Munnar's jacaranda trees to be cut down soon: Head to these Idukki spots to check them out

For over a century, Munnar's jacaranda or 'neela vaka' trees painted a perfect contrast over its green carpet of tea gardens. In February to May, the violet flowers of jacaranda decorated Munnar's photo frames, both from aerial and ground-level views. However, most of these trees are set to fade into memory, thanks to the roadworks on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway. The trees aren't cut yet as of today, but they may soon face the axe as the works progress. Due to decades of negligence, many trees were also destroyed at various times. 

Where to see them in Idukki?
For those who don't want to miss the Jacaranda colours in summer, head to Marayoor, which is about 40 km from Munnar. In the Vaguvarai region of Marayur, near Thalayar, tourists can spot multiple jacaranda trees along the roadside, according to the Munnar Tourism authorities. A few trees have also been planted in the Government Botanical Garden in Munnar, though they haven't yet started flowering. Last season, the trees at the foot of the Umiyamala rock in Vaguvarai were at full bloom. 

Jacaranda trees were initially planted by the British, who arrived in Munnar about 125 years ago to establish tea plantations. They brought jacaranda trees from their homeland, planting them along the plantations and roadsides for shade and beautification. Jacarandas, which shed their leaves in December, typically start blooming by the end of February. Idukki local people also refer to these trees as Pareeksha Maram, and they are also known as Violet Panic.