Munnar, the picnic spot of Kerala's hill station, is famous for its vast tea plantations, smoky landscapes, and cool climate. Among various attractions in Kolukkumalai, it is a beacon for unseen destinations offering scenic views and a memorable experience of tea. With a high altitude, Kolukkumalai offers the world's highest organic tea plantation. Nature lovers and tea enthusiasts will love this place, and it is great for people looking to get away from the world into the serenity of the Western Ghats.
This article talks about Kolukkumalai, its tea estate, and why it is a must-see destination when traveling to Munnar in the state of Kerala. There are breathtaking views of the hills, rich history behind tea plantations, and so much more at Kolukkumalai, promising an experience never forgotten.
High Altitude Delight - Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate finds its base on the slopes of the Kolukkumalai Hills, sitting at an outstanding height of approximately 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) above sea level. It is, thus, the highest tea plantation in the world. The estate is renowned for producing among the finest organic teas in the world, of course handpicked and processed in traditional ways to preserve the rich flavor that gives it pride of place in the global tea market.
Unlike many modern tea estates, Kolukkumalai tea estate has managed to preserve its old-fashioned appeal, and visitors can see the traditional mode of tea plucking, rolling, and drying. Therefore, a visit to the Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation is, as much an eye-watering journey as a learning experience about the tea-making process.
The climate of Kolukkumalai is apt for tea cultivation in terms of perfect quality, cool temperature, frequent mist, and fertile with rich soil. Often, the flavor of tea produced here tends to be described as floral, fruity, astringent type. It is not often why the tea from Kolukkumalai Munnar is in demand worldwide.
Kolukkumalai Munnar- A Perfect Destination for Nature Lovers
Kolukkumalai Munnar is one true haven. The drive to Kolukkumalai is an adventure in itself. It is located about 35 kilometers from the town of Munnar, and the route to Kolukkumalai passes through winding roads, dense forests, and picturesque tea estates. The last part of the journey involves a bumpy off-road ride, which adds to the excitement and anticipation. On the way, one will get to see luscious greens, waterfalls, and birds of many kinds, which will make the journey worth taking.
Beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, hills, and tea gardens await you once you make it there. Cool, misty hill slopes, mystery, and serenity are some of the things that this place offers at Kolukkumalai Kerala. The beauty of the scenery and the quiet surroundings come together to create a peaceful atmosphere that helps visitors connect with nature.
Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation: A Glimpse into the Tea Manufacturing Process
A visit to Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation is a step back in time. The tea estate is famous not only for its high-altitude location but also for its traditional tea production methods. The plantation workers still use older, manual techniques for harvesting and processing the tea leaves, ensuring that every cup is of the highest quality.
The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Munnar offers a unique experience to the visitor in terms of how organic tea is grown, harvested, and processed. The tea leaves are handpicked by skilled workers, who then carry out the delicate process of rolling, oxidizing, and drying the leaves in traditional methods. These traditional techniques give the tea a rich, authentic flavor that is highly sought after by tea connoisseurs worldwide.
The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate can be visited through a guided tour. The entire process, from cultivation to packaging, is explained by knowledgeable guides. The visit to the tea processing unit is a common part of the tour. Here, one can see the process of tea-making up close and even taste fresh tea straight from the estate.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Munnar: Tea Tasting Experience
No trip to Kolukkumalai Munnar is complete without indulging in the delightful tea tasting experience. The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate has a small tea shop where visitors can sip on freshly brewed tea, made from leaves plucked right from the plantation. The tea shop offers a variety of teas, including black tea, green tea, and herbal tea, all of which are grown organically on the estate.
The Kolukkumalai tea tasting experience is a treat for all the tea lovers. The flavor of the tea with the serenity of the atmosphere makes it an unforgettable experience. As you sip your tea, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the tea plantations and the hills surrounding them, which make the experience all the more beautiful.
Kolukkumalai Hills: Adventure and Scenic Views
This place is not just tea, it's more like an adventure enthusiast's haven. The hills are full of trekking options, including trails that take you through dense forests, rocky terrains, and tea gardens. One of the most popular treks is to the Kolukkumalai Peak, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
The trek to the Kolukkumalai Hills is not easy but worth it, as you will be amid lush forests and lively wildlife. A plethora of flora and fauna later, you are at the summit with a view nothing less than the best in Kerala. On clear days, you will be able to see the far-off Anamalai Hills and Idukki Dam.
And if you are not so much into hard work, then you can just sit and relax in the tea gardens and watch the sceneries of the place with hills and valleys that surround it. The pleasant climate and peaceful atmosphere in Kolukkumalai Kerala make it a perfect location for unwinding and rejuvenation.
Kolukkumalai Munnar How to reach End
There's quite a struggle for reaching the spot, given it is placed high up on altitude. By jeep or car is the best possible way of arriving at the tea estate of Kolukkumalai. Kolukkumalai estate can be accessed from Munnar, taxi or jeeps can take one to reach that place. Off roads and proper paved roads would give you some of those bumpy moments, yet what makes up is the eye-treating scenes one gets during travel.
You can also consider guided tours to Kolukkumalai, which will include a transport ride, a visit to the tea estate, and get a feel of the beauty of the hills.
Best time to visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
The best time to visit Kolukkumalai is from September to March, during the cooler months. The weather is pleasant, and the lush tea gardens are in full bloom. The summer months of April to June can be warm, but the higher altitude of Kolukkumalai keeps the temperatures relatively cooler compared to other regions. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to August) as the roads can become slippery and difficult to navigate.
Conclusion
Kolukkumalai, as a destination is unique in so many ways due to the confluence of beautiful natural scenery with adventure and its rich cultural heritage. Be it looking for the vast Kolukkumalai Tea Estate trekking through Kolukkumalai Hills or just looking forward to sipping fresh organic tea, Kolukkumalai has every reason to get here. Its misty landscapes of high-altitude tea plantations and traditional making of tea set Kolukkumalai as a dream destination for the traveler to visit Munnar. So, if you’re planning a trip to Munnar, don’t miss out on the unforgettable experience of visiting Kolukkumalai.
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