Once every 12 years, the green hills of Munnar and Vattavada transform into a sea of purplish-blue. This is the magic of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana).
The 12-Year Cycle
The Neelakurinji is a shrub that blooms gregariously once in 12 years. The last massive bloom happened in 2018. This means the next official season is expected in 2030.
Why Wait So Long?
It's a survival strategy. By blooming all at once after a long gap, the plants overwhelm predators (like insects) ensuring that enough seeds survive to produce the next generation.
Can You See It Now?
While the massive bloom is years away, you don't have to wait until 2030 to see a Kurinji flower. There are over 40 varieties of Strobilanthes in the Western Ghats, and some of them bloom every year or every 3-7 years in isolated patches.
Where to Spot Them
The best places to spot these blooms are:
- Eravikulam National Park: The most famous spot.
- Vattavada Hills: Less crowded and equally beautiful.
- Kolukkumalai: The highest tea plantation in the world.
Did You Know?
The local tribal community, the Muthuvans, used the flowering cycle of the Neelakurinji to calculate their age.
Whether it's 2030 or just a lucky isolated bloom this year, seeing the Kurinji is a bucket-list experience.