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What Are Exam Trees And Where Can You Spot Them In India?

The Jacaranda bloom is a unique sighting, and we are telling you where all in India you can spot them.

by Rachna Srivastava
What Are Exam Trees And Where Can You Spot Them In India?

Out of all the endless reasons to visit Munnar, the gorgeous spring blooms certainly top the list. When the fairytale valleys dotted with tea plantations and cool breeze enter spring season there is a particular bloom that tourists look forward to. Veering slightly from the always green landscapes, Munnar —the Idukki gem— sees purple hues take over. Signs of “purple panic” or “neela vaka” adorn the lush terrain. The jacaranda bloom is a unique sighting, and we are telling you where all in India you can spot them. But first, did you know that they are also called exam trees? Read on to know why!

What Is An Exam Tree?

Jacaranda aka Exam Tree in full bloom
Image for representation.
Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Clayton from Pexels

The jacaranda trees are usually found in Argentina (Buenos Aires), Australia (Queensland), and parts of the United States. The reason they are also called exam trees is because these purple trumpet-shaped flowers bloom during exam season. In most of these countries, this flowering season coincides with the examination period. In India, too. Interestingly, in some parts of the world, a jacaranda flower falling on a student during exam time is considered to bring them good luck. 

The jacaranda tree is native to South America but during the British Raj was planted in India. Mainly to beautify the cities and tea estates, and to also keep themselves shielded from the Indian summers. Soon, the seeds got sown around the country. They are also referred to as neeli gulmohar in various parts of India.

Also Read: Pink, Purple & Now Gold! Bangalore Is Filled With Golden Trumpet Trees

Where Can You See Jacaranda Flowers In India?

The Britishers planted these trees in Bengaluru, Munnar, and Ooty along the roads and estate bungalows. If you take a stroll in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, or seek shade at Cubbon Park or Lalbagh Botanical Garden you will definitely spot them. 

Hill stations, Ooty and Munnar attract tourists during the bloom period of March and April. The sheer beauty of purple hues covering the winding roads is a sight to behold. 

On the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, as the Munnar stretch starts, these purple beauties can be seen along the gap road. Pallivasal, Chinnakanal, and other villages of Kerala are also home to these neela vaka flowering trees.

Mumbaikars fret not, you can admire these at Sagar Upvan, Byculla Zoo, and Parsi Colony in Dadar (if you are lucky).

In Bengal, jacaranda flowers are called neelkanth and can be seen sporadically in the Hooghly district. These are also seen flower in Assam and some other north-eastern states.

Also Read: Purple Bucket List: 8 Purple-Hued Places In The World You Should See In 2025

So, if you want to spot the purple carpet of these exam trees in India, you can be on the lookout for jacaranda trees near you. But do yourself a favour, don’t just seek them out to snap Insta-worthy pictures. Instead, admire them with a digital-distraction-free mind. Do let us know in the comments section below where you have spotted these stunning beauties.

Cover Image Courtesy: X Post/@SachinBharali and @RathikaRamasamy

 

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First Published: February 28, 2025 1:18 PM