Neelakurinji to paint Kerala's Idukki hills blue: Online slots for tourists
Authorities are preparing for tourism by implementing online booking and improving transport, while limiting visitor numbers at the ecologically sensitive Meesapulimala.
Authorities are preparing for tourism by implementing online booking and improving transport, while limiting visitor numbers at the ecologically sensitive Meesapulimala.
Authorities are preparing for tourism by implementing online booking and improving transport, while limiting visitor numbers at the ecologically sensitive Meesapulimala.
The mesmerising neelakurinji, or Strobilanthus kunthiana, flowers have bloomed again in Kerala's Idukki, painting the scintillating hills of the Western Ghats in shades of blue. The flowers that bloom once in 12 years have now bloomed at five places, including the Chokramudi hills, which were reclaimed by the government after evicting illegal encroachments. It is also expected to bloom at Meesapulimala, Edalimedu, Sevenmala and Gundamala.
Most of the kurinji plants in Chokramudi have already started blooming. Meanwhile, the authorities say the flowers are expected to bloom at Edalimedu near Mattupetti and Sevenmala, as well as at higher elevations in Meesapulimala. Botanists hope that neelakurinji will turn these natural meadows outside the Eravikulam National Park into a sea of blue during September and October this year.
The district authorities have unofficially begun the preparations ahead of welcoming the neelakurinji season. A meeting of the officers of various departments was convened by Devikulam Sub Collector VM Arya the other day to discuss important matters related to the Kurinji season. The representatives of the Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), the Munnar Environment and Wildlife Society (MEWS), and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) attended the meeting.
Arrangements for tourists
Arrangements would be made for tourists to book online slots to visit these places, including Chokramudi. The district administration hopes that this system could easily manage the crowds during peak season. Besides, steps would be taken to strengthen the public transport system, including allowing more KSRTC buses to ease the traffic congestion and chaos on the road.
Meanwhile, KFDC authorities have decided to limit visitor numbers at the ecologically sensitive Meesapulimala, the highest eco-trekking spot south of the Himalayas, by conducting a carrying capacity study. They are wary that the extremely sensitive ecological environment of Meesapulimala would be adversely affected when tourists swarm the hills during the neelakurinji season.