Neelakurinji set to cast its spell

Mass blooming of the shrub of Eravikulam expected in July next year

The species flowers once in 12 years and the unusually long cycle of flowering adds to its charm.

With another gregarious blooming of Neelakurinji ( Strobilanthes kunthiana ) expected in July next year, managers of the Eravikulam National Park (ENP) are drawing up plans to meet the rush of visitors.

The mass flowering of the shrub, found in the shola forests of the Western Ghats, was a crowd-puller in 2006 as over five lakh visitors reached the park during the season. During peak season, the park received around 5,000 visitors a day, much above the visitor capacity of the region.

The species flowers once in 12 years and the unusually long cycle of flowering adds to its charm.

Kunthina is usually found at an altitude of 1,600 metres. Munnar and Eravikulam offer the best view of the mass flowering of the plants though the species can be seen up to the Nilgiri hills.

In 2006, around 70 sq km was draped in the purple-blue flowers. Mass flowering was witnessed at Kambakkallu, Kadavari, and Eravikulam.

In the grasslands of Eravikulam, the plants reach a height of around 50 cm. They may grow up to a metre before it blooms. The flowers are expected to bloom en masse in July next year.

The hills and valley of Rajamala will be in a floral wrap during the peak season. The visual treat may continue till September, said a park manager.

Park managers are drawing up plans for making the flowering season a smooth affair for visitors. Guides will be send along with groups. At least 10 minibuses will ferry tourists from Munnar to the park, an official said.

The Chief Minister will hold a meeting of the officials concerned on October 11 to chalk out an action plan for the management of visitors to the park.