Once in every 12 years, the enticing neelakurinji flowers bloom and cover the hills of Munnar in blue carpet. Neelakurinji or Strobilanthes kunthiana start blooming late July on the Anamalai hills near Kerala’s popular hotspot, Munnar. This phenomenon is rare and hence, thousands and lakhs of tourist flock to the beautiful hills of Munnar to witness this spectacular beauty that lasts up to October.

Locally, the flower is called as the ‘Kurinji poo or Neelakurinji. Its eye-soothing blue color and uniqueness attract many travelers. As the flower ages, the blue colored flowers turn purplish-blue. These flowers grow in high altitude places (1300 to 2400 meters). Generally, this shrub grows around 30 to 60 cm high. However, it can grow well beyond 180 cm under suitable environmental conditions.

What makes Munnar’s Neelakurinji flower bloom so special?

Munnar is popularly called as the ‘Mecca of travelers’. The charm of this place attracts globetrotters to experience the chill of its scenic hills, the pleasant green valleys, the beautifully cascading milky waterfalls, the silvery clean streams, etc. But many travelers march towards Munnar to behold the outstanding beauty of blue bloom in their eyes and heart.

The neelakurinji shrub is a tropical plant species and is found only in Asia and Australia. Across the world, there are about 450 species of Strobilanthes, of which 146 species are found in India. Of the 146 species, around 43 species are found in the state of Kerala and the Neelakurinji blossom exclusively in large concentration in Munnar. As the Neelakurinji plants get camouflaged into the Munnar’s thick and lush vegetation, mostly they go unnoticed, especially during the off seasons. However, during the bloom season, the blue flowers become the center of attraction and are too mesmerizing to be true.

The flowering season of this plant coincides with the Kerala state’s spring season. Last bloom of the neelakurinji flower was in the year 2006. As the flower blossoms once every 12 years, this year in 2018 the flowers will bloom in their full glory and it will be then followed in 2030. So, if the travelers wish to witness the blue bloom, this year from the end of July to October would be the right time. The peak flowering period of the Neelakurinji is September and October.

Interesting Facts About Neelakurinji:

Here are some of the interesting facts about Neelakurinji:

  • As per the Save Kurinji Campaign Council, an NGO is working hard for the preservation and protection of this rare plant species.
  • There are 250 different species of the Kurinji and it includes maroon, red colored flowers.
  • In Malayalam, the word Neelakurinji means, blue flower.
  • Its name is derived from the Kunthi River which nourishes the vast expanse of the surrounding area.
  • The word- Nilgiri means ‘blue mountains’. So, the famous Nilgiri mountain range gets its name from the blue colored Neelakurinji flowers.
  • During the season, the honey bees collect the Neelakurinji flower’s nectar. It is believed that the nectar which is collected during the Neelakurinji season has a unique taste and is special nutrition-wise. It stays good for around 15 years without getting spoilt. Also, it is supposed to have some medicinal properties.
  • The Kurinji reserve is within the catchment region of Amaravati River which is a tributary of the Kaveri river. The ecosystem that supports these plants plays a key role in bringing water to the Amaravati River which then acts as the main water source for the state of Tamil Nadu.
  • Some people of the Paliyan, Tamil Nadu used these flowers as a reference and calculated their age accordingly.
  • The Eravikulam National Park, Munnar is the main tourist destination as the neelakurinji bloom there in abundance.

Best Time To See The Blue Bloom:

To enjoy the full glory of the Neelakurinji flowers, visit the area during the dawn. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the blue heaven covered with mist blankets. As soon as the sun starts to rise, the valleys and the plants look more engaging. The perfect environment balanced out with the warmth and chill along with nature’s beauty makes it a Paradise.

As the time progresses, the sun rays start to melt the mist and dew drops are formed all over the famed Neelakurinji flowers. Take a walk through the landscape covered with Neelakurinji flower and enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Restrictions for Neelakurinji Flower Bloom in 2018:

It is best to book the tickets online during the Neelakurinji season as there are restrictions on the number of entries to the Eravikulam national park. Forest Department has sent the proposal to the State Government that all the tourist buses should be halted from entering the town of Munnar from major roads. All the two-wheelers and cars will be stopped at Old Munnar. For the convenience of the tourists, shuttle service from Old Munnar will be provided by the State Government. Tourists with entry tickets to the national park will only be allowed.

Book tickets from the official website of the Eravikulam National Park or Munnar Tourist Division. 75% of the entry ticket booking for Neelakurinji will be available online while the rest 25% will be through some offline counters in Munnar.

Ticket Rates: For adults: 120 INR and for children 90 INR. However, foreigners will have to pay around 400 INR. If you want to carry your camera, then there will be a separate entry fee for the same.

Precaution: If you are allergic to bees, flowers, and pollens or anything relating to the flowering, it is best to take some necessary precautions before the visit. If needed, take vaccination shots before the visit. Do not forget to pack your anti-allergens and antihistamines. Be a responsible visitor and do not pick the beautiful flowers or plants. It could also result in disturbing the biodiversity or plant damage.

If you are planning to visit this paradise during the Neelakurinji season, it is best to make arrangements as soon as possible. For a tension free trip, plan your Munnar trip with TravelUR and let the experts do the booking and arrangements for you!

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