Kumily–Thekkady Flower Show begins: Entry fee, timings, special blooms this time

Kerala is reeling under extreme heat this vacation season, but Idukki has something cool and vibrant in store for visitors. The 18th annual Kumily-Thekkady Flower Show has just begun at the Kallarackal Ground in Thekkady and will run until May 3. The venue is open from 10 am to 10 pm. Except for a two-year break during the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers have successfully conducted the event without interruption for the past 17 years. The show is jointly organised by the Kumily Grama Panchayat, Thekkady Agri Horticulture Society, and Mannarathara Gardens. 

50,000 plants, over 100 varieties
The flower show has been arranged across a specially prepared 20,000-square-foot area, with 15,000 square feet dedicated to plant displays. More than 50,000 potted plants of over 100 varieties are showcased.

A major highlight of the exhibition is the wide range of bougainvillaea varieties. Alongside these, an extensive collection of rose plants and flowers such as marigold, sunflower, cosmos, dianthus, celosia, and petunia has also been showcased at the fest. 

Flowering plants are also available for purchase at prices ranging from ₹20 to ₹300, said show convenor Shaji Mannarathara. He added that the 33-day duration of the Thekkady Flower Show makes it one of the longest-running events of its kind in the region.

Entry fee
The entry fee for the show is ₹70 per person, while children under 10 years of age can enter free of charge. The organisers have also set up a high-tech amusement park, a ghost house, and mermaid exhibitions for both children and adults at the flower show. The event also features a variety of programs, including seminars, discussions, musical concerts, mimicry performances, and dance shows. Over 60 commercial stalls from across Kerala have been set up at the venue. Promoting the concept of waste management at source, the exhibition also includes displays and awareness campaigns on small-scale waste treatment plants. Cultural programs led by schools and art groups will be held every evening.

Other tourist attractions nearby
The flower show is being held at Kallarackal Ground, located about 200 metres from Thekkady Junction on the Kumily–Thekkady route. Thekkady boating is also just 4 kilometres away. Other nearby tourist destinations within an hour include Parunthumpara, Chellarkovil, the Cumbum vineyards, Ramakkalmedu, Vagamon, and Kuttikanam. For more details, contact Convenor Shaji Mannarathara at +91 9447421968.