Munnar is famous for its tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and beautiful landscapes, but during the Neelakurinji flowering season, the hills take on an entirely different appearance. During our visit, we headed to Korandakkad Hills, located on the Munnar–Mattupetty route, after Carmelgiri Botanical Garden and before Mattupetty Dam, to experience the spectacular Neelakurinji bloom.
The entry fee to Korandakkad Hills was ₹250 per person. From the entrance, reaching the flowering area requires a walk of around 1.5 to 2 kilometres through a tea estate. The walk itself is a beautiful part of the experience, with green tea plantations, mountain views, and the peaceful surroundings of Munnar.
After crossing the tea estate, the trail continues into the forest. There are unpaved jeep roads through which visitors walk towards the blooming area. Depending on the weather, small streams can also be seen along the route, while the surrounding forest provides opportunities to spot birds and small animals.
Neelakurinji – A Rare Natural Spectacle
Neelakurinji, scientifically known as Strobilanthes kunthiana, is one of the most remarkable flowers found in the high-altitude grasslands of the Western Ghats. One of its most fascinating characteristics is its mass flowering cycle. Large populations flower together at intervals of roughly 12 years, creating spectacular blue and violet-coloured landscapes.
The Korandakkad–Mattupetty population has recorded flowering in 1990, 2002 and 2014, making the current flowering season a particularly special time to visit. If the population continues to follow its usual cycle, the next major flowering could be around 2038.
Chokramudi Hills
Chokramudi Hills is another important location associated with the 2026 Neelakurinji flowering season. Located in the Munnar region, Chokramudi has also attracted visitors hoping to experience the rare bloom. The entry fee there is ₹250.
The Neelakurinji flowering at Korandakkad and Chokramudi is different from the famous flowering population at Eravikulam National Park. The Eravikulam population flowered extensively in 2018 and is expected to have its next major flowering around 2030.
Reaching the Neelakurinji Hills
After walking through the tea estate and forest, we finally reached the area covered with Neelakurinji flowers. The landscape changes dramatically as the green hills become dotted with beautiful blue and violet flowers.
Walking around the designated area allows visitors to see the flowers from different viewpoints. Some sections have larger clusters covering the slopes, while others have smaller patches scattered across the landscape.
When mist moves across the surrounding mountains, the combination of Neelakurinji flowers, tea plantations, forests and Munnar's mountain scenery creates a spectacular view.
The journey to Korandakkad is as much a part of the experience as the flowers themselves. The walk through the tea estate and forest offers an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the region before reaching the blooming hills.
Since Neelakurinji is part of a fragile mountain ecosystem, visitors should remain on designated paths and avoid plucking or damaging the flowers.
If you are visiting Munnar during the flowering season, Korandakkad Hills offers a memorable way to experience the Neelakurinji bloom — combining a scenic tea-estate and forest walk with the sight of Munnar's hills covered in blue and violet flowers.
