The Neelakurinji Flowers Blooming Season 2018 in Munnar

State - Kerala

District - Idukki

City - Munnar

Flower Name - Neelakurinji

Botanical Name - Strobilanthes kunthianus

Blooming Season - July to October

About The Neelakurinji Flowers Blooming Season in Munnar

Munnar - one of the most traveled places in India is awaiting a magic of the decade! Munnar is popular among travelers and tourists from all across the globe for its breathtaking tea plantations, lush valleys, dense vegetation, roaring waterfalls, spices, hair-pin roads and captivating beauty. No one is disappointed by their trip to Munnar. As if this all was not enough, this year there would be an added attraction that would attract nature lovers from all over the globe to Munnar to witness the bloom of Neelakurinji flowers. The bloom of Neelakurinji flowers is one of the most anticipated event of Kerala. The Neelakurinji flower is popularly called so, because in Malayalam, which is the main language spoken in Kerala, 'Neelakurinji' means 'blue flower'. Nilgiri Mountains get it's name only because of these flowers as 'Nil' means 'blue' and 'gir' means 'mountain'.This bloom of Neelakurinji Flowers would blanket the hills of Munnar and present the most spell-binding experience.

It is said that the bloom of Neelakurinji Flowers happen once in twelve years. Not just one but around 40 odd varieties of Neelakurinji flowers would bloom all over on the Nilgiri Hills. And it is said that 2018 is the year that is to witness this beautiful bloom again.The blanket of dreamy shade of purplish blue flowers will be finally making its appearance from July 2018 to October 2018 and thus the long wait would be over.  This natural wonder can be enjoyed this year 2018 in Munnar from early July to October. The natural blooming flower show of Neelakurinji flaunts it's beauty over the Nilgiri Hills. The best part of this bloom is the eye-soothing colour of the Neelakurinji flower, which as ages turns into bluish purple which serves as a pleasant backdrop among the green hills. These flowers could be widely seen in Munnar around the areas of Eravikulam National Park. If you are lucky enough you may just witness a Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered mountain goat, strolling lazily down the hills amidst the beautiful flower spread.

These shrubs of Neelakurinji flowers grow on the altitude of around 4265 ft to 7800 feet. The height of this plant is only 30 to 60 cm and hence is counted to be a shrub. The peak season for the bloom is September and October, and that is when Munnar is thronged with tourists, biologists and nature lovers from all around the world. But one can start visiting Munnar right from June or July to witness the mass flowering of Neelakurinji Flowers. The time when the flowers bloom fully is  a peak season in Munnar - pretty crowded.

Tips for Traveler Who are Planning a Visit for the Neelakurinji Flowers Bloom 2018

- If you are planning to witness this awesome sight, make sure you carry on the booking in advance. Many tour operators have already opened the booking schedule.

- Book travel arrangements in advance too, unless you are traveling on your own.

- Visit the place early, preferably early morning. A walk amidst the flower spread is one of the most amazing experience.

Coonoor In Tamil Nadu - Quaint Little Hill Station in India

State - Tamil Nadu

Location - 20 km from Ooty / 71 km from Coimbatore

Altitude - 6000 ft above sea level

Serves as - Hill station, Prime tourist destination in Tamil Nadu

Famous for - Nilgiri Tea Plantations, Hill station, Picnic spot

Beautiful Coonoor Valley

About Coonoor

Located at the distance of 20 km from Ooty is the city of Coonoor which serves as the second largest hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. Known as one of the most popular places of visit in Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is located at the height of 6000 feet above sea level. Coonoor is best known for its Nilgiri tea plantations, lush landscapes, misty weather, spectacular scenery, ravines, deep majestic valleys and gushing waterfalls. The signature British style cottages and bungalows of Coonoor takes you down the memory lane and allows you to revisit history. Compared to Ooty, Coonoor is much quieter and relaxing. It is becoming quite popular among tourists, given their preference to Coonoor over Ooty. Ooty is more urbanized compared to Coonoor. For tourists visiting Ooty, Coonoor serves as a one day picnic spot.

Coonoor during Spring

One can enjoy the Coonoor - Ooty journey through the oldest mountain railways in India - The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which offers an amazing traveling experience and is been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to visit and enjoy in Coonoor. Bird watching is considered to be one for the most enjoyable activity in Coonoor, given the spectacular varieties of birds such as babblers, larks, cuckoo, robin, vultures, eagles and song birds. The annual Tea & Tourism Festival attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world to Coonoor. Similarly the Annual Fruit & Vegetable Festival is also quite popular in Coonoor.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Connecting Coonoor to Ooty

Best Time to Visit Coonoor

The best time to visit Coonoor is from March to June and September to October. Visit to Coonoor should be avoided during monsoon. The peak season time for Coonoor is from April to June given the vacations.

What To Do in Coonoor

Soak in the panoramic beauty

Enjoy the visit to Nilgiri tea plantations.

Enjoy nature trails

Enjoy bird watching

Enjoy trekking in Coonoor

Visit the lush landscapes and scenic beauty of Coonoor

Enjoy the Nilgiri Mountain train journey.

