Meeshapulimala opens to tourists as Neelakurinji blooms

Meeshapulimala, one of the Munnar region’s highest peaks, is witnessing the blooming of Neelakurinji and will open to tourists starting Monday (October 26). The peak falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) in Munnar.

KFDC Munnar Manager Akhil Das said visitors will have the opportunity to view the blooms at higher elevations. “The KFDC has arranged multi-utility vehicles (MUVs) for the 30-kilometre journey from Munnar to Meeshapulimala at a fare of ₹1,250 per person. Tourists will be picked up from the Munnar KFDC office and transported in these specially arranged vehicles. The package includes a snack box and drinking water,” he said.

KFDC District Manager Sujith P.K. stated that the corporation, in association with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), has launched the ‘Kurinji’ mobile application for online bookings. Visitors can reserve slots and make payments directly through the app. “The key attraction at Meeshapulimala is the Neelakurinji bloom alongside sightings of the endangered Nilgiri tahr. KFDC plans to provide a unique ecotourism experience here,” Mr. Sujith said.

Officials added that the Kurinji mobile app lets users easily find locations and other travel details. Neelakurinji blooms were earlier witnessed at Chokramudy, under the Forest department, and at Korandakkad, under the KDHP tea estate. The two-month flowering season in those areas concluded recently. “Neelakurinji blooms typically progress from lower to higher elevations. Meeshapulimala, being at a higher altitude, experiences its peak flowering in October, which will last until December,” an official noted.

No. of visitors capped

Considering the environmental significance of the hills, authorities have capped the number of daily visitors at 750. “Apart from viewing the Neelakurinji blooms, tourists will also have the opportunity to trek the Meeshapulimala hills as part of the package,” an official said. The next Neelakurinji season in Munnar is expected to occur at the Eravikulam National Park in 2030. Devikulam Sub-Collector V.M. Arya officially inaugurated the Kurinji season at Meeshapulimala on Saturday.

Putting end to concerns

Noted botanist Dr. Jomy Augustine said that Neelakurinji has finally bloomed in Meeshapulimala after prolonged concerns over delayed flowering. “Due to the El Niño effect and fluctuations in the monsoon, there were concerns that flowering might be aborted in the Meeshapulimala hills. However, the Kurinji has finally bloomed. We have been monitoring the flowering pattern on the hills over the past several days,” said Dr. Augustine.

​Dr. Augustine further noted that Neelakurinji does not normally bloom above 2,500 metres. “On the Anamudi hills in Munnar, there is no Neelakurinji bloom. However, in Meeshapulimala, the KFDC property Rhodo Mansion is situated at an elevation of 2,470 metres, and the Kurinji is blooming on the surrounding slopes. Considering these facts, the blooming in Meeshapulimala is very special,” he said.