Awaiting the mass blooming of Neelakurinjhi in Munnar

After 12 years of waiting, Munnar is all set to welcome the mass blooming of 'Neelakurinjhi. According to experts this will happen by the end of July and can see the whole mountains in this region with a purplish- blue for about 2-3 months. 

Neelakurinjhi is a shrub that grows up maximum of 2ft. The flower is also known with the same name. It flowers in panicles and exists for a month or two. The botanical name is Strobilanthes Kunthianus and belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Neelakurinjhi blooms once in 12 years. 

These shrubs are grown in the hill ranges covering a vast area of landscape and the mass blooming creates a visual extravaganza to a visitor. This phenomenon was noticed and recorded many decades back and the last time it happened was in 2006. 

Generally, all these areas are protected under the Department of Forests, Government of Kerala, the convenient area for a visit is at Rajamala (Eravikulam National Park, approx. 15km from Munnar), where the Government Departments have made special arrangements. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki, and the local administration are keen on arranging facilities like toilets, vehicle parking areas, waste management, etc. in this area. 

For info/visit: Wild Life Warden, Dept of Forests, Munnar- Ph. Off: +91-4865, 231587, www.munnarwildlife.com

Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council,  Munnar: Ph- 04865 231 516.