Among all the beautiful gifts that nature has given to Kerala, only one that holds the positions of being precious and rare is Neelakurinji flower. Similar to the pious Kumbh Mela that takes place ones in twelve years, this Neelakurinji also blooms after every decade and two years.
Twelve Years!!! Yes, this flower blooms ones in twelve years, and this is why people call it an exquisite and exceptional gift of Mother Nature. Let’s know more about this flower as we proceed ahead in this article.
What Is Neelakurinji Flower and Blooming Period?
Neelakurinji is a Malayalam word that is made up of two different words. Neela means Blue and Kurinji means Flower and also this flower species have a scientific name and it is “Strobilanthes kunthiana”. This Neelakurinji flower belongs to genus Strobilanthes flower category and this genus flower category has total 250 species and from these total species, 46 flower species are only found in India. Summing up; it says a Blue Flower.
Generally, these flowers are growing up at an altitude of 1300 to 2200 meters. This flower has been the cynosure of all eyes since its first blooming in the hills. People from neighboring towns, holidaymakers, ecologists, wildlife professional photographer and forest department bureaucrats and more gather here to have just one glimpse at the flowers. It is observed that the shorter variation of Neelakurinji is about 2 ft at higher spots and lengthier variations of the same are about 5- 10 ft at lower spots.
The Neelakurinji has a 12-years of the budding cycle. It blooms in between July and October after every 12 years. It blooms in around forty or so varieties, mostly all of them being blue in the shade. A small number of plants hither and thither may produce an inflorescence whereas the other plants stay short of flowers.
Top Places Where NeelAkurinji Blooms in India?
In 2006, Neelakurinji flourished unreservedly at numerous places near Kodaikanal and Munnar. The largest blossoming was at the Eravikulam National Park. Yes, it is also marked at some places of Kovilur, Kadavari, Gundumalai, Rajamalai of Kerala.
The plant’s flower can also be seen at places such as Yellapetty and Kanthalloor outside the exposed areas. At Yellappetty, trekking on the hills south of the Yellapetty lands is suggested if you wish to flower as an adventurist. The mountains of Parunthumpara and Kalyanathandu also witness the blooming of Neelakurinji.
Previous Blossoming Period and Place?
As mentioned above, it flourishes after every 12 years so last it was seen in the period of July to October 2006 in the hills of Munnar. Take a note of it, 12 years is a period, so before you have to wait for another 12 years; plan a Kerala holiday tour now.
In Future, When Neelakurinji will Blooms?
2030, yes… the next blooming of Neelakurinji will take place in the year 2030. In a fast growing lifestyle and technology age; who knows what comes in next 12 years and why you also wait for such long time.
Call your tour operator and plan a holiday in Kerala with family and friends to witness one of the best gifts from nature in the God’s Own Country Kerala this year itself.
