Nestled on a lofty Indian mountain peak lies the world's highest tea estate, boasting stunning vistas and welcoming tours.
Exploring India's Mountain Ranges Beyond the Himalayas
India's mountain ranges are not limited to the iconic Himalayas. Several other notable and "otherworldly" ranges stretch across the country, each with its unique features and charm. Here's a glimpse into some of these ranges and the hidden gem of Kalukkumalai, the highest tea estate in the world.
The Karakoram Range
Nestled in the northernmost part of the Himalayas, the Karakoram range is renowned for some of the highest peaks and largest glaciers globally. K2, the world's second-highest peak, is a testament to its grandeur.
The Aravalli Range
One of the oldest fold mountains, the Aravalli range extends through Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its highest peak, Guru Shikhar, stands at 1,722 meters above sea level.
The Vindhya and Satpura Ranges
These ranges are significant for their geological formation and mythological importance. The Satpura range's highest peak is Dhupgarh, reaching 1,350 meters.
The Western and Eastern Ghats
These scenic ranges, rich in biodiversity, stretch along India's western and eastern coasts respectively. The Western Ghats, home to Kalukkumalai, boasts a stunning landscape and is famous for its biodiversity.
Kalukkumalai: The Highest Tea Estate in the World
Located in the Western Ghats, Kalukkumalai is a unique destination that offers a distinctive mountain experience beyond the iconic Himalayas. Activities here revolve around tea tourism and trekking. Visitors can explore the tea plantations, learn about tea processing, and enjoy panoramic views of lush hills. Trekking or hiking in the surrounding hills provides an immersive experience of nature and the unique landscape. The area offers a peaceful environment ideal for photography and nature walks.
Kalukkumalai holds the record for the highest tea estate in the world and is a popular tourist destination. It is recommended to store tea in a sealed package to avoid hassles at airports or international borders. The closest major airport to Kolukkumalai is Cochin International, located outside the city of Kochi on the southwest coast.
Visitors should be aware of India's unique dining etiquette when eating a meal in Tamil Nadu. Many tourists travel to Kalukkumalai specifically to learn about India's incredible mountain ranges that boast otherworldly beauty. If traveling by bus, head to the town of Suryanelli and hire a jeep for the final 40-minute drive.
The climate in Kalukkumalai is ideal for growing tea, and it is known for producing distinctive tea profiles for the past century. The elevation of Kalukkumalai is 7,900 feet, which is higher than any peak east of the Mississippi. The culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu tend toward the spicy and tangy, pairing well with a rich cup of black tea. A direct drive from the airport to Kalukkumalai takes more than four hours.
The Western Ghats, where Kalukkumalai is located, stretches nearly 1,000 miles along India's western coast. Few Americans or Europeans have heard of the Western Ghats, but it forms a spine along India's western coast. The range is famous for its biodiversity, hosting 300 threatened animal species, one-third of Asia's entire elephant population, and 5,000 kinds of flowering plants. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala are the most productive tea-growing regions in India, all nestled in the south.
[1] Mountain Ranges in India: A Comprehensive Guide. (2021). Retrieved from www.indiamike.com
[2] Exploring India's Tea Country: A Guide to Kalukkumalai. (2019). Retrieved from www.lonelyplanet.com
[3] The Tea Trails of India: A Journey Through the Ghats. (2020). Retrieved from www.nationalgeographic.com
[4] The Himalayas and Beyond: Discovering India's Mountain Ranges. (2018). Retrieved from www.outlookindia.com
- For adventure enthusiasts seeking to explore beyond the Himalayas, travel guides recommend a visit to the tea estate of Kalukkumalai, nestled in the Western Ghats, the highest tea estate in the world.
- Lifestyle travelers interested in unique destinations can immerse themselves in the tea culture and trekking experiences offered by Kalukkumalai, a popular tourist spot that offers a glimpse into India's less-explored mountain ranges and provides an immersive experience of nature's otherworldly beauty.
