Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is blooming on the slopes of Meeshapulimala in Kerala’s Munnar region. The plants are flowering near Rhodo Mansion, a Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) property at an elevation of about 2,470 metres. The bloom is unusual because Neelakurinji generally does not flower above 2,500 metres. The flowering season is expected to continue from October to December 2026.
Neelakurinji and Mass Flowering
Neelakurinji is a flowering shrub of the genus Strobilanthes, found in the Western Ghats of southern India. Its plants can flower gregariously, producing extensive blooms across hill slopes. Flowering intervals vary among Strobilanthes species and populations; the Meeshapulimala and Chokramudi populations follow a cycle of about 12 years, with their previous major flowering recorded in 2014. The next flowering season expected at Eravikulam National Park is in 2030, following a different cycle.
Meeshapulimala and the Western Ghats
Meeshapulimala is one of the highest peaks in the Munnar region of Kerala. The slopes around Rhodo Mansion are currently flowering at around 2,470 metres. Neelakurinji blooms are also associated with the Nilgiri hills; the name Nilgiri means “blue mountains” in reference to the hills’ blue appearance during flowering. Meeshapulimala is also a habitat for the endangered Nilgiri tahr.
Ecotourism and Visitor Management
The KFDC opened a Kurinji trek for visitors from 26 October 2026. Multi-utility vehicles provide transport for the 30-kilometre journey from Munnar at ₹1,250 per person, including a snack box and drinking water. The KFDC and Wildlife Trust of India launched the Kurinji mobile application for online bookings. Authorities have capped daily visitor numbers at 750. Devikulam Sub-Collector V.M. Arya inaugurated the Kurinji season on 24 October 2026.
Important Facts for Exams
- Strobilanthes kunthiana is the botanical name of Neelakurinji.
- Meeshapulimala lies in Kerala’s Munnar region in the Western Ghats.
- The Nilgiri tahr is an endangered mountain ungulate native to the Western Ghats.
- Eravikulam National Park is located in Kerala’s Idukki district.
The current Meeshapulimala bloom is associated with a 12-year flowering cycle last recorded in 2014. Eravikulam National Park’s next expected Neelakurinji season is in 2030.
