Neelakurinji flower blooming in Munnar

When the Neelakurinji blooms, the valleys and hills in Munnar come alive with a refreshing display of purple. Visitors from distant places come to witness this rare event, making it a festive season for Munnar.

In Munnar, an enchanting event — the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers, happens every 12 years. These purple flowers cover the misty hills and take 12 years to bloom and reproduce. Tourists are coming to Munnar to see this breathtaking sight, which lasts from August to October. You can view it at Rajamala and Eravikulam National Park or join Neelakurinji tour packages for a closer look.

It flowers once in 12 years because the pollination takes place over a longer period. These flowers help in maintaining the ecological balance. Mass flowering provides a feast for butterflies, honeybees, and other insects. This rare honey from Neelakurinji lasts for more than 15 years.

Munnar is special because it’s the only place where a flower called Neelakurinji blooms. These flowers are kind of hidden when they don’t bloom. But when they do, they cover Munnar’s mountains in a beautiful blue carpetNeelakurinji flowers are famous for their blue color. The Nilgiri mountains get their name from these blue flowers. Bees love them, and honey from these flowers is believed to have medicinal properties.

The best time

To see it is from August to November, with the most flowers in September and October.

There will be restrictions on the number of entry tickets to Eravikulam National Park during the Kurinji season.

The last major blooming season

It was in 2018, covering over 3500 hectares in Munnar.

Coming Blooming Season

It is expected in 2030.

If you plan to visit Munnar during the Neelakurinji bloom, book accommodations, and transportation well in advance, as it’s a highly anticipated event. The best time to visit is at dawn when the mist blankets the valleys and the sun’s rays create a magical atmosphere.