Kolukkumalai: A Tea Lover’s Paradise in the World's Highest Tea Plantations
Is there a better place to enjoy a refreshing cup of tea than the serene hills of Kolukkumalai? Nestled at an altitude of about 7,900 feet above sea level, Kolukkumalai is home to the highest tea plantations in the world, and its tea is renowned for its unique flavour and freshness, thanks to the high-altitude growing conditions. The charm of Kolukkumalai lies not only in its sprawling tea plantations but also in the historic tea factory, which exudes an old-world allure. Built in the 1930s, the two-storied factory, with its wooden interiors, offers visitors a guided tour that reveals traditional methods of tea processing—different from the popular CTC (Crush-Tear-Curl) method. Here, tea is processed using time-honoured techniques, giving it a distinct flavour that tea enthusiasts will appreciate. For those who wish to explore the different varieties of tea, the factory’s tea tasting centre offers a delightful experience. Sip various blends, including the Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) and Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP), and take home fresh tea packets from the outlet attached to the factory. Friendly sales staff are happy to share tips on how to extract the perfect flavour from each tea variety. The breathtaking views from Kolukkumalai are equally captivating. The hilltop offers panoramic vistas of the distant plains of Tamil Nadu, with the hills slipping in and out of the mist, creating a picturesque backdrop. The rolling acres of tea plantations invite visitors to take leisurely strolls through the lush green landscape. For the more adventurous, a walk down the narrow, steep bridle path, once used by estate workers to transport tea chests and provisions, offers a sense of history and wonder.
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