Experience Neelakurinji Blooms

The Western Ghats of South India gives a fabulous opportunity to the travelers to experience nature, so see the hill sides covered with a spectacular carpet of purplish blue, when the Neelakurinji flowers bloom once in 12 years. The botanical name of the shrub is Strobilanthes kunthiana, which was once used by the tribal people to assess their age. Chikmagalur is one of the few destinations in the region that is lucky to have to these blooms cover complete hillsides. This natural event was last scene in 2015 in Mudigere regions, which means that travelers should ready themselves to visit in 2027. This is the one time in the decade that travelers from all parts of the country converge to see this phenomena. The flowers bloom in late April and May, at the mid and close of spring. There is due to be some change in the months as the seasons have become erratic over the years and the weather patterns have rapidly changed. Since these are forest flowers, much of the plantations have taken up their natural habitat. But even then, it is not difficult to see them clutching onto hillsides. You may have to head out on the outskirts of the manicured plantations for a glorious view in the wild.

Recently we were lucky to see kurinji flowers bloom in many hill sides of Devaramane hills and Mekanagadde belt of Mudigere Taluk, Chikmagalur. And because of the scenic view of flowers, a shooting was done for a Kannada movie here just few months ago.

Update October 2018: There was a fake social media posts displaying pictures of Neelakurinji flowers just for their personal business gains. Beware of such fake news.

Note: Due to unpredictable weather conditions these days, it can be said the blossoms may vary. If such good news is there, then we will keep you updated.