Amidst the sky-kissing, beautiful mountains of Munnar, there is a tea estate that exudes a vintage charm -the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. It is the highest-elevation tea plantation in the world. This 81-hectare estate sits at an elevation of 7130 feet above sea level. This high altitude is the perfect ecosystem for growing high-quality and high-flavored tea. Besides, the misty surroundings that envelop the region give sufficient moisture to the tea plantation.
The exact location of Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is in Kottagudi village of Tamil Nadu’s Theni district. However, the estate has borders with Kerala on all sides.
Way back in the 1920s, it was the British who built the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate with the assistance of the Chettiar Brothers of Theni district. The tea cultivation began in 1927. Fast forward to today, now the estate is run by the esteemed A.J Group of Tamilnadu.
In 2005, the Tea Boards of India and the USA were awarded the Golden Leaf Award for their premium quality of tea. Besides, it is the highest organic tea plantation in the world.
They use traditional methods to produce tea. It sheds light on the colonial method of tea production. The machinery still bears the labels from British Manufacturers of the 1940s. This might be one of the reasons for producing the best quality tea in the world. From handpicking the tea leaves to hand packing the tea powder for distribution, the estate follows the highest standard of quality.
You can go for a ride around the tea estate. The scenic beauty of the Western Ghats and Plains of Tamilnadu is something you cannot say no to. Besides, the estate management arranges accommodation. The old staff quarters are now guest houses for travelers like you. If you prefer to stay, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of sunset and sunrise.
You can also visit the tea factory. It will help you understand the method of tea powder production. And it is also an opportunity to sip various types of teas.
There is a Tea Museum nearby. It sheds insights into the history of tea cultivation and many other facts related to tea.
Yes, trekking is possible. You can hop on a jeep from Suryanelli town, and after 2 hours of safari, you’ll reach the drop-off point. From there you can start trekking. You can trek about 1.5 km.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate entry fee is INR- 100/- If you have 3 to 4 hours at your disposal, you can tour the tea estate completely. You can have a guided tour of the factory as well. Make sure you reach between 7 AM and 6 PM.
Winter is the best season to visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate. The peak season starts around November and continues till February.
The first destination is Munnar. It takes a 32-kilometer drive from Munnar to reach Kolukkumalai. As the area has a rugged terrain, jeep safaris are the preferred mode of transportation. For a few kilometers, the road is bumpy but worth the journey. You can pull over and capture the beauty of mist-covered hills and waterfalls along the way.
