Strobilanthes kunthiana aka Neelakurinji, the blueish violet cluster flower that carpets the hills of Kerala's Idukki once every 12 years, has bloomed again in certain parts of the district. The flower, which is generally found in the Eravikulam National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Silent Valley National Park, Sathyamangalam Hills and Kodaikanal alongside Munnar, blossoms in the misty conditions at high altitude.

kurinji
The location of the kurinji flower blooms in Idukki. Photo: Mountain Pirates/Google Maps

This year, it has bloomed in the Parunthumpara area of Peermade in Idukki. Though the blooms do not cover a big area, they have already started attracting tourists. 

Social media influencer Akhil Shaji, who runs the Instagram page 'Mountain Pirates', recently shared a reel showcasing the blooms in all glory on a misty landscape. Akhil, who hails from Vandiperiyar near Parunthumpara, says, "It's just been about two weeks since the flowers started blooming. Generally, the flowers won't wilt for a month or two after blooming. As it often rains now, I guess they might stay fresher for a good period."
Tourists have already started frequenting the spot, he says. "Parunthumpara is a well-known tourist spot and the flowers have started blooming on the hill opposite the area's renowned viewpoint as well," he adds. 

How to reach, best time to visit
Tourists travelling from Kottayam can take the Kottayam-Kumily Road to reach the destination. The exact spot is a bit ahead of Jose Land Resorts (Eagle Rock Resort) in Parunthumpara. According to Akhil, Saturdays and Sundays can be crowded. As it is the monsoon season, any time during the day would also be apt to check out the region, he says. "The reel I posted was shot around 1 pm. The spot can get quite misty after 3 pm, at times," he says. 

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Uprooting the plant can result in imprisonment
The Neelakurinji flower is native to Kerala's Western Ghats and is endemic to a small area between the Nilgiri and Mangaladevi Hills. According to experts, many threats endanger its existence. Last year, the Union government put the flower on the list of 'Protected Plants,' under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Uprooting the plant can invite a fine of up to Rs 25,000 and three years of imprisonment. People are also not allowed to cultivate it elsewhere.

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