Kolukkumalai Tea Trail And Tea Factory (1935) Visit

Overview

This a unique situation which will for sure stock up some beautiful memories of a lifetime. The tiny and very picturesque village of Kolukkumalai located at 2160 MASL, set upon a precipitous ridge is currently the 'world's highest organic tea plantation'. Located on the Tamil Nadu side of the interstate border, this estate produces some of the most flavourful tea due to the altitude and therefore is one of the most sought-after teas in Munnar The factory at Kolukkumalai was set up in the early 1930s' still follows the orthodox, traditional way of processing tea. Kolukkumalai offers also the most spectacular views of this great bio-diverse landscape. On a clear night, you can see the twinkling lights of Kodaikanal, under a velvet sky.

Why you will love it

What you will experience

A visit to the factory is indeed a journey through time; the machinery used in the factory is from the colonial era. Orthodox tea-making is a seven-step process that includes withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fibre extraction, and grading. All of this work happens in this small factory that has not been changed since the British set it up. Kolukkumalai situated 32 km from Munnar is accessible from the nearest town through offbeat, rugged roads which are accessible only by jeeps providing you with the perfect off-roading experience. You also have the option to walk through the rows of tea to reach the factory or you could walk part of the way and take the jeep for the rest. Once you reach the summit, you will be treated to a spectacular panorama of the flat plains of Tamil Nadu bordering the majestic Western Ghats.