Dulquer Salmaan's 'Charlie' fame Meesapulimala now home to Neelakurinji; tourist packages launched

When the heroine of the film 'Charlie' makes a suicide attempt, Dulquer Salmaan's character asks her, 'Have you ever seen the snowfall on Meesappulimala?' His point was that, if not, she should do it before dying.

The second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, known for its 8-hill panoramic high-altitude trek, is generally home to pink rhododendron blooms. Now, it has another spectacle for visitors, the rare neelakurinji flowers. Just as the neelakurinji season almost ends in Munnar's other spots, the flowers have made their arrival loud and clear on these beautiful scenic hills. 

Tourists can head to the base camp of Meesapulimala in a vehicle arranged by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, via the Silent Valley Estate. From there, there is a 5-km offroad trip to enjoy the view. The department has arranged a special 4-hour package for this, costing ₹1,416. It includes travel, snacks and the service of the guide. As it is not a trek-intensive package, any age group can come for it. One day, a maximum of 750 people are allowed entry into Meesapulimala for the neelakurinji experience. 

What to be careful of
Neelakurinji, a plant that dies after every flowering cycle after dropping seeds, regenerate every 12 years. Uprooting or plucking it can damage future plants and even threaten extinction. Therefore, neelakurinji is a specially protected plant under the Wildlife Protection Act's Schedule III. Plucking the flowers or uprooting the plant can lead to fines of up to ₹25,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 years, or both.  

How to book the Meesapulimala Neelakurinji tour
Those interested can book the tour via the KFDC website or the Kurinji app.