Kolukkumalai

This journey is to see the heaven on earth. Yes, to see the sunrise at Kolukkumalai.  It is an inexplicable and dream-like experience, just like the waves of the sea.  Clouds surging between the hills with indescribable colors, just like waves in the sea, is a rare sight.  It is around 38 km from Munnar to Kolukkumalai.  The route goes as Munnar, Devikulam, Chinnakanal, Suryanelli and then, Kolukkumalai.

It is better to visit Chinnakanal and Devikulam a day before travelling to Kolukkumalai, and spend the evening at Suryanelli.  The way to Kolukkumalai is off-road; so it is highly recommended to book a jeep beforehand.  Jeep safari is a thrilling experience.  From Suryanelli, it takes 50 minutes to reach Kolukkumalai.  Only if the journey starts at around 4.45 or 5.00 in the morning can one enjoy the early morning scenery and the beautiful sunrise.

The scenery here is a heavenly one, just like what somebody said, “If there is a heaven on earth, it is this, it is this.” It is in Kolukkumalai that the world’s highest organic tea plantations are located.  The tea factory here was established in the year 1935.  Kolukkumalai is around 7900 to 8000 feet above sea level.  The sunset is as beautiful as the sunrise.  From here, we can see the alluring scenery of Theni.

Kolukkumalai is located at Tamil Nadu border.  While leaving the beauty of the place, I had to tell myself that the sunrise and sunset that I saw at Kolukkumalai are not just dreams.  In my mind, I made a promise to visit this place again sometime in future.