Munnar, Kerala: The return of the rare Neelakurinji flowers has turned the Chokramudi hills near Munnar into one of the region's most sought-after attractions, with more than 4,000 visitors arriving within five days to witness the spectacular seasonal bloom.

The visitor rush comes after the Chokramudi Neelakurinji Garden was opened to tourists on August 24, ahead of the Onam holiday period. According to the latest reports, around 700 visitors visited the attraction on Thiruvonam day alone, highlighting the strong interest generated by the once-in-12-years flowering phenomenon.

Located in the Devikulam Forest Range of Idukki, Chokramudi is among the important high-altitude areas around Munnar where Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) flowers are appearing during the 2026 flowering cycle. The previous flowering at Chokramudi was recorded in 2014, making this year's return particularly significant for nature lovers and visitors to Munnar.

Peak Bloom Expected in September

Although flowering has already begun, the hills have not yet reached their full seasonal display. Forest officials expect the Neelakurinji plants to flower more extensively as the weather improves, with more widespread blooming expected around mid-September. Continuous rainfall in recent weeks has delayed the opening of many flower buds.

The flowering is expected to create extensive blue-violet carpets across sections of the high-altitude landscape, making the coming weeks an important period for visitors hoping to experience one of Munnar's most distinctive natural spectacles.

Neelakurinji is known for its unusual flowering cycle, with Strobilanthes kunthiana generally flowering at intervals of around 12 years. The species is closely associated with the shola-grassland ecosystems of the Western Ghats and is found in several high-altitude areas around Munnar.

Visitor Facilities and Forest Protection

The Forest Department has introduced arrangements to manage the increasing visitor numbers while protecting the fragile flowering habitat. The attraction is open to visitors from 7 am to 4 pm, and forest personnel and watchers are deployed to provide information and ensure visitor safety. A Kurinji Café and traditional seating facilities have also been arranged for visitors.

Visitors are required to remain on designated routes and avoid touching, trampling or damaging the flowers. Plucking or damaging Neelakurinji plants can result in a fine of up to ₹25,000 and imprisonment of up to three years, according to forest authorities. Drones are also prohibited in the area.

The emphasis on responsible tourism is particularly important because the Neelakurinji habitat is ecologically sensitive. Large visitor numbers during mass flowering can put additional pressure on the grassland ecosystem through trampling, waste and other disturbances.

Munnar Enters a Special Neelakurinji Season

The Chokramudi bloom is part of a wider Neelakurinji flowering season across the Munnar high ranges. Flowering has also been reported or expected in areas including Meesapulimala, Edalimedu, Sevenmala, Gundumala and parts of Chinnakanal.

With thousands of visitors already making their way to Chokramudi and the peak flowering period still ahead, the Neelakurinji season is expected to provide a significant boost to Munnar tourism during the coming weeks.

For travellers planning a visit, the 2026 bloom offers a rare opportunity to experience a natural phenomenon that will not return to Chokramudi for another cycle. Visitors, however, are encouraged to enjoy the flowers responsibly and help protect the fragile mountain ecosystem that makes the spectacle possible.