Kolukkumalai

Kolukkumalai is the best tourist place near Munnar. Kolukkumalai is approximately 8000 ft high hills bordering the Idukki district in Kerala. Kolukkumalai is in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. However, Kolukkumalai is around 32 km from Munnar. Kolukkumalai is the best tourist place, a Nature’s Paradise. Nature has blessed Kolukkumalai abundantly, making it one of the best tourist places in India.

The sprawling plantations and an old tea factory lend an old-world charm to this place. Go on a guided tour through the factory. The two-storied building, built in the 1930s with its wooden interiors and aroma, showcases time-tested methods of tea processing. Here, tea is processed in the traditional method, different from the more popular CTC (crush-tear-curl) method. Tea lovers can enjoy different varieties of tea from the tea tasting centre here. Those wanting to take home the flavour can buy fresh packets from the outlet attached to the factory. Varieties like Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) and Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP) are available, and the salesmen can offer tips on how to extract the different tastes.
 

Kolukkumalai Sunrise

One of the best sunrises in South India, about 7,900 feet above sea level, offers excellent views of the distant plains in the bordering state of Tamil Nadu. The distant hills slipping in and out of the mist are a captivating sight. The rolling acres of tea are an experience in itself for visitors. Take a lovely stroll on the pathways in the plantations.
Kolukkumalai offers the best sunrise view and the best tea leaves of the highest tea gardens. It is well known that the tea grown at higher altitudes is the tastiest and the most refreshing tea.

                                                                                         

More About Kolukkumalai

• Tour Starting Point: Suryanelli: The journey to Kolukkumalai typically starts from the small town of Suryanelli, which is about 35 kilometers from Munnar, a well-known hill station.
• Off-Road Route: The route from Suryanelli to Kolukkumalai is an off-road trail. It is rugged and can be quite challenging, making it suitable only for off-road vehicles.
• Jeep Rides: Due to the rough terrain, jeeps are the preferred mode of transportation. Local jeep services are available and are experienced in navigating the difficult roads.
• DTPC Pass: To access the route, visitors need to obtain a pass from the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). This is mandatory for ensuring controlled and safe travel.
• Parking Space: Visitors who drive their own vehicles to Suryanelli can park their cars in designated parking spaces. From there, they can hire jeeps to continue the journey to Kolukkumalai.

Highlights of Kolukkumalai

• Tea Plantations: Visitors can tour the tea factory and learn about the traditional methods of tea processing. The tea estate is known for its organic and high-quality tea.
• Breathtaking Views: The vantage points offer spectacular views of the Western Ghats and the sprawling tea gardens.
• Trekking: The area offers excellent trekking opportunities. Treks can range from moderate to challenging, with paths meandering through lush greenery and steep hills.
• Sunrise View: Kolukkumalai is famous for its sunrise views. Many visitors start their journey early in the morning to witness the sunrise from the hilltop.

Travel Tips to Kolukkumalai

• Best Time to Visit Kolukkumalai: The ideal time to visit Kolukkumalai is from March to May and September to November, avoiding the heavy monsoon season.
• Clothing: Due to the high altitude, the weather can be quite chilly, especially in the early morning and evening. Warm clothing is recommended.
• Booking in Advance: It is advisable to book jeep rides in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Kolukkumalai offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those traveling to Kerala.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tourist attractions of Kolukkumalai?

• The Kolukkumalai has the best ever sunrise view. Many people gather on the top of Kolukkumalai hills to witness this best sunrise. The trip from Munnar to Kolukkumalai on the rough roads before the sunrise is amazing. This journey ends on the top of the hill where the spectators will be greeted with a spectacular sunrise. As the sun peeps out of the misty clouds gliding the green hills of Kolukkumalai hills, the sky covers it in a beautiful saffron colour across the sky. Slowly the saffron colour changes to bright sunlight showing the beautiful greenery on all hills in the surrounding area. Thus the spectators are not only presented with a beautiful sunrise and beauty of the early morning but also with the freshness of the unpolluted environment.
• The Tea Gardens of Kolukkumalai: After the beautiful sunrise, as we drive down Kolukkumalai to reach Munnar town. The tourists are greeted by lovely tea gardens with dew drops glittering on the tea leaves. Kolukkumalai is home to the highest tea gardens known for its high-quality tea. It is well known that the tea grown at higher altitudes is the best tea. The green spread of the tea gardens and the fresh air make tourists feel that they are in the lap of nature.

• Kolukkumalai Tea Factory: The Kolukkumalai tea factory is another major tourist attraction as it is the tea factory which follows the traditional way of preparing tea leaves. The aroma of the tea leaves fills the air to freshen us along with the gifted nature. We also get to taste the best tea.
• Kolukkumalai, best tourist place for family vacation: Kolukkumalai provides the most beautiful scenic nature, perfect weather, and the calm environment lets you enjoy the togetherness and joyfulness of your family.

How to reach Kolukkumalai?

• The closest International and domestic airport is the Cochin international and domestic airport.
• Munnar in Idukki district is the best nearest town connected by road. Kolukkumalai, the best tourist destination, is around 32 kms from Munnar town.

Which time is best to visit Kolukkumalai?
Even though the weather is great here throughout the year, the best time to visit Kolukkumalai is September – March.

What time is the Kolukkumalai sunrise trek?
 The actual trek starts around 5:00 AM, with arrival at the top and sunrise view around 6:00 AM.

Is Kolukkumalai trek difficult?
The Kolukkumalai trek is generally considered moderate in difficulty. It is suitable for beginners with some basic fitness levels. The 7 km (one-way) trek to the peak takes about 3-4 hours to complete. 

How high is Kolukkumalai Sunrise View Point?
Kolukkumalai Sunrise View Point is situated at an elevation of 7,900 feet(approximately 2,408 meters) above sea level.This makes it the highest tea plantation in the world and offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. 

Is Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala the same?
No, Kolukkumalai and Meesapulimala are not the same. Kolukkumalai is a tea estate and village known for its high-altitude tea plantations, while Meesapulimala is a mountain peak and part of the Western Ghats. 

What is the view at the top of Kolukkumalai?
Bose Peak, the highest point in Kolukkumalai, is a stunning yet lesser-explored trekking destination in the Western Ghats. Located at an elevation of approximately 2,170 meters (7,120 feet) above sea level, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations, and distant mountain ranges

How much does it cost to trek Kolukkumalai?
The cost to trek Kolukkumalai can vary depending on the type of package and services included. A day package, which includes trekking and other activities, can cost around ?2,500 per person. A two-day trip with lodging, meals, and transport can start from?5,999 per person. Jeep rides, which are essential for reaching the base of the trek, can cost between ?1,500 and ?2,000 per jeep.
 
How many kilometers is the kolukkumalai trek?
9 min (3.4 km) via NH 85

How many feet above sea level is Kolukkumalai?
Kolukkumalai is about 7,130 feet (2,170 m) above sea level and lies some 32 kilometers (20 mi) from Munnar.