The last time that people remember the Neelakurinji flower blooming en masse was in 2006 on the slopes of the hills of Munnar. This phenomenon which happens once in twelve years has already captured the hearts and imagination of botanists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
It is a witness to a once in a lifetime rare sight – the mass blooming of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus) flower which the locals in Munnar call the Kurinji. The flowers are expected to burst forth from July to October this year. The hills of Munnar are expected to be completely covered by this delicate purple-blue flower that gave the Nilgiri hills its name.
The State of Kerala is gearing up to welcome at least eight lakh tourists and local visitors to this hill resort town. Elaborate preparations are being put in place by the administrations to ensure the smooth flow of tourists and nature enthusiasts. A major concern will be in protecting the ecologically fragile Eravikulam National Park which will be the center point of the Neelakurinji event. The park is home to numerous endangered species.
Roads are being widened and repaired along with strict implementation of the total plastic restriction in place. Plastic bags and water bottles will be prohibited. It has been informed that street vendors too will get regulated during this period. The entire planning is under the aegis of the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC). The government has also formed state and district level coordination committees which connect various government departments.
Set at 1600 mts above sea level, Munnar is renowned for its vast expanse of tea plantations. The pleasantly cool weather, numerous places of tourist interests and a wide range of wildlife to watch and nature trails to traverse make Munnar the destination of choice for holidaymakers.
The Mattupetty reservoir, the Anamudi peak, the tea plantations and the well-established facilities for tourism and stay with world-class resorts and hotels and resorts make Munnar a favorite choice. Marayoor, Kundala, a picturesque town with a golf course, the Pallivasal Hydroelectric project, the Echo Point, Chithirapuram, Anayirankal, Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are all places one could visit.
The Spice Country Resort at Chithirapuuram is a nice budget hotel one can book into at Munnar. For those wishing to experience the complete charm of Munnar by living in a tree house in the midst of a tea, cardamom and orange plantation, there is always the Dream Catcher Resort. The luxury and beauty of the resort captures the spirit of Munnar complete with walking trails, stunningly beautiful tea gardens high up in the mountains visited by rolling mist and the unique joy of staying high up above ground on a tree house cocooned in total luxury. Those seeking a romantic place in a quiet locale can choose the beauty and luxury of Madhumantra resort. It presents eight boutique rooms with all modern amenities in the midst of natural wilderness. For booking, call: +91 9745803111 or 9526015111.
