Manjolai

Deep within the majestic Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tirunelveli district, lies Manjolai, an enchanting hill region perched at around 1,150 m above sea level .Often dubbed the „Poor Man’s Ooty“, this secluded retreat offers tranquility, misty clouds, and lush green tea gardens that stretch across the hillsides, forming a serene, almost surreal, landscape.The area is renowned for its tea estates—Manjolai, Oothu, and Manimuthar—operated by Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation since 1929.Visitors can stroll through manicured tea bushes, witness freshly plucked leaves, and learn about the estate’s century-old tea processing traditions.Natural beauty surrounds every corner: Dasan Pool (Tarzan Pool), Kuthiraivetti viewpoint, Manimuthar Falls, Upper Kodaiyar Dam, and misty forest trails make for an idyllic and adventurous day trek.The area also harbors rich wildlife—wild boars, deer—and vibrant birdlife, all adding to the wilderness charm . Being within a protected forest, prior permission is required from the Forest Department (Ambasamudram office) for private vehicles.The best months to visit are November to March, when weather is pleasant and waterfalls are in full flow.With limited accommodation yet abundant natural beauty, Manjolai remains an offbeat paradise far from urban bustle.