The hills are alive as the unique flower Neelakurinji has bloomed in full glory. It appears as if the hills are draped in blue silk. The number of visitors arriving here to watch the natural phenomenon is, meanwhile, increasing day by day. They arrive at Kolukkumala, 8,000 feet above sea level, to watch the visual magnificence that nature offers only once in 12 years.
Kolukkumala is 39 km from Munnar. After a 27 km ride to Suryanelli, travellers have to take a 12 km jeep ride to the hill where he most number of Kurinjis have bloomed on its peak. Kolukkumala, surrounded by hills all around, now appears all purple with a tinge of blue. Some visitors go trekking to the hill.
As the Kurinji season is on, the tourism sector in Idukki hopes to revive after the havoc created by the August flood. The season is expected to last until October and could bring visitors from all over the world.
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianus) blooms in more than 40 types, but a majority of them are in blue. The flower, meaning blue little flower, got its name from tribals in the area. Growing only at altitudes from 1,300 to 2,400 m, the plant can get as tall as 180 cm.
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will launch a bus service from old Munnar to take visitors to Eravikulam National Park. It will cover Neelakurinji locations. The service is aimed to limit the rush of private vehicles. A trial run of the service will take place on Sunday.
Visitors can park their own vehicles at the High-Altitude Stadium at old Munnar and at the Hydel Park. Ticket counters will be opened there for the bus journey. The KSRTC buses will take visitors up to the main entry gate of the National Park at Ancham Mile. From there forest department will transport the visitors to Rajamala in mini buses.
