Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point | Best Sight Seeing Near Munnar

July 16, 2025
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Best Sight Seeing Near Munnar

Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point: Witness the Most Magical Dawn in South India

High above the mists of Munnar, on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, lies one of South India’s most spectacular natural experiences: watching the sunrise from Kolukkumalai.

This isn’t your typical tourist viewpoint with a paved road and snack stalls. Getting here is an adventure in itself—a thrilling off-road climb in jeeps or a challenging trek through misty tea plantations. But what waits at the top? A dawn spectacle you’ll remember for life.

At Shola Crown Resort, we’re proud to take our guests to Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point every day (weather permitting). It’s one of our signature experiences. Advance booking is preferable, especially in peak season, to ensure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable trip.

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Where Exactly Is Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point?

Kolukkumalai is a mountain ridge in the Western Ghats, rising to about 7,130 feet (2,170 m). It’s famous for hosting the world’s highest organic tea plantation, but equally legendary for its sunrise.

Situated about 35–38 km from Munnar town, the viewpoint sits right on the edge of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, offering a panoramic 360° view of misty valleys, jagged peaks, and rolling tea estates.

But here’s the best part for our guests: from Shola Crown Resort, it’s only about 1 hour to the top. That means you can leave before dawn, enjoy sunrise in comfort, spend time soaking in the views, and still be back at the resort by around 9:00 AM for a hot breakfast. It’s far easier and quicker than starting from Munnar town, which typically takes 1.5–2 hours each way.

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Why Is the Sunrise So Famous?

Sunrise at Kolukkumalai isn’t just about seeing the sun peek over the horizon—it’s an immersive spectacle.

  • Cloud Bed Below: On many days, a thick layer of clouds lies beneath the viewpoint. As the sun rises, these clouds turn molten gold, pink, and orange before slowly breaking apart to reveal villages and fields thousands of feet below.
  • Vibrant Colors: The clear mountain air amplifies dawn’s palette. Expect intense reds, warm yellows, and deep purples, especially in the winter and post-monsoon seasons.
  • 360° Views: Turn around and you’ll see the Western Ghats’ peaks marching into the distance. On exceptionally clear days, you can even spot the plains of Tamil Nadu stretching endlessly, sometimes catching the distant lights of towns like Kodaikanal before dawn.

Silent, Sacred Ambience: Unlike crowded urban viewpoints, Kolukkumalai’s remoteness means a serene, almost spiritual hush at dawn. The only sounds? Wind through tea bushes, the calls of waking birds, and the awed exclamations of fellow travelers.

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The Adventure of Getting There

Part of what makes Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point so memorable is the journey. It’s not easy, but that’s the point.

Off-Road Jeep Safari

Most visitors hire 4×4 jeeps from Munnar town or the village of Suryanelli. The final 17 km stretch is a rugged, rocky trail that winds steeply up the mountainside, full of hairpin bends and dramatic drop-offs.

  • From Shola Crown Resort: Only about 1 hour to the top.
  • Experience: Bumpy and thrilling, with constantly changing scenery—tea estates, forests, waterfalls, and mist-shrouded valleys.
  • Drivers: Experienced locals who know every twist and turn.

It’s often described as an “off-road adventure” rather than a mere commute. Don’t expect luxury—do expect excitement.

At Shola Crown Resort, we arrange daily jeep trips for our guests. Advance booking is preferable, especially in the busy season, to guarantee your spot and coordinate the early departure.

Trekking Option

For the fit and adventurous, there’s also a trekking route starting from Suryanelli.

  • Distance: ~7 km one-way.
  • Duration: 3–4 hours, with early starts around 2:30–3 AM.
  • Difficulty: Moderate—includes steady climbs and rocky sections.

Trekkers use headlamps in the predawn dark, passing through tea estates and landmarks like “Tiger-Faced Rock.” The reward? Reaching the summit just as the first light spills over the hills—a truly unforgettable way to earn your sunrise.

We at Shola Crown Resort can help arrange local guides for those wanting to trek instead of jeep.

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The Best Time to Visit for Sunrise

Because this is a mountaintop experience, weather is everything. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

November–February (Winter)

  • Widely considered the best season.

