Trek Kolukkumalai – the Highest tea plantations: Stay at Kolukkumalai Mountain Hut

Highlights

Kolukkumalai is around 38km from Munnar, Idukki district and is situated across the Kerala border in Tamil Nadu. Perched at 8,100ft above sea level, the tea estate of Kolukkumalai(otherwise known as Kolukkumala) is known to be the highest tea plantation in the world.

Kolukkumala got a lovely view of sunrise and it is simply awesome with its superb view of Kolukkumalai tea estate. There are also trekking programmes and stay option available inside the estate.

Back to the history, the Kolukkumalai tea estate was set up by Britishers in the 1930s during the colonial era. The tea factory still uses the original equipment and processes its tea the old-fashioned way. Visitors are allowed at the factory and can pick and process their own cup of tea in the “Make Your Tea” programme.

How to reach Kolukkumala Tea Estate:

The nearest town towards Kolukkumala is Suryanelli. Suryanelli is a small town and is about 25km from Munnar. The drive from Munnar to Suryanelli is scenic and it will take approx 45mins - 1hr to reach Suryanelli.

From Suryanelli the off-road starts and you need to hire a Jeep from there, which will cost you around Rs.1800 (I personally don't think there is a fixed rate here. You can sometimes get this for a lesser amount or sometimes it can cost you more.

Always ask for some discount, if you wish to. And also you may see gangs of 2-3 people who are looking for sharing the jeep ride, don't forget to form a group with them(if you wish to) before hiring the jeep to take advantage of the ride cost.)

Stay at Kolukkumala Hills:

The only available option for a stay in Kolukkumala is the Kolukkumalai Mountain Hut Bose Classic Inn & Kolukkumalai Camping (package details are down below).

Kolukkumalai Mountain Hut Bose Classic Inn is a decent 3 bedroom guest house which was before tea factory worker's house. It is situated at one of the best viewpoints inside the Tea Estate. Kolukkumalai Mountain Hut Bose Classic Inn is only available on prior booking and the other viewpoints are at walkable distance from here.

Kolukkumala Stay Packages & Kolukkumala Camping Packages:

Terms & Conditions of the above packages:
*All activities subject to climatic conditions.
*Jeep safari to Kolukkumalai from Suryanelli or return from Kolukkumala to Suryanelli is not included in the packages.

How to book Kolukkumala Packages:

The above-mentioned stay and camping packages are provided by "kolukkumalai.com" which is the official portal for booking the stay packages inside Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. You can use the below details to contact them:

Website: kolukkumalai.com
Email: [email protected]
Contact: Johnny:+91 9486953767 or Mohan: +91 9497439777

Kolukkumala Trekking/ Hiking Options:

There are many trek routes and viewpoints in Kolukumala. Kolukkumalai trekking includes the below:

• Top station View Point - Fitness level Required: 1/5
• Kolukkumalai Spring Water Source - Fitness level required: 3/5
• Garudamalai Trekking - Fitness level required: 4/5
• Arahara Mountain Climb - Fitness level required: 5/5
• Kurangani Trekking - Fitness level required: 5/5

PS: Meesapulimala is another trekking spot from Kolukkumalai, but it's been classified as an illigal trek route. If you want to go to Meesapulimala then do check out Meesapulimala Camping & Trekking packages provided by Kerala Forest Department(KFDC). Also, know the rules and regulations and follow it when trekking in reserve forest areas in order to avoid any kind of issues that arise due to the lack of the information.

Facts about Kolukkumala:

Love Photography & Travel? Sign up for our newsletter and stay updated with the latest articles.