By Amanpreet Singh
Hey, Cloggers! We’ve been up high, down low, and far across the sea, but our recent trip took us to a place that redefined “high altitude” and “off-road chaos”: Kolukkumalai in Tamil Nadu, near Munnar. This trip was 90% bone-jarring adrenaline and 10% pure, unadulterated, spectacular beauty. It was the epitome of an epic and lovely adventure.
The Jeep Ride from Hell (The Epic Start)
To get to Kolukkumalai, you don’t drive; you survive. The final 30-minute stretch to the world’s highest organic tea estate is only accessible by a rugged 4×4 Jeep. This was our Epic challenge.
We piled into the Jeep—Rahul, Simran, Vikram, and myself—and what followed was a dizzying, bouncing, high-speed rollercoaster on mud and rock. We were thrown against the roof, sliding sideways, and clutching the railings like our lives depended on it (they probably did). The Jeep driver, however, looked perfectly bored.
The fun with friends came from the shared terror. We were screaming, laughing, and yelling advice that no one could hear over the engine’s roar. It was a test of endurance, trust, and bladder control. When we finally reached the top, we stumbled out onto solid ground, cheering the driver and collapsing into each other, realizing that conquering that tiny stretch of road together was half the adventure.
The Sky’s Private Show
We arrived before dawn, armed with blankets and enough caffeine to survive the next hour. This moment, after the chaos, delivered the most Beautiful Moment in the snow—or rather, above the clouds.
Kolukkumalai is famous because you sit above the cloud line. As the sun began to rise, the valley below us was completely submerged in a swirling sea of white clouds, looking like a massive, silver blanket. The peaks of the mountains poked through like distant islands.
Then, the Lovely show began. The sun peeked over the horizon, painting the clouds in explosive shades of gold, rose, and deep violet. It was absolute silence, broken only by the click of Vikram’s camera. Standing on that ridge, sipping steaming tea from the estate, and watching a view that felt entirely private and untouched, confirmed the whole painful Jeep ride was worth it. Sharing that profound sense of awe with the crew was the peaceful, beautiful reward for our epic climb.
Tea Whispers and Shared Plans
After the sunrise, we explored the old-world tea factory, where the process of making organic tea still relies on ancient techniques. The air was thick with the scent of dried leaves and history. We walked through the endless, perfectly manicured emerald tea rows, discussing how such extreme beauty could exist after such a grueling journey.
The whole trip, from the adrenaline-spiking ride to the peaceful dawn, was a perfect reminder of what we chase in travel: contrast. The highest highs, the deepest lows, and sharing every single moment with the people who make it unforgettable.
What’s the toughest road you’ve ever traveled to see a view? Share your story below!
Keep climbing, Amanpreet Singh clogtheblog.com
