The emerald tea garden and the bright blue sky make the best backdrops for postcard-perfect pictures. Hidden in a mist of clouds are these emerald tea grounds, the rippling sound of serenity in the wind and vast land of greenery; Munnar is definitely more than just a tourist spot, it is more like an abode of Gods.
It would be unfair if you visit Munnar and do not travel a little further to see Kolukkumalai, a lesser known tea estate which is close to the border of Tamilnadu and claims to be the highest tea plantation in Munnar at a height of 8,100ft above sea level.
Location: Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar.
Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM
Entry fee: INR 75
Located at an approximate height of around 7950 feet above sea level, the world-famous Kolukkumalai Tea Estate has its record as the world’s highest tea plantation. Situated on the lofty Kolukkumalai Hills, this tea estate lies at an average distance of about 31 kilometers from the town of Munnar.
Luring tourists for its breathtaking atmosphere and awe-inspiring scenic beauty of lush tea gardens, this place is famous all over the world for cultivating special and flavorsome tea leaves. This tea estate shelters an ancient tea factory that dates back to the mid twentieth century. This factory makes use of the old, conventional techniques and methodologies for producing tea, even today.
Tourists visiting Kolukkumalai Tea Estate can get a chance to taste the umpteen varieties of tea flavors and also purchase fresh tea leaves directly from this factory. Apart from showcasing the procedure of tea production, Kolukkumalai Hills offers tourists a glimpse of other small, jaw-dropping hills and Kodaikanal town as well.
Tourists coming here also love to capture the spectacular sight of the sunset in the evening. You will surely love to experience the soft and cool breeze touching your face and passing through your hair while you stand on this hill and take a deep breath in the fresh air.
How To Reach
From City Centre-
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is located at an average distance of about 31 kilometers from the heart of Munnar and is conveniently connected to the town. Once you reach the town of Munnar, you can be assured that the tea estate is just a few minutes away. After you reach the town, you can easily catch a local jeep and finally arrive at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate in no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Best Time To Visit
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is best visited during the months of October to March. During this time the weather of the place remains pleasant and the tea gardens look truly mesmerizing. It is highly recommended for tourists that they avoid visiting the place during the monsoons as the terrains tend to remain very slippery at this time. This can in turn make it very difficult for the tourists to balance themselves while walking.
Other Essential Information
Location:
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is located in the lap of Kolukkumalai village in Bodinayakanur in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district.
Address:
Bodinayakanur, Kottagudi, Munnar, Tamil Nadu 625582, India
Timing:
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Munnar is open for visiting from 7 o’ clock in the morning to 6 o’ clock in the evening, on all the days of the week, except on Sunday. The total time required for visiting this tea estate is about 3 hours.
Entry Fee:
The entry fee to visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Munnar is INR 75 for adults. Entry to this South Indian tea estate is absolutely free for children and teenagers.
History of Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is believed to have been built by a tea planter of Scotland, in the year 1930. Although the real colonial owners have left the place long back, yet one can still find their tools and techniques being used in the tea factory even today. These tools and machinery were brought to India somewhere between the 1930s and 1950s.
Most of the locals as well as tourists claim that the tea manufactured at Kolukkumalai in the conventional fashion can never be compared to mass-produced tea in terms of taste and quality. The workers working in this plantation in present day have been hired from Tamil Nadu.
Places to Eat near Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
1. Bethel Varkis B&B:
Located at an approximate distance of around 6.3 kilometers from Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Bethel Varkis B&B happens to be a vegetarian-friendly restaurant specializing in Indian and Asian cuisines. Known widely for its delicious food, prompt service, and budget-friendly pricings, this food joint welcomes locals as well as tourists mainly for breakfast and lunch. The place flaunts a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, offering its guests a memorable dining experience.
2. Lotus Hotel & Resorts:
Situated at a small distance of about 11.3 kilometers from Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Lotus Hotel & Resorts houses an amazing in-house restaurant that invites both locals and tourists to dine in. Specializing in Indian and International cuisines, the cozy restaurant calls people mainly for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This well-maintained food joint is known for its hygienic preparations, good sitting arrangement, moderate crowd, and delicious breakfast items.
3. Bellmount Restaurant:
Lying at an approximate distance of around 17.13 kilometers from Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Bellmount Restaurant is a popular food joint serving Indian and Asian delicacies. This vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant invites guests majorly for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bellmount Restaurant is well-known for its delicious North Indian and South Indian preparations, cooperative staff, nice environment, and budget-friendly menu.
Travellers' Tip before Visiting Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
1. Do not visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate during the rainy months of June to September. During this period, the terrains usually remain slippery.
2. If you visiting Kolukkumalai Tea Estate during the winter months of November to February, make sure that you carry woolen clothes with you as the weather is very cold in the place at this time.
3. Consider wearing shoes with good traction when visiting the tea estates as such footwear can make it very easy and convenient for you to walk through the terrains.
4. Carry your cameras as you will get good photography opportunities on the Kolukkumalai Hills
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