Tourism activities restart in Kerala's Idukki as rain subsides: Neelakurinji season ahead
Before the rains, the plant had already started flowering in certain stretches.
Before the rains, the plant had already started flowering in certain stretches.
Before the rains, the plant had already started flowering in certain stretches.
Restrictions on tourism activities in Kerala's Idukki were withdrawn today as the rains have subsided in the state. In the past week, Idukki experienced heavy rains, followed by floods and landslides. As a result, the District Collector had restricted tourism activities in spots like Munnar, Kunjithanni, Pallivasal, and Vagamon.
The district is currently expecting a steady inflow of tourists as another flowering season of neelakurinji approaches. Moreover, the Onam vacation is just a few days away. The flower, which blooms every 12 years, is expected to appear across Meesapulimala, Chokramudy, Gundumala, Sevenmalai and Edalimedu of Idukki this time. Before the rains, the plant had already started flowering in certain stretches.
Rules on neelakurinji tourism
The neelakurinji plant is on the list of protected plants under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Therefore, anyone who destroys the plant or uproots it will invite a fine of 25,000 and three years of imprisonment. Its possession or cultivation anywhere else is also not allowed. The instructions of the forest authorities should be strictly followed while entering the blooming clusters of the flower.