After nearly 12 years, Neelakurinji flowers are blooming in large numbers across the Korandakkad and Chokramudi hills near Mattupetty in Munnar, Kerala. The flowering season began in August, with the Chokramudi area opening to visitors on August 24. Forest officials expect the bloom to spread across more high-altitude slopes as September progresses. Scroll down to know more.
Neelakurinji Flowers Bloom Across Munnar, Kerala
According to reports by CNBC TV18, known scientifically as Strobilanthes kunthiana, Neelakurinji is popular for its mass flowering cycle, which occurs roughly once every 12 years in certain populations. The current bloom in the Chokramudi-Mattupetty region follows the area’s previous flowering in 2014.
When the flowers appear in large numbers, vast stretches of the high-altitude grasslands take on shades of blue and purple. The plants flower, produce seeds and die, while the next generation grows over the following years. This unusual reproductive cycle is known as pleiotropic or semelparous flowering.
The 2026 bloom around Chokramudi and Mattupetty does not mean that Neelakurinji has appeared early at Eravikulam National Park. Different populations of the species in the Munnar region follow different flowering cycles. The Chokramudi-Mattupetty population last flowered in 2014, making 2026 its expected flowering year. The population at Eravikulam National Park last experienced a major bloom in 2018, with Kerala Tourism expecting its next mass flowering there in 2030.
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Where Can You See The Neelakurinji Bloom?
The current flowering is concentrated around Chokramudi, Korandakkad and Mattupetty, while forest officials expect it to spread to areas such as Meesapulimala, Edalimedu, Sevenmala and Gundumala as the weather becomes more favourable. Scattered blooms have also been reported around Chinnakanal. The flowering has already attracted visitors, prompting authorities to regulate access and urge tourists not to pluck or damage the plants.
Neelakurinji is endemic to the high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystems of the Western Ghats, where its habitat faces pressure from plantations, urbanisation, invasive species and tourism. The species was assessed for the first time for the IUCN Red List in 2024 and classified as Vulnerable under criterion A2c, highlighting concerns over its declining population and habitat.
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For travellers hoping to witness the rare spectacle, 2026 offers a chance to see Neelakurinji across parts of Munnar, while the next major bloom at Eravikulam National Park is expected in 2030.
Have you ever witnessed this flower?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, X/Gokerala_
FAQs
Why does Neelakurinji bloom only in 12 years?
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) blooms once every 12 years because it follows a monocarpic (or plietesial) life cycle.
Which month does Neelakurinji bloom?
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) blooms mainly between July and October, with peak flowering typically occurring in September and October.
Where is Neelakurinji situated?
Neelakurinji is native to the shola forests and high-altitude grassland hills of the Western Ghats in South India, spanning the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
