Kolukkumalai Sunrise - A view like nowhere else

 Munnar being one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala is still largely unexplored. Suryanelli is one of the most unexplored offbeat locations around Munnar. If you ever visit Munnar, experiencing sunrise from Kolukkumalai peak is mandatory. Kolukkumalai is about 7,130 feet (2,170 m) above sea level and lies 32 kilometers from Munnar at Suryanelli. Kolukkumalai tea plantation is the world's highest elevation tea plantation at 7900 feet MSL. To visit Kolukkumalai peak private vehicles are not allowed, you'll have to hire a jeep which will charge you INR 2500 per jeep from Suryanelli for 6 members. It's 14km of jeep ride in which 8km is extreme off-road and in total it takes around 1 hour from the base camp. The jeep usually starts the picks up from Suryanelli by 4.30 am so that you can reach the peak before sunrise. All the resorts and hotels will know one or the other jeep drivers whom they can arrange. The sunrise view from Kolukkumalai peak is no ordinary sunrise, it's a one of a kind sunrise with a heavenly feeling. There is a rock at the very top that looks like a lion's face and is known as Singapara, if you ever visit Kolukkumalai a photo in front of Singapara is mandatory. On weekends it's very crowded so make sure to book the jeep at the earliest. At Kulukkumalai top, there are 2 viewpoints and an eco point. For all my trek-loving folks out there, there is another peak to which you can trek from Kolukkumalai peak. It's called Tepatta mala. It's around 1 hour trek from Kolukkumalai peak and you'll have to pay an additional amount of INR 1500 for the jeep as a waiting charge and 500 per head to the local trek guide. Treks to Tepatta malai is conducted only if the weather conditions are optimal and you'll also need to start early from Suryanelli. On the way back from Kolukkumalai there is a tea factory where you can have a factory visit. They charge INR 200 per head. They will give you a guided tour around the factory and explain to you all the processes in making tea powder. You can also purchase all kinds of tea powder over there. After the tea factory visit, there are adventure activities like Zipline and Kayaking nearby the factory. They charge INR 300 for either of them. Additional attractions nearby Suryanelli. Phantom Rock- 5 km from Suryanelli. An offbeat location with a heavenly view. It's a moderate trek of 2-3 km approx. You'll need to hire a guide if you're going there for the first time. Anayirankal Dam- 20 km from Suryanelli. There is an entry fee of INR 50 per head. The dam is known for elephants coming down to the shore to drink water. The is also boating facility available over there. Speed boat charges INR 1100 per boat and it can accommodate 5 people. They take you on a ride for 10 mins and try to spot elephants nearby the dam. Chaturangapara View point- 35 km from Suryanelli. A very scenic place with a view of windmills.

There are travel start-ups like 'The Offbeat Crew' that organize round trips from Kochi. They focus mainly on offbeat locations. They will take care of the whole transportation, food, offbeat locations, off-road jeep trek, private vehicle, and a personal tour guide throughout the trip. They also provide fully customized trips, Family trips, Honeymoons, Birthdays and much more.

You can reach out to them at

PH- +91 8089760989

IG- @the.offbeat.crew

https://www.instagram.com/the.offbeat.crew/

For any queries, you can always ping me at

IG- @wabisabi.stories

https://www.instagram.com/wabisabi.stories/

Happy Travel :)