Said to be the highest tea estate in the world, on the Tamil Nadu side of the border but reached from Kerala. The sunrise over a sea of cloud is the reason to come. Split the jeep six ways and it is cheap.
On the trail now and the next 7 days
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Kolukkumalai sunrise, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Kolukkumalai sunrise: the trek
- TravelBase: Suryanelli (Kerala), 35 km from Munnar
- PermitPermits and entry
- On the trailEasy trek to 2,170 m₹2,500
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The route
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On the map
Kolukkumalai sunrise · Open in Google Maps ↗
The climb
How to reach the start
Stay in Munnar or Suryanelli. Licensed jeeps leave Suryanelli at about 4 am and climb the estate track for about an hour. The last stretch to the viewpoint is a short walk.
Step 3 of 6Next: Permits↓Permits and rules
Rules change. Check the park office or official booking system before you travel.
Step 4 of 6Next: Gear↓What to carry
What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
Covers local transport, permits or entry, a guide where needed and food on the trail. Getting to Suryanelli (Kerala) is extra.
Photos
Questions people ask
How hard is the Kolukkumalai sunrise trek?
Easy grade. It takes Half day (pre-dawn) and climbs to about 2,170 m. Said to be the highest tea estate in the world, on the Tamil Nadu side of the border but reached from Kerala. The sunrise over a sea of cloud is the reason to come. Split the jeep six ways and it is cheap.
Do I need a permit for Kolukkumalai sunrise?
No permit required. Pay the estate entry fee at the gate, and hire a jeep only through the Suryanelli jeep stand. Private cars are not allowed on the estate track.
How do I reach the Kolukkumalai sunrise trek?
Stay in Munnar or Suryanelli. Licensed jeeps leave Suryanelli at about 4 am and climb the estate track for about an hour. The last stretch to the viewpoint is a short walk. Base: Suryanelli (Kerala), 35 km from Munnar.
What is the best season for Kolukkumalai sunrise?
Sep–Mar.
How much does the Kolukkumalai sunrise trek cost?
From about ₹2,500 per person from the base, covering local transport, permits or entry, a guide where required and food. The journey to the base is extra.
What should I carry?
A warm jacket and cap. It is close to freezing before dawn from December to February. Carry a torch and water.
Guides for Kolukkumalai sunrise
Longer reads from our blog that cover this trip.
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Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Musheer1999 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Musheer1999 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Yahya · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
