The flower is regionally called 'neela vaka.'

The flower is regionally called 'neela vaka.'

The flower is regionally called 'neela vaka.'

The usually green Munnar also has a vibrant purple hue with hints of blue blanketing it these days, as the dreamy jacaranda season has begun. The trees, which often make tourists stop to click many pictures, bloom abundantly along the Pallivasal - Munnar stretch of the Kochi - Dhanushkodi National Highway, on the Munnar Gap road and at Vaguvarai on the Marayoor road. It's also often spotted at Chinnakanal, Pallivasal, Thalayar and Lakkam. The flowers typically last for up to eight weeks, depending on the climate. With individual falling flowers creating a purple carpet on the roads, the trees also create a fairy-tale ambience in the hill station. The flower, which is of South American origin, was apparently planted years ago by officials of Munnar's tea garden during the British era. 

Jacaranda's many names
The flowers might have a mighty South American name, but it also has many interesting regional monikers like 'neela vaka,' exam tree, purple panic and more. Apparently, it's called exam tree as the flower blooms during the exam season. Checking out these flowers can be added to a Munnar-sightseeing itinerary, along with the pick-and-pack experiences at its strawberry farms and experiencing KSRTC's double decker royal view bus. KSRTC is also all set to start four Munnar budget tripsfrom Mattupetty Dam, Devikulam, Nettikkudi and from the Letchmi Estate.