Neelakurinji flowers begin to bloom after 12 years in Karnataka's Kodagu

The forested mountains of Mandalpatti and Kote Betta in Karnataka's Kodagu district are currently being visited by a sizable number of tourists as a result of an unusual phenomena. The Mandalapatti hills in Karnataka are blooming with the uncommon blue and purplish tint of the Neelakurinji flowers, also known as Strobilanthes Kunthiana, in a phenomena that happens only every 12 years.

According to Kodagu's forest officials, tourists have been visiting the city to observe the flowers for the past week. The Nilgiri Hills in India are known as the "blue hills" because of their lovely flowers.

A significant number of tourists are currently travelling to the forested highlands of Mandalpatti and Kote Betta in Karnataka's Kodagu district as a result of an unusual phenomenon. A phenomenon that only occurs every 12 years is causing the Mandalapatti hills in Karnataka to blossom with the unusual blue and purplish colour of the Neelakurinji flowers, also known as Strobilanthes Kunthiana.

The previous week has seen people come to the city to see the flowers, according to Kodagu's forest officials. Because of their beautiful flora, the Nilgiri Hills in India are referred to as the "blue hills."

1. Mandalpatti hills are blossoming with Neelakurinji flowers

Visitors from all across Karnataka have flocked to the Western Ghats' Mandalpatti Hills, noted for their picturesque splendour, to observe the Neelakurinji blooms.

2. Neelakurinji grows at an altitude of 1,300 to 2,400 metres

The Neelakurinji flowers, or Strobilanthes Kunthiana, are grown in the region at elevations between 1,300 and 2,400 metres. Typically, the shrub is 30 to 60 cm tall.

3. Karnataka has around 45 species of Neelakurinji

According to representatives of the Karnataka Forest Department, there are about 45 different species of Neelakurinji in the state, with different species having been recorded at various altitudes. Each species blooms every six, nine, eleven, or twelve years.

4. Shalom hills blossoming with blue Neelakurinji flower

The Santhanpara Panchayat's Shalomkunnu (Shalom hills) in Idukki are also blooming with the blue Neelakurinji flowers. This time, the Shalomkunnu has been covered with more than 10 acres of Neelakurinji flowers.

5. Aerial glimpse of visual treat to cost Rs 2,30,000

Even an airborne view of the sight-seeing pleasure is being offered by a heli-taxi company. Thumby Aviation Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based heli-taxi company, has been charging Rs 2,30,000 for journeys to the bloom's location.