Neelakurinji-like bloom adds charm to Kudremukh Hills

Adding a distinctive charm to the beauty of the Western Ghats, a rare blue-violet flower resembling Neelakurinji has bloomed big along some trekking trails in the Kudremukh region of Chikkamagaluru district recently, attracting more trekkers and nature enthusiasts. 

According to the Forest and Tourism Department officials, these flowers were seen in greater abundance in some of the hill regions of Kudremukh during 2022–23, earlier. They have appeared in limited numbers again this time. The blue-violet blooms scattered across the green hills are adding a unique attraction to the natural landscape of Kudremukh.

Sampath, owner of Namma Mane homestay near Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru, said that the bloom in 2022-23 had attracted big crowds to the region and they were expecting a similar jump in tourist traffic this season too. 

Rare blue-violet flowers add charm to kudremukh trekking trails, in Western Ghats of Karnataka.
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement

Ram Prasath Manohar, Secretary, Tourism Department, said that the limited blooming of these blue-violet flowers in Kudremukh this year has generated special interest among trekking enthusiasts and nature tourists. “There is a need to present such natural phenomena through environmentally responsible tourism. Instructions have been given to the district Tourism Department officials to provide visitors with the necessary information, guidance and facilities without causing any harm to the flowers or their habitat,” he said. 

He urged the visitors not to pluck the flowers and only watch them. “If they are plucked, then it disturbs the blooming cycle of these flowers. We have requested visitors not to damage the plants or litter the surroundings and help us preserve the natural environment,” Mr. Manohar said. 

Tourism Minister K.J. George said blue-violet flowers like neelakurinji blooming in the hills of Kudremukh showcase the exceptional beauty of Karnataka’s natural wealth. “While visiting such natural attractions, tourists must adopt eco-friendly travel practices. Visitors should not only enjoy the beauty of nature but also understand their responsibility towards protecting it.”