Kolukkumalai sunrise
The team helps arrange jeeps for the pre-dawn climb to the Kolukkumalai tea estate.
Experiences
Things to do around our stays
Sunrise above the clouds, slow afternoons in tea country and evenings around the fire. Here is what to do at and around Hostyard Suryanelli and Hostyard Kodai.
At Hostyard Suryanelli
Activities guests can ask about
What runs depends on the season, the weather and local operators, and some activities have a separate charge. Ask the team what is on for your dates.
Tea garden rides
Out along the estate roads that wind through the tea around Suryanelli.
Kayaking
A paddle on still water when the mist sits low over the hills.
Zip-line
A ride above the trees, for when the weather allows.
ATV trail
A short off-road trail on the estate.
Tree net lounge
A net strung between the trees for lying back and doing nothing much.
Village walks
Lanes and smallholdings around Suryanelli, at a walking pace.
At Hostyard Suryanelli
What guests get up to at the hostel
The garden, the lounge and the fire-pit shelter are where most evenings happen. Guests often mention campfire nights, games, the tree net lounge and ATV rides, and the team helps arrange jeeps for the Kolukkumalai sunrise.
What is running depends on the season, the weather and local operators, and some activities have a separate charge. Ask the team when you enquire and they will tell you what is on for your dates.
Around Suryanelli and Munnar
Tea country, viewpoints and the Kolukkumalai sunrise
Sunrise
Kolukkumalai
The pre-dawn jeep climb to a high tea estate on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border, for sunrise over the clouds.
Walk
Tea estate roads
Quiet roads through the estates around Suryanelli, best early in the morning when the mist is lifting.
Nearby
Anayirangal Dam
A reservoir surrounded by tea gardens in the Chinnakanal area. Follow local guidance: elephants use the surrounding forest.
Viewpoint
Lockhart Gap
A valley viewpoint on the Gap Road between Munnar and Chinnakanal.
Munnar
Eravikulam National Park
Home of the Nilgiri tahr and Anamudi, South India's highest peak. Entry is managed by the forest department.
Munnar
Top Station
Long views over the Tamil Nadu plains from the state border on a clear day.
Around Kodaikanal
Lake walks, pine forests and quiet villages
Town
Kodaikanal Lake
Walk or cycle the path around the star-shaped lake, or take a boat out early.
Town
Coaker's Walk
A cliff-edge walk with views down to the plains, clearest in the morning.
Forest
Pine Forest and Pillar Rocks
Misty pines and three granite pillars rising from the valley.
Trail
Dolphin's Nose
A steep walk from Vattakanal to a rock ledge over the valley.
Villages
Poombarai and Mannavanur
Terraced farms, a hilltop temple and open grassland in the upper Palani Hills.
Plan ahead
Tips for days out in the hills
- 1
Start early
Mornings are usually clearest. Mist and cloud tend to build through the day, especially after the monsoon.
- 2
Carry layers
Even on warm days, early starts and evenings are cold. Bring a jacket for Kolukkumalai and night-time.
- 3
Check before you go
Forest areas, dams and viewpoints set their own timings and rules, and these change. Check locally or ask the team.
- 4
Keep a spare day
Rain and road works can slow you down. A loose plan makes for a better trip.
Plan your days with us
Send an enquiry with your dates and what you would like to do. The team will help with options for your stay.