Yet to fulfil your dream of waking up above the clouds, sipping a hot cup of fresh tea, and watching the sun rise over the rolling hills? It’s time to plan a Kolukkumalai trip.

Perched high above the clouds on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Kolukkumalai is one of those places where that dream wraps you in misty mornings and calmness. It's also home to the highest tea plantation in the world.

But before you set off on this high-altitude adventure, there’s a lot to know. To see the best of Kolukkumalai, you need to be prepared. Kolukkumalai rewards those who plan well.

Here, in this guide, we'll share everything you need to know to plan the perfect Kolukkumalai trip. 

When to Go? The Best Time to Visit Kolukkumalai

Timing is everything when you’re chasing the perfect sight. While the Western Ghats are beautiful year-round, you don’t want your Kolukkumalai trip to end with nothing but thick fog and missed views.

Ideally, from September to March, the peak season, is considered the best time to visit Kolukkumalai. You get to witness clear skies, crisp air, and stunning panoramic views.

September and October are when the rains start to leave, and nature looks its best. After the rain, the hills and tea gardens look bright, lush, and deeply green. It’s the most colourful time for the landscape. You might still see some mist.

From March to May, the weather warms. If trekking is a priority for your Kolukkumalai trip, this season allows you to explore the tea estates comfortably. The rare Neelakurinji flower (next bloom expected in 2030) adds botanical appeal to the Kolukkumalai trek.

But if you wish to witness the mesmerising sunrise, winter is the best season to plan a Kolukkumalai trip. When the air gets drier during these months, the haze disappears. So, you get to see crystal-clear blue skies and views that stretch for miles.

It is during these early mornings that the cloud bed phenomenon is most prevalent. As the sun rises, it illuminates a thick layer of clouds settling in the valleys below the summit. That creates a visual effect similar to an ocean of white vapour.

Just a heads up: be prepared for extreme temperatures. At the sunrise point, the temperature in early mornings can plummet to 1°C. Carry warm clothing to avoid hypothermia while waiting for the dawn.

Avoid planning your Kolukkumalai trip from June to August. It's the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall makes the rugged terrains and unpaved trekking route slippery and murky.

How to Reach the Kolukkumalai Peak

Getting to Kolukkumalai is a bumpy ride. Here's what you need to know about the journey:

Reaching the Base

The most common entry point for domestic and international travellers is the Cochin International Airport (COK). 

Once you reach there, hire a taxi or use the KSRTC bus service to reach Munnar. The journey to Munnar takes between 4 and 5 hours. Once in Munnar, the next objective is to reach Suryanelli, a small settlement located about 30 km to 35 km southeast of Munnar town.

The 4x4 Jeep Safaris

Standard vehicles cannot navigate the final 12 km stretch from Suryanelli to the Kolukkumalai peak. The path is a private, unpaved road owned by the tea estate, consisting of rugged terrains and approximately 40 to 50 hairpin bends.

You’ll have to hop into one of the local jeep safaris for a bumpy, one-hour climb. It’s a literal bone-rattler. So, if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to take a tablet in advance.

• Jeep Hire Details: A single jeep typically accommodates up to 6 passengers, costing around INR 2,000 for a round trip.
• Booking Logistics: It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season, as the number of jeep slots is regulated by local authorities to prevent overcrowding at the sunrise point.

Trekking Routes

The Kolukkumalai trek offers two primary routes, and they are as follows:

The Kurangani Route

This is a traditional trekking route starting from Kurangani village in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. The trek distance is approximately 15 km for a round trip. The trek begins at an altitude of 3,800 and involves a steep climb through grasslands and forests before reaching the tea plantation.

The Suryanelli Route:

Many travellers choose to take the jeep for a portion of the way and then walk the final 1.5 km to 3 km to the summit to enjoy the nature and aroma of the tea gardens without the exhaust of the vehicles.

Whichever route you choose, rest assured that you’ll pass natural water sources, walk through mist, and feel deeply connected to life around you.

Where to Stay in Kolukkumalai

Kolukkumalai is a protected area, so you cannot just stay anywhere. Your choices are limited to a few special types of places:

High-Altitude Camping Experiences

Camping is perhaps the most immersive way to experience the Western Ghats. 

Several organized camps operate near the Suryanelli base or on the periphery of the tea estate. These camps typically provide dome tents, sleeping bags, and basic amenities like western toilets.

The primary advantage of camping is the proximity to the sunrise point. You can enjoy a campfire and stargazing at night when the clear skies offer a window into the Milky Way.

For a truly authentic escape, book a trip with Exoticamp. We offer two ways to experience this mountain paradise:

Camping in Kolukkumalai Peak

This is the highest campsite in the Munnar region, offering a literal "sleeping above the clouds" experience. Here’s what you get when you book this camp:

• Wake up just a few meters away from the sunrise viewpoint. No need for a 4 AM jeep ride because you are already at the summit.
• Offers breathtaking views of the Theni Valley, Meesapulimala Peak, and the vast tea plantations.
• Minimum light pollution at this altitude makes it an ideal spot for astrophotography and seeing the Milky Way.
• Remote, peaceful, and perfect for solo travellers or couples seeking a quiet, dramatic landscape.
• Includes dome tents, sleeping bags/mats, dinner, breakfast, and a guide for the summit trek.

