Chokramudy hills in Keralam open to tourists as Neelakurinji blooms

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Neelakurinji bloom at Chokaramudy hills near Munnar in Idukki. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRNAGEMENT

The Chokramudy hills of Munnar have formally opened for another visual treat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom, a phenomenon that occurs once every 12 years. The hills have begun taking on a violet shade, with full coverage expected by September. Chokramudy is located within the Devikulam Forest Range in Idukki.

Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhay Yadav inaugurated the flowering season at the Chokramudi Bison Valley Trail trekking centre on Monday (August 24, 2026). Mr. Yadav said 450 tourists visited the site on the opening day.

“The hills are currently experiencing sporadic flowering of Neelakurinji, and a massive bloom is expected in September. The area is currently seeing rain; once sunshine arrives, the bloom will become much more visible. We expect a huge rush of tourists in the coming weeks to witness the violet-carpeted hills,” Mr. Yadav said.

Neelakurinji bloom at Chokaramudy hills near Munnar in Idukki. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Botanist and Neelakurinji expert Jomy Augustine noted that there are two Kurinji flowering seasons in the Munnar hills, occurring at four-year intervals.

“The two distinct blooming cycles occur in Eravikulam National Park (ENP), and across Chokramudy and nearby areas like Meesapulimala. In Eravikulam, the last flowering was in 2018, and the next is expected in 2030. In Chokramudy, the last bloom was in 2014, making this the 2026 cycle,” said Dr. Augustine.

“This year, the bloom was first witnessed in Korandikkad near Mattupetty under the Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP) area. Around 40% flowering has been reported there. Chokramudy is blooming next, and the final phase will occur in Meesapulimala,” he added.

Dr. Augustine explained that the flowering moves like a wave, starting at lower elevations before eventually reaching the high peaks of Meesapulimala. “This blooming cycle takes place outside protected wildlife areas, which is its main significance,” he said.

The entrance gate to the Neelakurinji flowering area on the Chokramudy hills near Devikulam in Idukki. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

According to officials, entry fees are set at ₹200 for adults, ₹100 for children, and ₹400 for foreign nationals. Camera fees are ₹50 for still photography and ₹100 for video recording. Due to the presence of wildlife, drones are strictly prohibited. Visiting hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Neelakurinji is a protected species; uprooting or destroying the plants is a punishable offence carrying a fine of up to ₹25,000 and up to three years of imprisonment.

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