If you wish to enjoy a blue floral carpet, it’s high time to visit Munnar, Kerala and get pleasure from the sight, which occurs just once in 12 years.
Munnar, which has become the most visited tourist spots in the nation, will turn into a mountain hugged with beautiful blue flowers when the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) flower starts blossoming later this month.
The uncommon blossoms that grows crosswise the Western Ghats, is witnessed in great quantities that blossoms once in a period of 12 years, And, it is taking place this year.
These Neelakurinji flowers flourish after a big gap of 12 years and the place is best acknowledged for these flowers when blossoming, cover huge regions over hills and the nearby scenery.
The flowery term that commences in the month of July will carry on till the month of October.
The tranquil, gorgeous purplish-blue shade of the beauties will leave you enthralled with its visual show.
During the year 2006, the last time Neelakurinji blossomed at the Eravikulam National Park, as many as 3 lakh tourists came to witness the spectacle. In 2018, Kerala Tourism representatives are eyeing to welcome around 8 lakh visitors from across the world.
Bala Kiran, IAS, Director, Kerala Tourism stated, “There is no better time to visit Munnar than the time when Neelakurinji plants bloom en masse. As many as 628,427 tourists had visited Munnar in 2017 with an increase of 34.31 percent as compared to 467,881 vacationers in 2016. The Tourism Department is expecting a growth of 79 percent in tourist arrivals to Munnar this year. This unique lifecycle of the plant makes the hills a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts.”
With the major tourists’ period at the forefront, local tour operators were all eager to greet guests.
Vincent, a Munnar-based resort owner stated, “I am waiting to see the Neelakurinji bloom. Though I have seen it twice in the past it seems like ages ago. If as local I can’t contain the excitement I can understand how the tourists might feel seeing the mountains covered with flowers.”
Situated in Idukki region of Kerala, Munnar is reachable by road from the adjoining airport in Kochi.
