The Adventure Summit: Kolukkumalai Sunrise & Gap Road
Focus: Off-roading, Sunrise Views, and Organic Tea.
The Itinerary
This is an early-start tour (04:30 AM) and requires a 4x4 Jeep, as the roads are rugged and non-metalled.
- 04:30 AM – Sunrise Jeep Safari: Depart from Suryanelli in a sturdy 4x4. The bumpy ride is forgotten once you reach the summit to witness the "Sea of Clouds" as the sun rises over the peaks.
- 08:00 AM – Kolukkumalai Tea Factory: Visit a factory built in the 1930s that still uses the traditional "Orthodox" method of tea making. The tea here has a unique flavor due to the altitude.
- 11:30 AM – Gap Road (Bison Valley View): One of the most scenic driving stretches in India. Huge rock-cut cliffs on one side and a deep valley on the other.
- 01:30 PM – Anayirangal Dam: A vast reservoir surrounded by tea carpeted hills. It’s a quiet spot for a picnic lunch away from the main tourist hubs.
- 03:30 PM – Lockhart Gap View: End your day with a view of the "Lockhart" heart-shaped gap between two mountains.
For the true adventurer visiting Munnar.com, the typical sightseeing bus just won't cut it. To experience the raw, untamed majesty of the Western Ghats, one must head south towards Suryanelli and prepare for an ascent that defies both gravity and expectations. The Adventure Summit is not just a tour; it is a high-octane expedition to the world’s highest organic tea plantation, followed by a drive along some of the most dramatic mountain roads in the Indian subcontinent.
This day trip is designed for those who don’t mind a bit of dust, a lot of bumps, and the reward of a sunrise that looks like the very beginning of the world.
04:30 AM – The Ascent: Sunrise Jeep Safari
The adventure begins under a blanket of stars. While the rest of Munnar is still asleep, you will meet your rugged 4x4 Jeep in the small town of Suryanelli. The journey to Kolukkumalai is not possible by standard car; the terrain consists of jagged rocks, steep inclines, and narrow dirt tracks that only a seasoned local driver can navigate.
The Sea of Clouds
The hour-long "bone-rattling" ride up the mountain is part of the charm. As you climb to nearly 8,000 feet, the air temperature drops significantly. Upon reaching the summit, you are greeted by one of the most famous sights in South India: the Sea of Clouds. As the sun begins to peek over the peaks of the Meesapulimala range, the valleys below are filled with a thick, white mist that looks exactly like a rolling ocean. The golden hues of the sunrise reflecting off the clouds create a 360-degree panorama that makes every bump of the Jeep ride worth it.
08:00 AM – A Step Back in Time: Kolukkumalai Tea Factory
Once the sun has fully risen, the tour moves to the Kolukkumalai Tea Factory. Built by the British in the mid-1930s, this factory is a living museum. Unlike modern factories that use the CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) method, Kolukkumalai still strictly adheres to the Orthodox method of tea production.
The Secret of High-Altitude Tea
Inside the wooden-floored factory, you will see original vintage machinery still in operation. The guide will explain how the thin air and constant mist at this altitude produce a tea that is exceptionally light, floral, and rich in antioxidants. Because the terrain is too steep for machines, every leaf is hand-plucked. A cup of fresh "Kolukkumalai Tea" on the factory balcony, overlooking the cliffs you just climbed, is arguably the best tea-drinking experience in the world.
11:30 AM – Engineering vs. Nature: Gap Road (Bison Valley View)
After descending back to the plains of Suryanelli, the tour shifts to the Gap Road stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway. Recently renovated, this road has become a sensation among travel enthusiasts for its sheer verticality and dramatic engineering.
The road is carved into the side of massive granite cliffs. On one side, you have towering rock faces that seem to touch the sky; on the other, a sheer drop into the Bison Valley. From the various viewpoints along this stretch, you can see the expansive spice plantations of the valley floor thousands of feet below. It is a drive that rivals the great mountain passes of the Alps or the Himalayas.
01:30 PM – The Blue Oasis: Anayirangal Dam
By early afternoon, the tour reaches the serene Anayirangal Dam. The name "Anayirangal" literally translates to "Where the Elephants Come Down." This vast reservoir is surrounded by a patchwork of tea gardens and thick forests.
Unlike the more crowded Mattupetty Dam, Anayirangal is a quiet retreat. It is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. The sight of the deep blue water framed by the vibrant green tea bushes is incredibly soothing after the morning's adrenaline-filled activities. If you are lucky, you might spot a herd of wild elephants grazing on the lush grass near the water’s edge—a sight that gave the dam its name.
03:30 PM – The Final Perspective: Lockhart Gap View
The day concludes at the Lockhart Gap View, one of the most photographed spots in the Idukki district. This natural "gap" between two massive mountains resembles a heart shape when viewed from the right angle.
From here, you get a final, sweeping view of the entire Malayil Kallan area and the peaks you conquered earlier in the day. As the evening mist begins to drift through the gap, it provides a perfect, contemplative end to an action-packed day. The viewpoint also offers a great look at the various layers of the Western Ghats, showing the transition from the high-altitude grasslands to the spice-rich lowlands.
Pro-Tips for the Ultimate Adventure
To ensure your "Adventure Summit" is memorable for the right reasons, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Health and Safety Warning
This tour involves a very bumpy, off-road experience in a 4x4 vehicle. Due to the constant jolting of the vehicle on the rocky path to Kolukkumalai, it is not recommended for pregnant women, senior citizens with heart conditions, or individuals with chronic back and neck issues. - The Cold Factor
The temperature at the Kolukkumalai summit at 5:00 AM can dip as low as 5°C to 10°C, even in the summer. Wear heavy layers, a woollen cap, and gloves. You can always shed the layers as the sun comes up and the day warms up. - Jeep Bookings
Jeeps for Kolukkumalai must be booked in advance, especially during the peak season (October to January). The drivers at Suryanelli are highly skilled, but it is best to book through a verified platform like Munnar.com to ensure you get a well-maintained vehicle with a professional driver. - Photography Gear
If you are a photographer, bring a wide-angle lens for the "Sea of Clouds" and a zoom lens if you hope to spot elephants at Anayirangal Dam. The light at Kolukkumalai is extremely bright once the sun rises, so a polarising filter can be very helpful.
Why the Adventure Summit?
While other tours show you the "pretty" side of Munnar, the Adventure Summit shows you its "powerful" side. It is a day of contrasts—from the violent shaking of the Jeep to the absolute silence of the sunrise; from the industrial history of the 1930s to the modern engineering marvel of Gap Road.
This is the tour for those who want to stand on the roof of South India and look down at the world. It is an experience that challenges your comfort zone but rewards you with memories that are as enduring as the mountains themselves.
Are you ready to conquer the highest tea estate in the world? [Book your Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari today on Munnar.com]
