Visitors have to trudge up the hills to enjoy the beauty of 'Neelakurinji' flowers (Strobilanthes kunthianus) at Kolukkumala and Iravikulam National Park. However, there is a spot right in Munnar town where one could see the flowers without much effort -- it is on the premises of the Deputy Superintendent of Police's (DySP) office.
The Neelakurinji was planted on the plot of DySP office many years ago. Though nobody knows who did it, everyone is now pleased over the turn of events. The police officers attached to the office have been nurturing the plants with care all these years, especially during the summers when water and fertilsers have to be provided.
The cops were earlier a little worried over whether the flowers would bloom at all, but their wait proved fruitful albeit with a little delay.
Visitors to the DySP office now enjoy the sight of the flowers, which also offer hope to the tourism sector of Munnar striving to overcome the severe setbacks suffered during the rain and flood calamities.
The Neelakurinji flowers bloom every 12 years, but this year, they came alive a little late following the vagaries of the weather.