  • Cool, crisp mornings. Early morning temperatures can dip as low as -1 °C at the summit.

  • Minimal clouds obscuring the view.

  • Stunning visibility, with incredibly sharp outlines of distant hills.

  • Peak tourist season, so booking in advance is essential.

March–May (Spring/Early Summer)

  • Mornings still cool and mostly clear.

  • Afternoon haze and warmth increase, but sunrise usually remains spectacular.

  • Fewer crowds than peak winter.

June–August (Monsoon)

  • This is the trickiest season but also has hidden gems.

  • Regular rain, mist, and dense clouds can often obscure the sunrise completely.

  • HOWEVER—on lucky days, after overnight rains clear, you can get the clearest skies of the year, with stunningly vibrant colors and the longest visibility across Tamil Nadu’s plains.

  • The estate is lush and green, with waterfalls in full flow.

  • Fewer visitors mean a more peaceful, exclusive experience if you catch one of those magic clear mornings.

September – October (Post-Monsoon/Shoulder Season)

  • Rains start to taper off.

  • Hills are brilliantly green and rejuvenated.

  • Mornings often clear, with breathtaking views but some chance of lingering fog.

  • Ideal for those wanting to balance clear skies with fewer crowds.

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The Experience at the Summit

Most visitors time their arrival for about 5:45–6 AM, well before sunrise. The air is chilly—sometimes freezing in winter—so bring warm layers and maybe even a thermos of hot chai.

  • Pre-Dawn: Stars twinkle in the dark sky. Silence reigns. Jeep headlights cast eerie beams over tea bushes.
  • First Light: A faint glow appears in the east. The cloud bed begins to reveal its shapes.
  • Sunrise Proper: The sun breaks the horizon, igniting the clouds with orange, pink, and red. Shadows race down the valleys below.
  • Post-Sunrise: As light strengthens, mists disperse to reveal patchwork tea gardens, distant villages, and mountain peaks.

It’s a show that unfolds in stages—no matter how many times you see it, it never feels routine.

Photography Tips

  • Bring a tripod for long exposures pre-dawn.
  • Wide-angle lenses capture the sweeping cloud sea.
  • Telephoto shots let you pick out distant hills and villages as light floods in.
  • Include tea bushes in the foreground for context.
  • Don’t forget your own silhouette shots—backlit against a sunrise that feels endless.

Practical Tips for Visitors

  • Depart Early: From Shola Crown Resort, plan to leave by ~4 AM for a comfortable schedule.
  • Dress in Layers: It’s cold and windy at the top—especially in winter when temperatures can go below zero.
  • Pack Light: A small backpack with water, snacks, and camera gear is enough.
  • Respect the Environment: Don’t litter. Stick to paths.
  • Health: The jeep ride is very bumpy. Those with back or motion issues should consider this carefully.

Beyond the Sunrise

Many visitors pair the sunrise trip with other Kolukkumalai experiences:

  • Tea Factory Tour: Visit the heritage factory nearby (built in the 1930s) to see the orthodox tea-making process and sample fresh brews.
  • Tea Plantation Walks: Wander among endless rows of carefully pruned tea bushes in the crisp morning air.
  • Camping: Some adventurous travelers choose to stay overnight on the mountain for sunset, stargazing, and a relaxed dawn.

Visiting with Shola Crown Resort

At Shola Crown Resort, we arrange daily trips to Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point for our guests.

  • Hassle-free booking.
  • Trusted local drivers and guides.
  • Flexible options for jeep safaris or guided treks.
  • Help with factory tours and tea tastings.

Advance booking is preferable, especially in the high season, to ensure you don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Kolukkumalai Sunrise Point isn’t just another viewpoint—it’s an adventure that includes:

  • A dramatic, off-road climb through misty tea country.
  • A dawn view that feels like the edge of the world.
  • A cloud bed below your feet, lit up in fiery colors.
  • The sense of quiet awe as the sun breaks the darkness.
  • The connection to nature, history, and the rhythm of plantation life.

At Shola Crown Resort, we believe Kolukkumalai’s sunrise isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel. Join us, and let’s watch the world wake up together.

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