Rajakumari: Flowers of Strobilanthes kunthiana, popularly known as 'neelakurninji', have appeared again on the hill slopes of Idukki district in Kerala, providing a feast for the eyes. A flower that comes to life every 12 years, neelakurinji was devastated during 2018, their last regular blooming year, due to the floods.
At present, the flower covers several acres at Thondimala in Pooppara. The area is a km away from Thondimala on the Kochi - Dhanushkodi National Highway, which is a part of the Western Ghats. Visitors can also enjoy a stunning view of Anayirangal reservoir.
The flower had also bloomed a month ago on the Puthady hills in Santhanpara panchayat.
When Strobilanthes kunthiana had made its previous seasonal appearance in August, 2018 at Rajamala in Munnar, the worst floods in a century had wreaked havoc in the area, along with many other parts of the state. As a result, tourists could not visit the area and relish the sight.
