The highest tea plantation in the world, Kolukkumalai boasts organic tea with a special flavour and freshness due to the high altitude. It is located near a small village in the Theni district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, bordering to Idukki district of Kerala. It is about 35 km or 1.5 hours from the town of Munnar. Located at over 2,000m above sea level, the hilltop village is accessible only by 4-wheel drive due to rugged roads.
Panoramic views on the rugged mountains that surround Kolukkumalai are no less popular than aromatic fresh tea available here. The tea factory at the centre of the village has been operating for over 70 years. It uses simple traditional technology which draws visitors. A seven-step preparation includes withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fibre extraction, and grading. Tea is collected by hand. The factory produces about 12 tonnes of tea per month or over 144 tonnes of tea per year.
Winter is the best time to visit the plantation, as the best tea is produced during that period. Also, the weather is quite pleasant. Monsoon season in Tamil Nadu lasts from mid-June to early December.
Practical info
What is the best time to visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate for tea lovers?
The best season to visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate for tea lovers is winter because it is the ideal harvesting season for tea leaves. During this season, the cool climate guarantees the optimal quality of the tea, which is celebrated for its organic taste, aroma, and freshness. However, tourists should avoid visiting the estate between mid-June and early December due to heavy rainfall, which can make the roads and trail difficult to navigate. Show more
How can tourists access the hilltop village for tea tasting?
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is located near a small village in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu, close to the Idukki district of Kerala. To reach the hilltop village, visitors must take a four-wheel drive due to the rugged terrain. The drive itself is a sight to behold as it showcases the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, tourists can choose to take public transport from Munnar to Kottagudi Junction and then hire an auto or a jeep to the estate. Show more
How many tonnes of tea per month does the factory produce?
For over 70 years, the tea factory at the centre of the village in Kolukkumalai has been using traditional technology and procedure to produce about 12 tonnes of tea per month. This means that the factory generates over 144 tonnes of tea annually. The seven-step process involves withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fibre extraction, and grading. The tea farming process in Kolukkumalai estate is completely organic, which is responsible for the tea's flavour and freshness. Show more
Who developed the traditional seven-step tea preparation procedure followed by the factory?
Though the origins of the traditional seven-step tea preparation method remain unknown, the tea factory in Kolukkumalai has used this method for over seven decades. The seven-step process entails withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fibre extraction, and grading for the manufacturing of their tea. Tourists can visit the tea factory to observe and learn about the traditional methods and procedures that are still in use today. Show more
Are there any popular hiking trails around Kolukkumalai that offer scenic views?
Kolukkumalai offers various popular hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the region, with some passing through the tea estate, spice plantation, and rocky mountain terrain culminating at Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats. Other routes pass through the Shola forests and grasslands and lead to the Kurangini Rocks on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Along the trails, visitors have an opportunity to admire the beautiful flora and fauna of the region, which further enhance the natural scenic beauty of the area. Show more
