Kolukkumalai is a well-known tea estate located in the Western Ghats of the Indian state of Kerala, near the hill station of Munnar. It is renowned for being one of the highest tea plantations in the world, situated at an altitude of around 7,900 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. Kolukkumalai is famous for its scenic beauty, lush tea gardens, and the opportunity for visitors to take tea estate tours to learn about the tea-making process.
Tea estate tours at Kolukkumalai typically offer visitors a chance to explore the picturesque tea plantations, observe the tea plucking and processing techniques, and gain insights into the history and culture of tea cultivation in the region. Here are some of the key highlights of a Kolukkumalai tea estate tour:
Scenic Beauty: The tea estate offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and mountains. The landscapes are often shrouded in mist, creating a mystical and serene atmosphere.
Tea Plucking: Visitors can witness tea pluckers, often local women, carefully picking tea leaves by hand. It’s an opportunity to see the labor-intensive process of tea harvesting up close.
Tea Factory Visit: Tours often include a visit to the tea factory, where you can see how tea leaves are processed, withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting to produce various types of tea.
Tea Tasting: Many tours conclude with a tea tasting session, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of fresh tea produced at the estate.
Sunrise Tours: Kolukkumalai is also famous for its sunrise tours, where visitors can witness the stunning sunrise over the hills and tea gardens. These tours usually start very early in the morning to capture the mesmerizing view.
Trekking: Some tours may include short treks in the surrounding areas, giving visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
It’s important to note that reaching Kolukkumalai can be an adventure in itself, as the journey involves navigating winding and sometimes rough mountain roads. Additionally, the weather in this high-altitude region can be quite chilly, so it’s a good idea to dress warmly, especially for early morning tours.
Kolukkumalai tea estate tours provide a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Western Ghats, learn about tea production, and enjoy the tranquility of this remote and stunning location.