Neelakurinji

Neelakurinji is a rare purple-blue coloured flower which only blossoms once in 12 years in the same hills of Munnar. It blossoms, not in large, in the different hills of Munnar every year. Last seen widespread in 2006, the time for viewing them begins in August and lasts up to October.   ‘Strobilanthes kunthianus’ is the scientific name of Neelakurinji. It blooms in 40 or so varieties, a majority of them being blue in colour. “Neela” in malayalam literally translates to “blue” and kurinji is the name given to it by the natives of the area. The Neelakurinji blossoming is spread across 3,000 hectares of rolling hills which is covered in purple/blue colours. Each plant reproduces once in its life span and then dies after flowering. In Munnar, one can view this great sight from Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala, kolukkumala, top sation and Eravikulam National Park.