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If you are a nature lover and a fan of rare flowers, you might want to visit the Kurinjimala Sanctuary in the Idukki district of Kerala. This sanctuary is home to the endangered Neelakurinji plant, which blooms only once in 12 years and covers the hills with a carpet of blue flowers.
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Home to the Rare Neelakurinji Plant
The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is located about 48 km northeast of Munnar, the popular hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala. The sanctuary covers an area of 32 sq km and protects the core habitat of the Neelakurinji plant, which belongs to the genus Strobilanthes. The word Kurinjimala means a mountain where Kurinji blooms and the sanctuary gets its name from this plant.
The Neelakurinji plant has a flowering cycle ranging from one to 16 years, depending on the species. The most common species found in the sanctuary is Strobilanthes Kunthiana, which has a 12-year cycle and lasts for only 30 days. The last time it bloomed was in 2022, and the next bloom is expected in 2034. The flowers are usually purple or blue in color, and attract bees and butterflies. The flowers also have cultural significance for the local people, who use them to mark their age and celebrate festivals.
Biodiversity of Kurinjimala Sanctuary
Apart from being famous for its rare flowers, the Kurinjimala Sanctuary is also known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The sanctuary has high-altitude Shola and Montane grasslands with deciduous and evergreen forests at lower altitudes, providing a home for many endangered and endemic animals such as the tiger, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri wood-pigeon, grizzled giant squirrel, Asiatic elephant, gaur, and sambar deer. The sanctuary is also home to many medicinal plants and herbs.
The sanctuary shares a contiguous boundary with five other protected areas, which enhances conservation efforts and provides continuity and connectivity for wildlife. These protected areas are the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Anamali Tiger Reserve.
Plan Your Visit
The Kurinjimala Sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers. The forest department organizes eco-tourism activities along with local tribal communities, such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, and rappelling. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and April when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting animals are high. Kurinjimala is easily accessible by road and is open on all days of the week. The closest railway station and airport are located at Cochin, located about 130 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
If you want to witness the rare phenomenon of Neelakurinji blooming, you should plan your trip in advance and book your accommodation in Munnar or nearby places. There are no places to stay or eat inside the sanctuary, so you have to carry your own food and water. You also have to obtain permission from the forest department before entering the sanctuary, the contact number of the forest office is 91486 523 1587.
Kurinjimala Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and flowers. It offers a unique experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. So don’t miss this opportunity and plan your trip soon!
