Munnar: Heavy rush of visitors is expected during Navratri holidays for the Neelakurinji season, which has blanketed the hills of Rajamala with flowers that arrive only once in 12 years. Even as the blue spring is set to close in another 20 days, the postal department has made a bid to immortalise the season, bringing out a special stamp and envelopes.
Forest officials say the Kurinji flowers have been affected by the torrential rain-pounded Kerala ahead of the beginning of the season. They normally stay on intact for two-and-a half months, but this time their health and lives have been affected. The flowers bloom and retain their colour and health to delight the viewers in clear weather.
The flowers bloomed a bit late too. Rather than August, the flowers emerged in September, by which time the rains and flooding had crippled Munnar. Weeks-long fog also affected the longevity of the flowers.
In another 20 days the flowers will dry up and their seeds will get buried in the soil for a 12-year long slumber. And then it's a long wait of 12 years to watch the rare splendour of nature.
The postal stamp and the envelope that have been issued carry pictures of Kurinji flowers and the hills covered by them. The envelope is priced at Rs 100, and the stamp Rs 5. They were released by Munnar MLA S Rajendran at a function at the Munnar post office.
