Neelakurinji Blooming Season in Munnar from August 2018 to October 2018

Kurinji or Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianus) is a shrub that is found in the shola forests of the Western Ghats in South India. Nilgiri Hills, which literally means the blue mountains, got their name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms only once in 12 years.It is a bush with several branches. This plant grows profusely Shola grasslands and mountain slopes of the mighty Western Ghats and Nilgiris in India. Neelakurinji blooms in a clustered manner on typical inflorescence stocks. The flowering season ranges between August and November with a peak period of late September and October although some varieties exhibit little variation in their phrenology. The flower has purplish blue colour when aged. It looks light blue in the earlier stage of blooming. These species reproduce once during their lifetime and then die. The unique lifecycle of the plant makes the hills a must-visit destination for biologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Munnar is blessed with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Situated about 1600 mts above sea level, Munnar is well known for its vast expanse of Neelakurinji. . Once every 12 years, the hills of Munnar turn blue. It last bloomed in the year 2006 and attracted large crowd to Munnar. After an interval of 12 years, in 2018, the hills around Munnar will be blanketed again with Kurinji flowers. People flock in great numbers to view the blooming of the Neelakurinji. Biologists and nature loves alike mark their calendars for this great event that is expected next in 2018. The world awaits the turning of the Munnar range into a blanket of beautiful blue. It becomes one of the most magnificent sights in the world.

Expecting and considering the rush of tourists to Munnar the local authorities have began preparations. Visitors should take enough precautions…especially with regard to getting themselves suitable accommodation and arrangements for sightseeing tour etc. well in advance.