The plietesial blooming of delicate purple-blue Neelakurinji is a magnificent spectacle that persuades tourists from near and far to set off on a trip to Munnar. These delicate blossoms are an enduring metaphor for the inexorable nature of time and relentless cycle of seasons due to the nature of opulently blooming en masse but just once in twelve years.
The Shola grasslands of the majestic Western Ghats are swathed in a pleasant amethyst hue of Strobilanthus (Neelakurinji). Neelakurinji literally means blue flower and the blooming symbolizes the cease of twelve long years. The tapering hills and deep valleys turn out to be the ideal hideaway for naturalists and nature lovers. The flowers collectively bloomed in the year 2006 and the next much awaited blossoms will be spotted in 2018.
The flowers thrive in the Nilgiris and Palani Hills and are found in other parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu such as highlands in midst of Klavarai and Vattavada and grasslands of Eravikulam. The Kurinji flowers are facing the risk of extinction as the core habitats are under threat due to rapid civilization and extensive plantation.
Other diverse flora and fauna of Munnar can be explored at ease while on a vacation. The endangered Nilgiri Thar, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar and other rare butterflies, animals and birds can be encountered in forests, woodlands and wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. The protected wildlife parks in and around Munnar are: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, to name a few.
The Shola grasslands of the majestic Western Ghats are swathed in a pleasant amethyst hue of Strobilanthus (Neelakurinji). Neelakurinji literally means blue flower and the blooming symbolizes the cease of twelve long years. The tapering hills and deep valleys turn out to be the ideal hideaway for naturalists and nature lovers. The flowers collectively bloomed in the year 2006 and the next much awaited blossoms will be spotted in 2018.
The flowers thrive in the Nilgiris and Palani Hills and are found in other parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu such as highlands in midst of Klavarai and Vattavada and grasslands of Eravikulam. The Kurinji flowers are facing the risk of extinction as the core habitats are under threat due to rapid civilization and extensive plantation.
Other diverse flora and fauna of Munnar can be explored at ease while on a vacation. The endangered Nilgiri Thar, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar and other rare butterflies, animals and birds can be encountered in forests, woodlands and wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. The protected wildlife parks in and around Munnar are: Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, to name a few.
