Every 12 years, the mountain slopes of Munnar are dressed with bluish-purple flowers, which, when seen from a distance, are a visual treat. But, seen closely, these bell-shaped flowers appear to dance gaily against the winds that caress them lovingly. These are Neelakurinji flowers that make an appearance once in 12 years, and when they do, they attract tourists from all over the world.
The hills of Munnar will witness the blooming of these flowers in 2030. The rarity of this event, along with the visual spectacle it holds in store for visitors, makes it an altogether exciting event. So head to the hills of Munnar and watch the Neelakurinji flower bloom in all its glory. This blog tells you all that you know about this event.
Neelakurinji Flower – An Introduction
Neelakurinji is the name of a flower with a purple-bluish color that has a resemblance to a bell. In the local Malayalam language, the name means “blue flowers.” The botanical term for the flower is ‘Strobilanthes kunthianus,’ with the name “kunthianus,” said to be derived from the River Kunthi.
This shrub is found exclusively in the mountain slopes of the Nilgiri Mountain Range and the Shola Forests of the Western Ghats. Among the 46 plant species found in India that bloom every 10 to 16 years, this flower’s blossoming provides the best sightseeing opportunities.
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Neelakurinji Flower – A spectacular sight to come across!
The sight of specific mountain slopes bathed in purple-bluish color is hard to miss. It’s a spectacular sight to come across, one that possesses an intoxicating beauty about it. The rarity of this event enhances its overall attraction. It appears once every 12 years, and this year is one of them.
Travel to Munnar between August and October and watch the mountain slopes decorated with plenty of Neelakurinji flowers. Coming across such sights puts that smile on your face when you think about them years later.
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Places for seeing the Neelakurinji Flower
This flower makes its appearance at 1800m above sea level, amidst the slopes of the Nilgiris “Blue Mountains” along with the Shola grasslands that envelop the charming hill station of Munnar. Kurinji flowers represent the rich biodiversity that the Western Ghats is famous for. This was also a way by which the members of the Pulaya tribes determined their age.
To witness this delightful flower in all its glory, head to Munnar, the beautiful hill station of Kerala, home to several attractions and a major tourist attraction in its own right. Located at an altitude of 600ft, it settles itself comfortably amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala.
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There are several places in Munnar where you can witness the blossoming of the Neelakurinji Flower. One of these is the Kurinjimala Sanctuary. Located at Kottakamboor and Vattavada villages of Devikulam Taluk in Munnar, its spread across 32 sq. km and is the core habitat of the Neelakurinji plant. The last time this flower bloomed was at the Neelakurinji Fest 2006 at Munnar. The other place where tourists can witness the blooming of these flowers is at the Eravikulam National Park.
Nearby attractions worth checking out
Munnar is also home to various attractions that attract tourists year-round. The beautiful tea plantations, the Tea Museum, waterfalls, and trekking to Anamudi Peak are all major attractions. However, spending an afternoon by the Mattupetty Dam is a different delight.
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Vishwajit Sharma
A travel writer by profession possessing an avid interest in books, movies and music, Vishwajit Sharma believes that travelling is essentially discovering yourself. He hopes that, through his articles and write ups, the idea of travelling is aroused in everyone. Let the journey begin!
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