Book the Peak Experience Now!

Kolukkumalai Base Camp

This is Munnar’s only lake-facing campsite, situated right on the edge of the serene Anayirangal Dam. Key features of this camp are:

• Frequent sightings of Indian Gaur, elephants, and endemic birds due to the proximity to the shola forests.
• Acts as the primary launchpad for the 4x4 off-road jeep safari to the Kolukkumalai Peak and Tiger Rock.
• Includes a guided trek to Bose Peak (7,090 ft), which is often quieter and higher than the standard sunrise point.
• Includes lake-facing tents, off-road jeep transfers to/from the base, campfire with music, sunset hikes, and all meals (Veg & Non-Veg).

Click Here to Book the Base Camp Adventure!

Resort and Hotel Living

Prefer a solid roof and high-end amenities? You can book a stay in a resort in Suryanelli or Chinnakanal.

These properties offer comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, and sweeping hill views, making them ideal for travellers who want to relax after a long journey. Many resorts also help arrange jeep transfers, early-morning sunrise trips, and local sightseeing. That way, you can explore Kolukkumalai without much hassle.

Top Things to Do in Kolukkumalai

Here are some of the things you shouldn't miss doing in your Kolukkumalai trip:

1. Witness the Legendary Sunrise

The sunrise point at Kolukkumalai Peak is nothing short of magic. Most visitors reach the summit by 5:45 AM, well before the sun rises. As the first light appears, the sky transitions through hues of deep purple, vibrant orange, and gold.

The visibility of the distant hills in Tamil Nadu becomes clearer as the sun ascends. On a clear day, the plains of Theni and even the outline of Kodaikanal can be spotted in the distance.

2. Tour the World’s Highest Tea Factory

You can’t come to the highest-altitude tea estate and not see how the magic happens.

The Kolukkumalai tea estate factory still uses traditional orthodox methods from the 1900s. The aroma of fresh tea leaves is intoxicating. After the tour, sit back and sip a hot cup of Kolukkumalai tea while looking out at the panoramic view.

3. Hike to "Lion’s Rock" (Singapara)

Also known as Tiger Faced Rock or Lion’s Rock, this viewpoint offers a dramatic sight. This natural rock formation is a popular photography spot because of its striking resemblance to a big cat's profile.

During sunrise, the positioning of the sun behind the rock creates a silhouette that makes it look as if the lion is roaring fire. It is a short walk from the jeep drop-off point and provides a panoramic view of the Kurangani valley below.

4. Camp Under the Stars

Camping at Kolukkumalai is an experience like no other. The lack of light pollution makes it one of the best spots in the Western Ghats for astrophotography.

Most camping packages include a food spread, snacks, and a campfire with music. That way, you can bond with others through shared adventure. The sound of the windy night against the tent canvas is a reminder of the wild nature that surrounds the tea estate.

A Few Tips to Help You Plan a Smooth and Stress-Free Kolukkumalai Trip

Keep these practical tips in mind to ensure your trip is a wonder and not a wipeout:

1. Logistics of the Jeep:

Jeep safaris are not for the faint of heart. If you suffer from severe back issues or have a history of motion sickness, the 1.5-hour bumpy ride can be painful. Make sure to communicate with the driver if you need them to slow down.

2. Carry Layers

Don't forget that while it might be 25° in Munnar town, it could be near 0° at the peak. Pack thermal wear, a fleece, and a windproof jacket that you can easily add or remove as the sun comes up. Layering keeps you warm during the chilly sunrise and comfortable once temperatures rise later in the morning.

3. Don't Forget the First-Aid Kit

Always carry a basic first-aid kit. While most camps have basic supplies, having your own antiseptics and bandages for any minor scrapes during a trek is wise. Should you get hurt, immediate care can prevent small issues from becoming serious problems. Include pain relief and motion sickness tablets, too.

4. Start Early and Plan in Advance

Kolukkumalai runs in the early mornings. Jeeps to the sunrise point often depart well before dawn, and spots are limited. Book your jeep safari, stay, and any guided trek in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Starting early also gives you clearer skies, fewer crowds, and the best chance to witness that mesmerising sunrise.

Start Planning Your Kolukkumalai Trip to the Clouds Today!

To visit Kolukkumalai is to slow down and reconnect with the earth, the sky, and yourself.

Whether you are chasing the thrill of a rocky jeep ride or looking for a quiet moment among the tea leaves, Kolukkumalai has it all. It is a rare place where you can feel both excited and peaceful at the same time.

Now that you have this Kolukkumalai travel guide, you are all set for an unforgettable trip. Get ready for the fresh mountain air, the famous golden sunrise, and a collection of memories that will stay with you long after you have come back down from the hills!