The Neelakurinji flower is a rare and beautiful flower that blooms only once every 12 years. This year, it is expected to bloom in the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, Kerala, India. The flowering is expected to begin in August and continue till late October. The sight of the Nilgiri Hills blanketed in the purplish-blue flowers is a spectacular one and is not to be missed. Visitors planning to see the Neelakurinji in bloom should plan their trip to Munnar during this time period.

1.Know More About Neelakurinji

Neelakurinji, also known as Kurinji, is a rare and unique plant that belongs to the Acanthaceae family and the Strobilanthes genus. It is indigenous to the Western Ghats' Shola forests and typically grows at elevations between 1,300-2,400m. The Nilgiri Range in Munnar is a prime location for the blooming of this rare species. One of the fascinating characteristics of Neelakurinji is that it has a synchronized flowering period. This means that within a 12 year period, all the plants will bloom at the same time, creating a stunning display of blue or purple hues that blanket the area. The life span of the species also follows a synchronization pattern, with slight variations. This makes the blooming of Neelakurinji a magical and rare sight to behold.

2.Why Twelve Years to Bloom

The reason Neelakurinji takes twelve years to bloom is due to its pollination process. This is a survival mechanism employed by the plant to protect itself from predators and climate changes. The longer pollination period allows the species to avoid total destruction. The main threats to Neelakurinji are birds and grass-eating mammals, and if it were to bloom annually, this would increase the risk of the species being destroyed. Thus, the longer period between blooming allows the plant to protect itself and continue to thrive.

3.How do Neelakurinji Flowers Count the Number of Years

According to botanical science, Neelakurinji plants have an internal calendar that helps them to track the variation in day-length. They can record the periodic variations based on the total day length and use this information to determine the exact time period for the next bloom. The bamboo plant is another example of a plant that follows a similar flowering period and has an internal calendar to calculate the next blooming season. Some species of bamboo can take as long as 120 years to flower. These plants have developed this mechanism as a survival strategy, to avoid being destroyed by predators or environmental factors.

4.Where to Find the Neelakurinji Flowers

The best place to find the Neelakurinji flowers is at the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, India. The blooming typically takes place between August and October, during which time there may be a high influx of tourists, so it is recommended to plan and book your visit early. Keep in mind that prices for hotels, food, and transportation may be higher during this time.

5.Good to Know Facts about Neelakurinji Flowers

Some interesting facts about the Neelakurinji flowers include:

6.How to Reach the Neelakurinji Flowers

Once you reach Munnar, you can either take a government-provided shuttle service or hire a taxi to reach the Eravikulam National Park, which is the home of the Neelakurinji flowers. Keep in mind that during the blooming season, the authorities might restrict the number of vehicles allowed into the hill station town of Munnar, so plan accordingly.

Yes, Munnar is well connected by road to major cities and towns in Kerala and nearby states. There are regular government-run and private buses available from various destinations, making it easily accessible by road. The hill station also has good connectivity from nearby cities such as Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. It is a popular tourist destination and a well-known hill station in India, making it easily accessible for visitors to plan a trip and witness the rare blooming of Neelakurinji flowers.

Yes, that is correct. Munnar does not have its own railway station or railway junction. The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva, located about 110 kilometres away. You can board a train to Aluva railway station and from there take direct buses or hire private vehicles to reach Munnar. This is one of the options for those who are looking to reach Munnar by train. It is important to note that, Aluva railway station is well connected to other major cities and towns in India, thus making it easy for visitors to plan their trip to Munnar.

Yes, that is correct. Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Munnar by air. It has regular flights to almost all the other cities in India and some international destinations. So, visitors can plan their trip accordingly. Upon arriving at the airport, you can take a cab or board a bus to complete the 110km drive to Munnar. Once you arrive at the hill station, you have the option to hire private cabs or utilize government-run transport options to reach the scenic Eravikulam National Park, which serves as the ethereal abode of the rare and exotic Neelakurinji flowers.

7.How to Book Tickets to Witness Neelakurinji Flowers

If you are planning to visit the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, India to witness the blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance, preferably online. You can book your tickets on the official Kerala Tourism website or at the office counter in Munnar. However, keep in mind that during the blooming season, tickets may sell out quickly, so it's best to book in advance online to ensure your visit. It's also advisable to check the official website of the Eravikulam National Park or contact them directly to get the latest information on ticket availability and booking. It may also be a good idea to check with tour operators or travel agencies as they may have packaged tours that include accommodation, transportation and tickets to the national park.

Yes, that is correct. The ticket costs for the Eravikulam National Park, where the Neelakurinji flowers are found, are as follows:

It's also important to note that there may be additional fees for camera usage, so it is best to check with the authorities before visiting.

Please keep in mind that the above information is subject to change, and it is always advisable to check with the official website or the authorities for the latest information on ticket prices and availability.

9.Things to Do While Visiting Neelakurinji Flowers

Some things to keep in mind when visiting the Eravikulam National Park to see the Neelakurinji flowers are:

It's also a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes and a hat or sunscreen as you may be doing a lot of walking and the sun can be intense at times. It's also recommended to hire a guide who can help you identify the different flowers and plants in the park and also provide you with information about the park's history, ecology and other interesting facts It's always better to be well prepared for your visit to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Eravikulam National Park.

10.Things Not to Do While Visiting Neelakurinji Flowers

When visiting the Neelakurinji flowers, it is important to follow the guidelines set by the forest department to ensure the preservation of these endangered species. Do not pluck the flowers, as it is against the rules and could result in punishment. Also, do not harm the plants as it could cause damage and disturb the ecological balance. Additionally, the blooming area and Eravikulam National Park are designated as "No Plastic Zones," so refrain from using plastic in any form in these areas.