What better day than World Tourism Day to celebrate the beauty of India? Recently, a series of visuals of a rare Neelakurinji flower emerged on the internet that has left many in awe of its beauty. Thanks to IAS Supriya Sahu who shared images of the flowers on X (formerly Twitter). What's so special about these flowers, one asks. This rare blue-hued flower blooms in a 12-year cycle and envelopes the scenery with its beautifully dense canopy. We got lucky this year to witness this rare but beautiful phenomenon. Supriya Sahu, the additional chief secretary of the health department of Tamil Nadu and former ACS of environment, climate change, and forests, posted the video of the view. She wrote, “Flowers of Neelkurinji bloom once every 12 years. It is said that Nilgiris got its name due to the magical blue hue imparted by these stunning flowers. Neelakurinji Strobilanthes kunthiana has most recently been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2024 and listed as vulnerable, emphasising the need for its conservation.”
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Kuttan a Toda tribesman sits proudly among the blooming Neelakurinji flowers in Nilgiris. Flowers of Neelkurinji bloom once in 12 years cycle. It is said that Nilgiris gets its name due to the magical blue hue imparted by these stunning flowers. Neelakurinji Strobilanthes… pic.twitter.com/ugEgsxBiUk
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) September 26, 2024
For those who don't know, the beautiful Neelakurinji or Strobilanthes kunthiana blooms in 40 or so varieties, a majority of them being blue in colour and can only be found in the shola forest of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The beautiful hills of Munnar attract people from across the world to view a very special phenomenon. If you wish to visit and witness this beautiful scenery, here's everything you need to know.
Where Is It Located
One can view this great sight from Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala and Eravikulam National Park. Eravikulam National Park is a land for Neelakurinji and it looks breathtakingly beautiful during the time of viewing, which is from August and lasts up to October. Eravikulam is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district. It is nestled 2000m in the Kanna Devan hills of the Southern Western Ghats.
How To Get There
To reach Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, there are many ways like by road, rail and air. If you go by road the place is nearly 15 km from Munnar and can easily be reached by local cabs and taxis. If you wish to visit by rail, the nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva which is 120km from Munnar. The park is accessible from Cochin and Coimbatore airports at about 148km and 175 km respectively.
Guidelines And Precautions To Visit Here
1. Best Time To Visit Here
The Eravikulam National Park remains closed in February and March as it is the calving season. To witness the beauty of Neelakurinji, plan your trip during the best time which is between August till October.
2. Keep The Timings In Check
Before planning a trip there, make sure to keep the timings of the park in mind. The entry time is from 8 am to 2 pm, so plan your trip accordingly.
3. How To Travel Inside The Park
You cannot take private vehicles inside the park. There are no jeep safaris either. Rather, a few minibuses of the forest department ply inside. They take you through the gorgeous Lakkom Mauduvakudy tea estate to the Rajamalai area of the park. From there, you need to hike for 2km to explore the rest of the park.
4. Important Things To Keep In Mind
The park is a plastic-free zone, so you cannot carry plastic items while visiting. Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol while visiting the park and carry umbrellas as rainfall is unpredictable here.
October is here, so plan your trip ASAP, to witness the beauty of the Neelakurinji.
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