Chokramudi Hills to Open for Tourists as Neelakurinji Blooms Begin

The Forest Department has announced that the Chokramudi hills near Munnar in Kerala will open to tourists next week, coinciding with the rare blooming of Neelakurinji flowers. These vibrant violet-blue blooms, which appear only once every 12 years, have begun carpeting the hillsides, creating a stunning spectacle for visitors.

Opening During Onam Season

Devikulam Range Officer E.D. Arun Kumar confirmed that tourists can access the Chokramudi hills starting August 24, aligning with Kerala’s festive Onam season. The entry point is located near the Devikulam Range Office on the Munnar–Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi national highway. Entry fees are set at ₹200 for adults and ₹50 for children under 18 years. Visiting hours will be from 7 am to 4 pm.

To ease travel logistics, KSRTC bus services will be arranged from the Munnar depot to Devikulam. Tourists can park their vehicles in Munnar and use the bus service to avoid traffic congestion in the town and along the Devikulam route. Tickets for the visit will soon be available for booking through the Forest Department’s website.

Peak Bloom Expected in September

According to Dr. Jomy Augustine, a Neelakurinji expert and botanist, the mass flowering on Chokramudi hills is anticipated to peak in the first week of September. While the blooms are already visible, they are expected to intensify during the Onam days, providing an even more breathtaking view.

Meeshapulimala to Open Later

Tourists hoping to visit Meeshapulimala, the highest peak in the region, will have to wait longer. KFDC Managing Director Raju K. Francis stated that only isolated blooming has been reported there so far. Mass flowering is expected to begin in September, after which the area will be opened to visitors. Initially, KFDC plans to allow 750 tourists per day, with tickets priced at ₹1,200 per person, inclusive of travel and food.

To streamline bookings for Meeshapulimala, KFDC is developing a dedicated mobile application in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).

Why This Matters

The Neelakurinji bloom is a rare natural phenomenon that draws visitors from across the country and beyond. Opening Chokramudi hills during this period not only boosts tourism in the region but also provides an opportunity for people to witness the beauty of Kerala’s biodiversity. With careful planning, including regulated entry and transportation, authorities aim to balance tourism with conservation efforts.

Source: The Hindu