Kerala

Munnar tourism bounce back with Neelakurunji

After the slowdown of inbound tourists due to the rain and floods, Munnar is in a revival mode, following the widespread blooming of Neelakurinji, the purple-blue flower, which blooms once in 12 years.

As the roads to the hill station are reinstated, tourists from all around the world are flowing to Munnar, to witness the visual extravagance of Neelakurinji blooms. District Promotion Council (DTPC) and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) have arranged special packages for the tourists to reach Eravikulam National Park and Kolukkumail, where the tourists can see extensive blooming of Neelakurinji along the whole valley, making it a purple-blue carpet.

 

Bus services are available from Old Munnar to Rajamala. In addition, DTPC will operate MUVs on the Munnar RAjamala route. People can also opt for Kolukkumail off-road rout. DTPC made arrangements to pick tourists from Munnar, Kattappana, Thodupuha and Cheruthoni and drop them at Suryanelli.

“From Suryanelli MUVs will take to tourists to Kolukkumalai. The charges to reach Suryanelli from Kattappana and Cheruthoni is Rs4,000. From Thodupuzha it is Rs 5000 and from Munnar, the charge is Rs 2000,” said Jayan P Vijayan, Secretary, DTPC.

As per Jayan, around 2000 persons visit Kolukkumalai, every day. The district administration has made all arrangements in Munnar to receive tourists. Parking facilities, toilets, drinking water resting places etc. has been arranged in Munnar.

“Kurinji have bloomed massively in the valleys this year. If there is no setback in the climate, the Neelakurinji season may continue until October. Currently more than 3500 persons visit the Eravikulam National park every day,” said Sandeep, Range officer in Eravikulam National Park.