Kurinji Garden at Chokramudi open from today: Entry fee, timings, rules

The mighty Western Ghats have welcomed another blooming season of kurinji or Strobilanthus kunthiana. The kurinji garden in Chokramudi has opened to visitors from today. A special entrance area has been set up near the Gap Road for the visitors. 

Strobilanthus kunthiana turn the slopes of Chokramudi into a sea of blue when the rains subside, and the sun shines brightly. Meanwhile, the authorities hope that Strobilanthus kunthiana will bloom at Meesapulimala hills, Edalimedu, Sevenmala and Gundumedu as well, this time. The flowers have also started blooming in Chinnakanal areas, although not as extensively as in the other places.

The entry fee for visitors between 10 and 18 years is ₹100 at Chokramudi and ₹200 for people above 18 years. Meanwhile, the ticket costs ₹400 for foreigners. Additionally, visitors must pay ₹50 and ₹100 to click photos and shoot videos, respectively. Drones are strictly banned in the area due to the presence of wildlife. Visiting hours at the Kurinji Garden are from 7 am to 4 pm. Forest authorities warn that damaging Strobilanthus kunthiana plants will result in a fine of ₹25,000 and up to three years' imprisonment.