As the Chokramudi hills near Munnar in Idukki, Kerala, witnessed the rare blooming of Neelakurinji (Stobilantus kunthiyana), the Forest Department has announced that the hills will be opened to tourists next week. The flower, which blooms once every 12 years, has begun carpeting the hillsides in vibrant shades of violet and blue. According to experts, mass blooming of Neelakurinji this year can be witnessed across Chokramudi hills, Idalimedu, and Meeshapulimala in Munnar.

Devikulam Range Officer E.D. Arun Kumar stated that following the extensive flowering on Chokramudi hills, the area will open to visitors starting this Onam season. “Tourists can view the Neelakurinji from August 24 onwards. The entry point is located near the Devikulam Range Office on the Munnar–Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway. The entry fee is ₹200 for adults and ₹50 for children up to 18 years of age. Visiting hours are fixed from 7 am to 4 pm,” the official said.

The official further noted that KSRTC bus services will be arranged from the Munnar depot to Devikulam for tourists visiting the site. “Tourists can park their vehicles in Munnar and take a KSRTC bus to Devikulam. This will help avoid traffic congestion in Munnar town and along the Devikulam route. Visitors can book tickets through the Forest Department website, where bookings will go live soon,” he added.

Neelakurinji expert and noted botanist Dr. Jomy Augustine said mass flowering across the Chokramudi hills is expected to peak in the first week of September. “The flowering has already begun on the hills, and the blooms will intensify during the Onam days,” he said.

Meanwhile, tourists will have to wait a little longer to view the Neelakurinji bloom at Meeshapulimala, the highest peak in the area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC).

KFDC managing director Raju K. Francis noted that only isolated blooming has been reported at Meeshapulimala so far, and the area will be opened to tourists only after widespread flowering occurs.

“We expect mass blooming to begin in September. Initially, the KFDC has decided to permit 750 tourists per day, with the ticket price fixed around ₹1,200 per person, which includes travel and food arranged by the corporation. To streamline reservations, a dedicated mobile booking application is being developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI),” Mr. Francis said.

Published - August 15, 2026 12:13 pm IST