"The world awaits the turning of the Munnar range into a blanket of beautiful blue after 12 years"

    In 2018, the beautiful hills of Munnar shall once again attract people from across the planet to view a very special phenomenon in person. This monumental event is the blooming of the Neelakurinji flower, which appears once every 12 years. The world awaits the turning of the Munnar range into a blanket of beautiful blue. It is easily among the most magnificent sights in the world.

      Neelakurinji or 'Strobilanthes kunthianum' blooms in 40 or so varieties, a majority of them being blue in color. 'Neela' literally translates to 'blue' and kurinji is the name given to it by the tribals of the area. Last seen in 2006, the time for viewing them begins in August and lasts up to October. In Munnar, one can view this great sight from Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala and Eravikulam National Park. Eravikulam is incidentally home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, hosting a majority of the remaining population of the species on the planet.

        The flower has shown up in areas around Munnar like Mattupetty and Top Station. From August to October every 12 years, these areas are primed for viewing this natural wonder. 1600 m above sea level, Munnar is one of the most beautiful locations in Kerala and the world. Its tea plantations, hill ranges, plantation bungalows and a vast variety of rare flora and fauna has enthralled people for centuries. It is also home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr whose population is currently being conserved at the Eravikulam National Park. One can even visit the Anamudi Peak, the tallest in South India, which has some of best trekking trails in the country.

It is like a secret glance into heaven, allowed once every 12 years.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Angamaly, about 109 km; Ernakulam, about 145 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 110 kms away.

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