Best Sightseeing Near Munnar at Kolukkumalai Tea Factory
Kolukkumalai Tea Factory: Discover the World’s Highest Organic Tea Estate
Nestled in the rugged Western Ghats on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu lies a place unlike any other in India—a tea estate perched so high it feels like the roof of the South. Welcome to Kolukkumalai Tea Factory, renowned as the highest organic tea plantation in the world.
At Shola Crown Resort, we’re proud to take our guests here every day on our guided sightseeing trips. We strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot on this unforgettable journey through history, taste, and breathtaking scenery.
If you love tea, heritage, mountains—or simply unique experiences—read on. This blog is your in-depth guide to visiting the Kolukkumalai Tea Factory.


The Highest Tea Estate in the World
Kolukkumalai sits at a breathtaking elevation of around 7,000–8,000 feet (2,170–2,400 m) above sea level, making it widely recognized as the highest tea plantation on Earth. But it’s not just about bragging rights.
This incredible altitude delivers cool, mist-laden air year-round. Combined with rich, organic mountain soil, it produces tea with an unparalleled freshness, distinct aroma, and robust flavor that connoisseurs adore.
The estate itself is set against a dramatic backdrop of jagged peaks, green-clad valleys, and sweeping clouds—truly one of India’s most spectacular landscapes. On a clear day, you can see deep into Tamil Nadu’s plains, the Nilgiri ranges in the distance, and rolling hills carpeted with neat rows of tea bushes.
A Journey into History
Kolukkumalai’s tea story began in the early 20th century, around the 1930s, when a Scottish planter first realized the potential of these remote slopes. The challenging terrain was no deterrent: the British-era pioneers were determined to tame these hills for tea.
To this day, the original factory they established remains in operation. It stands as a testament to timeless methods, its wooden beams and floors redolent with history. Unlike modern mechanized CTC (Crush-Tear-Curl) factories, Kolukkumalai has fiercely preserved the traditional orthodox process.
Walking through its doors is like stepping back in time. You’ll see century-old machines—gleaming brass rollers, massive driers, sifters—all in daily use. There’s an old-world smell of tea dust, oil, and wood, unchanged since colonial times.
The Orthodox Tea-Making Process
What makes Kolukkumalai’s tea so prized is its orthodox method, perfected over generations. Unlike the industrial CTC process used for mass-market tea, orthodox production is slow, careful, and precise.
Here’s how it works:
- Withering: Freshly plucked leaves are spread out on racks to reduce moisture naturally.
- Rolling: The withered leaves are gently rolled to release essential oils and enzymes, crucial for developing flavor.
- Oxidation: The rolled leaves are spread out in cool air to ferment slightly, deepening color and aroma.
- Drying: Finally, the leaves are carefully dried to lock in the complex flavors.
- Sorting & Grading: Finished teas are sorted into grades like Flowery Orange Pekoe or Broken Orange Pekoe.
The entire process here is done using vintage equipment, often by hand, under the watchful eyes of expert tea-makers who have learned these secrets over decades.


Factory Tour Experience
Visitors can take a guided factory tour (for a small fee, typically ₹100 per person). The experience is immersive and authentic:
- You’ll follow the journey of a tea leaf from basket to brew.
- Watch the massive old rolling machines in action.
- Smell the sweet, grassy aroma of freshly withered leaves.
- Learn to distinguish different grades and qualities.
Knowledgeable staff, often with family ties to generations of estate workers, share fascinating anecdotes—about colonial planters, local legends, and the hard life of tea pickers.
Photography is allowed in most areas (always confirm with your guide), and it’s a paradise for anyone wanting that classic shot of antique brass machinery framed against mountain views.
Tea Tasting at the Source
The highlight of many visits? Tasting Kolukkumalai tea right where it’s made.
After your factory tour, settle in for a tasting session. You might sample:
- Robust black teas with citrus and malt notes.
- Delicate, light orthodox blends.
- Exclusive high-altitude varieties with remarkable aroma.
There’s something special about drinking tea while gazing at the very bushes it came from, thousands of feet above sea level.
Most visitors don’t leave empty-handed. The small factory outlet sells freshly packed Kolukkumalai teas in a variety of grades. These make exceptional souvenirs (and conversation starters back home).
Organic and Sustainable Practices
Kolukkumalai isn’t just about tradition for its own sake. Its organic cultivation sets it apart.
No chemical fertilizers are used; instead, natural compost and age-old soil management keep the tea bushes healthy. The estate’s altitude means fewer pests and diseases, reducing the need for intervention.
The result? Tea that’s not just delicious but also ethically grown—a fact increasingly valued by environmentally conscious travelers.
Getting There: The Off-Road Adventure
Part of the charm—and challenge—of Kolukkumalai is getting there.
The final approach from Suryanelli (a small settlement near Munnar) is a steep, rocky 17 km jeep track that regular cars simply can’t handle. Visitors usually hire 4×4 jeeps, often driven by seasoned local experts who know every bump and hairpin bend.
It’s a thrilling ride:
- Misty valleys unfold below you.
- Waterfalls and streams cross the path.
- Tea pickers wave as you bounce past.
While the ride is famously bumpy, most visitors see it as part of the adventure—a real off-road safari through tea country.
From Shola Crown Resort, we arrange these trips daily for our guests. Advance booking is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure a seat and enjoy a hassle-free experience.


Best Time to Visit
Kolukkumalai’s climate is cool year-round thanks to its elevation.
- November to March is the most popular season. Crisp mornings, clear skies, and lush green views make it ideal for tours.
- April and May see warmer days but still excellent mornings.
- June to September (Monsoon): Heavy rains drench the plantation, making it stunningly green. Though access can be trickier due to slippery tracks, the estate takes on a mystical, mist-shrouded look that photographers adore.
For those willing to embrace the rain, monsoon brings fewer crowds and a quieter, almost private experience of the hills. Just bring a raincoat!
Beyond the Factory: Plantation Walks and Views
A trip to Kolukkumalai isn’t limited to the factory itself.
- Plantation Walks: Wander through terraced fields of neatly pruned bushes. Early mornings often bring a sea of clouds below you.
- Photography: Rolling green hills, antique equipment, local workers in colorful attire—there’s no shortage of iconic shots.
- Local Culture: Friendly estate workers share stories about their families, work, and traditions.
Many visitors say the best moments aren’t inside the factory but outside, amid the green silence broken only by birdsong and the wind in the tea leaves.


Why It’s Unmissable
Kolukkumalai isn’t just a tea estate—it’s an experience that combines:
- Heritage and history.
- Stunning mountain views.
- Organic, artisanal tea production.
- Thrilling off-road adventure.
- Authentic local culture.
It’s not a polished theme park but a living, breathing estate that has stayed true to its roots while welcoming travelers from around the world.
At Shola Crown Resort, we consider it one of our signature day trips. Our guided tours make it easy for you to enjoy the ride, learn the history, sip the tea, and take in the views without any stress.
We take our guests here every day, weather permitting. Advance booking is preferable to ensure a smooth experience and avoid last-minute disappointment.
Visit Kolukkumalai with us, and taste the world’s highest tea where it’s born. It’s an experience you’ll remember long after the last cup is finished.