Munnar is dreamy-eyed as Neelakurinji has bloomed all around. The hill town in Idukki district of Kerala has got back its allure soon after the destruction brought about by the recent flood and landslides. Most flowers have bloomed on the peaks of Kolukkumala, about 8,000 feet above sea level. Visitors are pouring in to watch the celestial beauty of the blue flowers adorned by a tinge of purple, the rare delight that nature gifts only once in 12 years.
Like Rajamala, where kurinjis bloom on acres of hills, Kolukkumala has become the centre of attraction as the flowers have bloomed here in large numbers. Hundreds of foreign visitors are also arriving to watch the delights that the hills offer.
Nature had wrecked havoc with Idukki during the recent monsoon and its tourist attractions were badly hit. With the commencement of Kurinji season, tourism is expected to revive even as restoration works of public and tourist infrastructure is on.
Visitors from Kottayam and Thodupuzha can travel to the area via Chinnakkanal, taking the Devikulam route. From Chinnakkanal, jeeps are required to reach Kolukkumala. As the 12 km road from Suryanelli to Kolukkumala is pretty hard, jeeps are essential for the climb.
Kolukkumala lies in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu and is 35 km from Munnar. A part of the hills is within Kerala and can be accessed by road only from the state. From Tamil Nadu, people can trek to the area via Korangani.
