Karnataka is blessed to have witnessed the famous blue/ purple Neelakurinji flowers in various districts at different times. Bloomed once in 12 years, Neelakurinji is a type of wildflower mostly seen in the southern part of India. Karnataka, Kerala, and some parts of Tamil Nadu are the most prominent places where travelers, nature lovers, and students of Botany.
Where can one see these rare blooms?
2018 was the year of Neelakurinji at Kodagu in Karnataka, and 2022 at Chikamagalur. Neelakurinji means ‘Blue Mountain’, literally the mountain where the flower blooms and turns into a blue/ purple colour.
For the residents of Kodagu, this summer has brought a special kind of allure as the region is booming with Neelakurinji Flowers. Also known as Kurinji, these flowers have grown in Mandalpatti Hills in the district of Kodagu, adding a distinctive charm to this place. While the entire region is blessed with this natural beauty, Kote Betta and Kumara Parvatha are the two hillocks that have been experiencing the most abundant flowering of Kurinji for the past few days.
These flowers belong to a shrub that is particularly found in the Shola forests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Most of these species have a unique flowering cycle, resulting from an annual to a 16-year blooming cycle. The Kurinji Flowers at Kodagu have grown after 12 years. The flowers were first spotted around early August when the entire region was covered by a purple blanket of flowers. In the days following, more Hills will be covered by these rare flowers. The site is expected to remain till the end of September.
Not just the natives but the tourists are equally excited to visit this natural wonder. People from different parts of the country are believed to make their way to the Mandalpatti hills to catch a glimpse of this exquisite beauty.
All about these Kurinji flowers
The Kurinji flowers grow at the height of 1,300 – 2,400 meters, making the region one of the favorite destinations in Karnataka. There has been a significant increase in the number of trekkers who are planning to visit Kodagu to elevate the overall experience of their tour.
According to the residents, this is an extraordinary sight after several years as the monsoon has been generous this year, creating this beautiful landscape. There’s no doubt that Karnataka is one of the most naturally dense states in the country, and the appearance of Neelakurinji flowers has added to its beauty.
In the year 2022, from September- October, the Western Ghats especially the Mullayanagiri in Chikamagalur were flourishing with Neelakurinji. The tourist is herding at Chikamagalur to witness this unbelievable sight of the valley of flowers. The social media pages are filled with incredible pictures of the Neelakurinji-capped mountain in Chikamagalur. There are around 46 varieties of flowers that bloom at various locations at different times.
In the year 2022 for Chikamagalur, tourists flocked from all over to the destination to witness the once in 12 years bloom at Baba Budangiri, Mullyanagiri, and other hills in the region.
Summary
As per environmentalists, over-tourism in the region might spoil the bloom and lose its sheen. The local authorities and administration is taking measures to preserve the bloom and not letting it get spoiled by excess tourists.
Tourists need to be responsible and not litter around the region.