkumalai Peak to catch a glimpse of this magical sunrise, making it an unforgettable moment.Beyond its natural beauty, Kolukkumalai is deeply rooted in the local community. Learn about the lives of the people who work tirelessly to cultivate and process tea. The estate also emphasizes sustainability, employing eco-friendly practices to ensure the preservation of the pristine environment that surrounds it.