Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Munnar

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar Timing, Entry Fee & How to reach

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the world’s highest tea estate, rising roughly 7,130 feet (2,170 meters) above sea level.

The tea leaves from the Kolukkumalai tea plantation in Munnar are well-known for their unique scent. For distribution, the leaves undergo a human selection, processing, and packing process. Additionally, the colonial-era factory continues to process tea using traditional methods.

In addition to sampling tea, visitors come here to take in the captivating scenery. Here, you can trek down the hills, enjoy a safari throughout the tea estate, and receive a factory tour with a guide. Additionally, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate offers lodging for a night or two.

However, remember that the drive isn’t for the faint of heart before you get ready for the visit.

The route to this picturesque tea estate is difficult and unpaved, despite the mesmerising views. You can only get here in a local jeep or a 4×4 drive. So, when you travel to Munnar’s unspoiled splendour, be ready for an off-road experience.

But the scenery above makes the suffering worthwhile.

Things to do in Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Munnar

1. Savouring the off-road experience — The smooth road vanishes as the far-off mountains come into view. It’s a rough journey off the highway for the final few km to Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. You will soon be greeted by mist-covered hills, tea plants, and countless waterfalls. Take pauses to take in the scenery before continuing on your way to your goal.

2. Taking a trip around the estate: Tea and mountains stretch as far as the eye can reach. The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate trip provides a glimpse of the Keralan hills and Tamil Nadu plains, which are both clothed with greenery. Additionally, the scenery will help you forget about the discomfort of the bumpy trip.

3. Staying on-site: The tea estate’s administration converted the former crew quarters into a guesthouse. If you choose to stay for the sunrise and sunset vistas or a leisurely tour of the estate, food and basic amenities are provided. With all the fragrant bushes all around, you may even pitch your tent and sleep soundly at night.

4. Trekking down the hill for views – The surrounding views are kaleidoscopic due to the shifting clouds and the surrounding hazy atmosphere. You can get a clear glimpse of the sun rising or setting when the cloud lifts. If not, you can observe the whitened valley.  Trek along the plantations and pace towards the view points to experience this heaven.

5. Taking pictures: Take some pictures with your camera while you’re taking in the breathtaking scenery. Among the many vistas you would like to cherish for years are the rising sun, the tea plantations dotted around the valley, and the far-off Nilgiri highlands.

6. Learning about tea processing: Since the establishment of the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate and factory in the 1930s, tea has been processed using traditional methods. The tea leaves undergo the traditional four-step process of withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying in place of the automated CTC method. You will undoubtedly travel back in time with a guided tour of the organic tea mill and its wooden interiors.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Entry Fee and Timings

Numerous tourism agencies organise adventurous activities including camping and vehicle safaris at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. As a result, the rates differ. However, each visitor must pay ₹100 to see the tea factory.

With the exception of Sundays, the factory is open all year round. From 7 AM to 6 PM, you can visit it during the day. However, accessing the tea farms is unrestricted. You can go there whenever you want and remain as long as you like.

Best Time to visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Munnar