Kolukkumalai is famous for two reasons. This place is famous for the location of Western Ghats Mountain Range in India in the midst of rains and clouds, while this place has the world"s largest tea plantation region. The tea grown here has a special flavour and freshness, because of the high altitude. Kolukkumalai is about 7,900 ft above sea level and one can have some excellent views of the far off plains in the bordering State of Tamil Nadu. The distant hills of Kolukkumalai slipping in and out of the mist offer a captivating sight to any tourist.
Location of Kolukkumalai
Kolukkumalai is a small hamlet in Bodinayakkanur Taluk in Theni District of Tamil Nadu State. Kolukkumalai comes under Kottagudi Panchayath. Kolukkumalai is located 16 kilometers towards west from District headquarters Theni and 542 km from capital of Tamiul Nadu, Chennai. Kolukkumalai is about 7,900 ft above sea level, 38 km from Munnar. Wile visiting Munnar, one can see the beautiful tea hills of Kolukkumalai.
Tea Plantation in Kolukkumalai
The extensive tea plantations and an old tea factory lend an old world charm to this place. One of the popular tourist attractions in Kolukkumalai is the tea factory of British times. The two-storied building, built in the 1930s, with its wooden interiors and aroma would present one some time-tested methods of tea processing. Here tea is processed in the traditional method, which is different from the more popular crush-tear-curl method. Tea lovers will be pleased to sip different varieties of tea from the tea tasting centre here. Those wanting to take home the flavour can buy fresh packets from the outlet attached to the factory. There are different varieties to choose from like the Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) and the Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP).
Tourism in Kolukkumalai
In Kolukkumalai, the popular tourist attraction is the tea plantation area and the tea factory of old times. While the rolling acres of tea are a prime experience to any national and international visitors, this spot also serves under the umbrella of clouds. Take a lovely stroll on the pathways in the plantations. The more adventurous can take a walk down a fairly steep and narrow bridle path leading to the plains.
Visiting Information
Kolukkumalai can be easily reached by the roadways, airways and rail ways. The hill top of Kolukkumalai is accessible only by jeep and it is about one and a half hour journey from the Munnar town. From Kolukkumalai, one can have an excellent view of the far off plains in the bordering State of Tamil Nadu. Kolukkumalai is about 38 km from Munnar. The hill top is accessible only by jeep and it is about one and a half hour journey from the Munnar town.
