If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in Munnar, Kerala, camping at Suryanelli and experiencing the sunrise trek to Kolukkumalai should be right at the top of your list!
Reaching Suryanelli: Journey Through Scenic GAP Road
After spending some time exploring Munnar, we traveled through the stunning GAP Road, known for its breathtaking views of valleys and mountains. From GAP Road, we took a deviation toward Suryanelli, the place where our camping adventure was about to begin.
I had booked my tent through Exoticamp at a campsite managed by Crypto Adventure. I had a great experience camping with them previously, so it was an easy decision.
The cost was ₹2200, which included the tent stay, evening tea, dinner, breakfast, and the Kolukkumalai Jeep Safari!
Though it was just a 10 km drive from GAP Road to the campsite, it took around 25 minutes due to rough patches along the way. I arrived at around 4:00 PM, checked into my cozy tent perched at the top of the campsite amidst a cardamom plantation, offering fantastic views all around.
Evening Trek and Campfire Experience
After a short rest and a refreshing cup of tea, we headed for an evening trek to a nearby viewpoint. The mist had rolled in after an earlier rain, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Although we missed the sunset, the short 10-minute walk was absolutely worth it for the views.
From the viewpoint, you can see other campsites, thick forests, and sprawling plantations stretching far into the horizon. As fog started to envelope the area, we returned to the campsite by 6 PM.
Later, the campfire was lit, with music adding to the vibe. Dinner was served around 9 PM, and after spending some relaxing moments by the fire, I retired to my tent to rest for the exciting morning ahead.
Early Morning Jeep Safari to Kolukkumalai
We woke up by 4 AM, and by 4:45, the jeep arrived to pick us up for the safari.
The jeep safari cost is ₹2400 plus a ₹600 entry fee — but it was already included in my camping package.
By 5:05 AM, we reached the safari starting point. After paying the entry fee, our uphill journey through Kolukkumalai’s tea estates began.
Even early on a Friday morning, the route was bustling with hundreds of jeeps, all aiming for the spectacular sunrise! The 11 km off-road journey took about an hour due to the traffic and rough roads.
The Breathtaking Kolukkumalai Sunrise
Kolukkumalai sits at about 7,900 feet (2,160 meters), perched on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Standing atop the ridge, the sunrise view comes from Tamil Nadu’s side, while we stood in Kerala!
Though we arrived slightly after sunrise, the views were still mesmerizing — the valleys bathed in soft golden light, mist floating over tea estates, and the majestic Western Ghats all around.
One of the highlights here is spotting Bose Peak, the highest point in Kolukkumalai at 2,170 meters. Trekking to Bose Peak takes about two hours for a round trip and requires an additional ₹200 ticket. Since I came with the group by jeep, I skipped the trek this time.
From the viewpoints, you can also spot the Anayirankal Dam reservoir in the distance on a clear day!
Wrapping Up the Adventure
By 7:30 AM, we headed back to the jeep pick-up point and started our downhill journey. With the morning sun now lighting up the scenery, the ride back was even more beautiful.
We reached the campsite by 8:15 AM, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, packed up, and continued exploring Munnar.
Final Thoughts
Camping at Suryanelli and the Kolukkumalai sunrise trek was an amazing experience filled with nature, adventure, and scenic beauty.
If you're planning to visit Munnar, I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary — especially between September and March when the weather is clear and pleasant.
