Special experiences―Neelakurinji blooms

The Western Ghats of India give a fabulous opportunity to the travellers, so see their hill sides covered with a spectacular carpet of purplish blue, when the Neelakurinji flowers bloom once in 12 years. The botanical name of the shrub is Strobilanthes kunthiana, which was once used by the tribals to assess their age. Chikmagalur is one of the few destinations in the region that is lucky to have to these blooms cover complete hillsides. This natural event was last scene in 2006, which means that travellers should ready themselves to visit in 2018. This is the one time in the decade that travellers from all parts of the country converge to see this phenomena. The flowers bloom in late April and May, at the mid and close of spring. There is due to be some change in the months as the seasons have become erratic over the years and the weather patterns have rapidly changed. Since these are forest flowers, much of the plantations have taken up their natural habitat. But even then, it is not difficult to see them clutching onto hillsides. You may have to head out on the outskirts of the manicured plantations for a glorious view in the wild.