The Nilgiri Mountains or literally the blue hills are a part of the Western Ghats in Southern India. Once in every twelve years the Nilgiri Mountains are clothed in charming blue colored Kurinji or Neelkurinji Flowers. Scientifically known as Strobilanthus kunthianus, Kurinji Flowers is a shrub that grows in the shola forests or montane forests of Western Ghats and blossom every twelve years. This blue colored flower occurs abundantly in Kerela’s Silent Valley National Park through which flows popular Kunthi River after which the flower is said to be named. Regarding the name it is also said that Kurinji is a name given by the tribals of the area Kurinji is found in over 40 odd varieties in India and about 250 varieties overseas. This flower was identified in the 19th century and generally occurs at an altitude of 1300 – 2400 meters growing upto the height of 30 – 60cm. The flowers of Kurinji bloom once in their lifetime and then die.
It is a rare bloom which is supposed to occur this year and the globetrotters are eagerly waiting to witness this spectacle during the Munnar Trip. The Munnar Hills will soon be covered with blue floral carpet when the Neelakurinji starts blooming from the month of later July. This visual treat in the hills of Munnar is expected to attract innumerable tourists from all over the globe as there is no better time to visit this place. The vast areas of hills and the surrounding landscape are covered with blooming blue colored flowers offering breathtaking views.
Apparently the Tour Operators in South India are flooded with travel requests and thus the bookings have been opened in advanced. Travelers are made available with plethora of packages to explore this majestic land and the tour planners are organizing trekking and hiking plans to the mountain trails. Specialized treks are organized in Kerala from the months of July to October to view this nature’s masterpiece. This remarkable sight can be witnessed from Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala and Eravikulam National Park. Eravikulam is also home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, which is another travel USP of the region.
