Bengaluru, 24 July, 2025: Every 12 years, the slopes of the Western Ghats erupt in a rare natural spectacle—the blooming of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana). Named from the Tamil words Neela (blue) and Kurinji (flower), the phenomenon has been documented since the 19th century. Lasting just a few weeks, it remains one of South India’s most anticipated natural events.
Found mainly in the high-altitude shola grasslands of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Neelakurinji grows between 1,500 and 2,500 meters above sea level. To protect this rare bloom and its ecosystem, the Kerala government established the Kurinjimala Sanctuary in 2006—India’s second floral sanctuary after the Valley of Flowers. Spread across 32 sq. km, it was created following strong advocacy by the Save Kurinji Campaign Council. While the next mass bloom is expected in 2030, this year, nature has surprised us. The Neelakurinji has begun blooming in scattered pockets across the region, including Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala, and Eravikulam National Park.
This season, Neelakurinji has quietly begun to bloom within the gardens of Club Mahindra Munnar, located about 40 km from Eravikulam National Park. Guests at the resort can see this rare occurrence up close and even just outside some guest rooms, offering an unusually personal experience. The resort’s horticulture team works throughout the year to create and maintain the right environment for these native plants. It requires specific conditions to thrive, well-drained, high-altitude mountain soil, and minimal disturbance to its natural rhythm. The bloom typically lasts 7 to 15 days, making it a short but meaningful window into the region’s ecological cycle. To deepen the experience, guided nature walks and trails are offered for guests who want to learn more about the plant, its history, and the ecosystem it belongs to.
