Kolukkumalai Tea Estate - A Perfect Guide to Plan a Trip

The world’s highest tea plantation, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, is inarguably one of the most scenic destinations in Tamil Nadu. Situated at 7900 metres above sea level, Kolukkumalai is the highest tea plantation in the world. It is known for its scenic beauty and organic tea. This tea estate near Kerala has been attracting many tourists over the years. Don’t miss visiting this beautiful location when holidaying in Munnar, Kerala. 

About Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

The highest tea estate in India was built way back in 1920s by the British with the help of the Chettiar Brothers. Since then, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate has produced premium-quality tea through orthodox and time-tested methods. This tea estate is famous for its pesticide-free and authentic tasting tea.

Things to Do in Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

There are a variety of activities, ranging from one-day tours to camping and trekking at the tea estate in Kolukkumalai. You can easily spend the entire day at the estate and enjoy activities like a factory visit where they explain the manufacturing process to all the guests. There are various hiking spots around the tea estate, like the Top Station View Point or Kolukkumalai Spring Water Source. The hiking spots here vary on difficulty/fitness level, so choose your trail carefully. 

Apart from that, don’t miss out on enjoying a tea tasting session and buying a variety of teas for yourself. If you want to spend more than a day at Kolukkumalai, you can also book a tent or a room for your stay at the tea estate. 

Best Time to Visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Although the tea estate is open all-round the year, the ideal time to visit Kolukkumalai is during the winters (October to March). While visibility is low during the monsoons. Moreover, hiking trails become slippery due to the rains, making it risky for tourists. The weather is most suitable for exploring the estate and surrounding areas between October and March.  

How to Reach Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

While the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is technically in Tamil Nadu, Munnar in Kerala serves as the gateway to this iconic tea estate. In fact, many local tourist guides list it as a tea estate in Munnar. About 35 km from Munnar, the most convenient way to reach here is to hire a jeep. About 80-90 minutes drive, the route also includes a bit of off-roading, especially towards the end of your journey to the estate. 

Some Facts about Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

While you may think it is a Munnar estate, it is located in Kottagudi Village, Tamil Nadu. In fact, the tea estate is surrounded by Kerala on all four sides. Spread across 81 hectares, the altitude of Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is around 8000 feet. 

Where to Stay?

Although located in Tamil Nadu, you should book your resort in Munnar to get to the tea estate easily. Book your stay at Club Mahindra Munnar and Club Mahindra Mount Serene in Munnar, and don’t forget to trek to the nearby tea plantations. About 1-hour drive from the resort, you can ask the travel desk to arrange a trip to the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.