Once in a Lifetime Experience in Munnar: The Neelakurinji Blossom

One of the most beautiful hill stations in the country, Munnar boasts of aromatic tea plantations and lush-green slopes. Situated in the picturesque Nilgiri mountain range, this town is a haven for nature lovers. The Eravikulam National Park is one of the best natural attractions around this town where you can spot the rare and endangered Nilgiri Tahr among its wide variety of fauna. Munnar is also well-known for its flora, especially its varieties of rare orchids and plants. The Neelakurinji flower, for instance, is one of the rarest plants in the world which blooms every 12 years. Better known to botanists as Strobilanthes kunthianus, this flower attracts visitors and nature lovers from across the world. As it is an asynchronous flowering plant, the blossoming of the Neelakurinji in Munnar is a fascinating sight. This plant last bloomed in 2006 and the next blooming is this year - between June and October.

The Awesome Neelakurinji Experience

Makemytrip has launched several specialized tour packages for this rare experience in Munnar. They involve travelling to scenic viewpoints in town, where one can view the blossoming Neelakurinji flowers from a distance. On your way, you will pass through many other enticing sites such as the Echo Point, the Mattupetty Dam and the Kundala Dam.

The Echo Point lies in an altitude of 600 feet and is abundant in greenery. The famous echo phenomenon can be witnessed here. The Top Station is about 1,880 metres above sea level and is one of the highest points near Munnar. On way to the Top Station, you will also get to see the Meesapulimala Peak and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats. And from the Top Station, you will see a rare sight – a blue valley, instead of the usual green, full of the blossoming Neelakurinji.

Other Kerala Packages during the Neelakurinji blooming

Made For You Kerala with Family: In this package you will not only get to enjoy the rare flowering season, but also revel in the scenic beauty of the hill station together with your family. On the 135 km journey from Cochin Airport to Munnar, there are plenty of mesmerizing sights such as the Athirapally Waterfalls, which is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala and the Valara Waterfalls, surrounded by scenic sights.

In Munnar, you can go for sightseeing at the Devikulam Tea Gardens and Tata Tea Museum to learn about the tea plantation industry in India. You can visit the Top Station in Munnar and get the once in a lifetime Neelakurinji viewing experience with your family.

With this package, you also get to enjoy another scenic journey - to Thekkady which is situated on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. There are plenty of sightseeing options on the way. You could stop at the Spice Garden, or see packs of gaur, sambar and wild boar when you go for a boat cruise on Periyar Lake. Have a blast with the Backwater Cruise in Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the East. After that, you proceed to Cochin for some more sightseeing.

Made For You Kerala for Couples: With this tour package, you and your loved one will enjoy a romantic getaway to Munnar where you not only get the rare Neelakurinji-viewing experience but also partake in snorkelling and various other activities, including water sports, in Kovalam.

This rare blossoming of the Neelakurinji flower will certainly bring many nature lovers to Munnar this year for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you are going with your family, your loved one or as an experiential nature lover, this enchanting view promises to linger in your memories forever. So go ahead and plan your Kerala holiday, now!

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