- From Chennai
- 560 km · ~10 h
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- Altitude
- 2,160 m
- Distance
- Varies
- Time on trail
- Sunrise trek and a night in camp
About Kolukkumalai
A hill on the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border known for its sunrise views and its tea estate at about 2,160 m. It is reached from the Kottagudi side in Theni or the Suryanelli side in Kerala. Operators sell it as a camping weekend with a jeep and a short trek.
- Sunrise above the clouds
- Tea estate and factory
- Jeep ride on the final stretch
Permit & rules
- Permit needed?
- Yes: permission or booking
- Authority
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department / Kerala Forest Department
- How to book
- Booked through operators or at the base; routes differ between the Tamil Nadu and Kerala sides.
- Fee
- Fees and rules differ by side and operator; confirm when you book.
- Guide
- Required
- Night trek
- Not allowed
- Note
- Access depends on which side you start from.
Best time to visit
Go
Oct–Mar
Avoid
Peak monsoon: roads and trails are slippery
Wildlife, clothing and what to carry
Wildlife
- Birds of the shola grassland
- Occasional gaur on the lower slopes
What to wear
- Warm layers for the pre-dawn cold
- Windcheater
What to carry
- Torch
- Water
- Snacks
Itinerary
- 1Reach the base the evening before.
- 2Jeep and walk up before dawn for sunrise.
- 3Descend and head home.
Fuel for a car round trip from Chennai is roughly ₹6,409 at current prices, split across passengers.
Operators & costs compared
Listed starting prices per person. They change by batch, so confirm inclusions with the operator. Tamil Nadu has fewer commercial operators than Karnataka; where none is verified we show the official route and a do-it-yourself estimate.
Do it yourself
Rough estimate: long travel from Chennai plus a night stay and a jeep.
~₹5,000
LogoutLowest listed
Marketplace – host varies, read the trip captain reviews
₹4,900
- Included
- Jungle camping weekend; per listing
- Notes
- Listed with 20 slots on the page; check where the trip starts.
Backpackers United
Friday-night bus/tempo-traveller, homestay or dorm, guide + permits usually bundled
₹5,000
- Included
- Per listing; check inclusions
- Notes
- Starting price shown on the operator page.
Thrillophilia
Marketplace – operator varies by batch, tent/homestay options
Check price
- Included
- Varies by operator
- Notes
- Marketplace listing page; price not captured.
Trek Tamil Nadu (official)
Government-run; fee covers entry, guide and insurance; 18+ unless stated
Check price
- Included
- Entry, guide and insurance on listed trails
- Notes
- Check whether the official portal lists a Tamil Nadu-side route.
Tips
- The cold surprises people; bring a proper jacket.
- Check which side your operator uses.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for Kolukkumalai?
Yes. Booked through operators or at the base; routes differ between the Tamil Nadu and Kerala sides. Fees and rules differ by side and operator; confirm when you book.
How far is Kolukkumalai from Chennai?
About 560 km by road (roughly 10 hours); sources quote slightly different distances.
What is the best time to visit Kolukkumalai?
Oct–Mar. Avoid: Peak monsoon: roads and trails are slippery.
How difficult is Kolukkumalai?
Moderate. Sunrise trek and a night in camp.
More Tamil Nadu hikes
Reviewed 2026-11-05. Distances, trail lengths and rules differ between sources; confirm with the forest range or your operator before you go.