If you love the scenic hills of Coorg, you would be interested in the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower which blooms once every 12 years. The floral beauty of the flowers covering the hill is a view that will take your breath away.?
The two hillocks of Mandalpatti and Kote Betta and Kumara Parvata have witnessed the flowering of Neelakurinji for the last few days. The region is painted in a vibrant bluish-purple hue.?
Also known as Kashmir of Karnataka, Madikeri is witnessed and celebrated by nature-lovers across the country.?
The rare blooming also attracts tourists from across the state and native districts who are making a beeline to witness the beauty of nature amid the pandemic. However, there are restrictions imposed during the weekends so that people flock to the site on weekdays only.?
The blooming of flowers started last week and the entire hillock region will be covered with rare flowers in a few more days.
The flower, also known as the 'flower of love', is called Kurinji by the locals.?
The Neelakurinji's name originated from the River Kunthi.
The flower has 250 varieties and they bloom at different times. While some bloom in a gap of 5 years, others take around 12 and 14 years, say experts.?
A total of 46 varieties of Neelakurinji flowers are found in India. The plant has also got medicinal value.