Sunrise jeep to Kolukkumalai

We leave the hotel around 4.30 am for the drive to Suryanelli, about 35 km east of Munnar. Here we change into a local 4x4 jeep, as the final 10 km is a rough, rocky track that ordinary cars cannot manage. The ride takes about an hour and is bumpy but safe with the experienced local drivers. The estate itself lies just across the border in Tamil Nadu.

At the top, a short walk leads to a viewpoint where, on clear mornings, the sun rises over a sea of cloud filling the valleys below, with the peaks of the Western Ghats standing out like islands. Mornings at this height are cold, sometimes below 10 °C in winter, so bring a warm jacket. We serve breakfast and hot drinks from a hamper at the viewpoint.

After sunrise we visit the estate's small factory, which still uses orthodox machinery from the early 20th century to roll and dry the leaf. The tea is strong and fragrant, and you can buy it on site. Visibility depends on weather; in the monsoon cloud often covers the view completely. Jeep permits and estate access fees apply, so check current status before you travel.