Neelakurinji, the iconic blue flower of the Western Ghats, blooms once every 12 years. However, the Strobilanthes family of neelakurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana) also has less frequently occurring ‘cousins’, contributing to the diversity of the Western Ghats. Kalkurinji or Strobilanthes folos, which blooms once in 16 years, has bloomed in certain parts of Munnar. Compared to Neelakurinji, the shrub of kalkurinji grows on rocks, hence its name (‘kal’ means stone or rock in Malayalam). Its plants are also smaller compared to the bushy neelakurinji plants.

Where can I see Kalkurinji?
You can enjoy the beauty of kalkurinji flower in Eravikulam National Park, Kannimala and on the sides of the national highway between Old Munnar Headworks Dam and Pallivasal. Tourists visiting Eravikulam National Park can see the flowers in a small area near the waterfall next to the tourist centre. Tourists cannot reach here, but you can get a good look at the flower when the visitor shuttle stops in the area during guided tours.

Western Ghats, Strobilanthes family
There are approximately 64 varieties of the Strobilanthes plant in the Western Ghats region of Kerala. All plants in this family bloom only once over a long period. Interestingly, according to experts, some species bloom once every 35 years. The plant dies after a cycle of flowering and seed dispersal. Botanists say the presence of kurinji flowers in an area indicates the environmental health of that area; Therefore, their protection is essential to protect nature.