Visit the best places in Coonoor

Enjoy the local festivals

Festivals in Coonoor

The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts travelers and tourists from all over the world to Coonoor. The Annual Fruit & Vegetable Festival is also quite popular in Coonoor.

Sim's Park in Coonoor

What To Shop In Coonoor

Tea, Tea, Tea

Spices

Organic food products such as honey and fresh-made jams from peach, pear, mulberry and passion fruit

Aromatic oils such as lavender and eucalyptus

Gourmet gift items such as chocolates, aromatic teas and cheese

Shadow-work bedsheets

Embroidered clothing items such as pillow cases, towels, cushion covers and bed-sheets from handicraft emporiums

Warm fabric clothing such as scarves, shawls and sweaters

Antique tea-sets, table and other items

Toda jewelry

Coonoor Tea Estates

Places of Interest in Coonoor

Sim's Park

Spread over an area of 30 acres, Sim's Park is one of the most delightful places to visit in Coonoor. This park is located 4 km from Coonoor Railway Station and is usually crowded during peak season. Sim's Park serves as a nature park cum botanical garden as it houses and exhibits innumerable species of flora which otherwise are rarely sighted in Ooty. Sim's Park boasts of it's landscapic walkways and lush scenic surroundings. Sim's Park also has a lake which offers boating facility to tourists. The annual Fruit and Vegetable Festival is hosted in Sim's Park every year. This park is open all days throughout the season.

Timings - 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

Park Entry Fees for adults - INR 10

Park Entry Fees for children - INR 2

Charges for Still Camera - INR 35

Charges for Video Camera - INR 250

Laws Falls

One of the most popular attractions of Coonoor is the Laws Falls which is located 5 km from Coonoor Railway Station. The Laws Falls can be accessed through the Coonoor - Mettupalayam road. The Laws Falls roars through multiple cascades, breaking several times within the rocky mountain range and falls at a height of 30 feet,  emerging into a pool. It's popularity among tourist is huge, given the waterfall's beauty amidst the scenic surroundings. This waterfall manages to draw large number of tourists, especially post monsoons. The access road is beautiful to drive on and the ride is enjoyable. There is no entry fee for Laws Fall and should be visited during day time.

Laws Falls in Coonoor

Lamb's Rock

Lamb's Rock is one of the most popular Coonoor's Suicide Point and best visited picnic spot. Reaching Lamb's Rock is a thrilling trek which offers a scenic expanse of the majestic landscape full of tranquility. The place got its name Lamb's Rock from Captain Lamb who revamped the whole place during British Raj. This place is also known as Echo Rock. It is mostly popular as a film shooting area. The drive to Lamb's Rock is enjoyable and the winding narrow road is fenced by tea ad coffee plantations on both sides.  Most popular activities to enjoy at Lamb's Rock include trekking, photography and viewing the beautiful landscapes. There is no entry fee to visit this place.

Dolphin's Nose

Dolphin's Nose is one of the popular picnic spot in Coonoor and is located 7 km from Coonoor Railway Station. Dolphin's Nose is a rock situated 5075 feet above sea level and it is named so because the tip of the peak resembles the nose of a dolphin. The rock formation of the Dolphin's Nose is enormous  and once you are here you can view the deep ravines and gigantic mountains on the both sides of this point. The hairpin turns and tea plantations add beauty to the existing panorama. The journey to Dolphin's Nose through winding roads, dense jungles and tea estates is scenic and relaxing. With clear and bright skies, one can get a glimpse of St. Catherine Falls from here. Activities like horse riding can be done here. There is no entry fee for Dolphin's Nose.

Dolphin's Nose in Coonoor

Katary Falls

Located 10 km from Coonoor is the third largest waterfall of Nilgiris District - The Katary Falls. Katary Falls falls from a height of 180 feet. The view is panoramic as the waterfall gushes amidst lush vegetation from a high mountain cliff. Reaching the Katary Waterfalls is difficult and one can access the Katary Waterfall by trekking. Katary Waterfall is at it's best during monsoon and post monsoon with gushing water and misty mountains.  The Kateri Hydroelectric System on this waterfall is India's first hydel power plant.

Winding roads view from Lady Canning's Seat of Coonoor

Lady Canning's Seat

Lady Canning's Seat is one of the popular view point of Coonoor. Located 8 km from Coonoor on the same road ahead of Lamb's Rock, Lady Canning's Seat offers mesmerizing view of the scenic surroundings which comprises of lush green Nilgiri hills, misty atmosphere, dense tea estates, meandering village roads, Lamptons Peak, Doorg Fort and a beautiful vintage mansion amidst the greenery. This popular point of Coonoor got it's name because it was the favorite spot of Lady Charlotte Canning, wife of Lord Canning. It is said that Lady Canning used to spend most of her time sitting here and admiring beauty of the surrounding valleys. Lady Canning's Seat also offers few trekking options for avid trekkers. Activities that can be enjoyed here include trekking and photography. There is no entry fee for Lady Canning's Seat. The place could be little foggy at early morning. The best time to visit Lady Canning's Seat is from 8 am to 6 pm.

How to reach Coonoor

The Peelamedu Airport in Coimbatore is the nearest airport for Coonoor. Coonoor is 71 km from Coimbatore and 32 km away from Mettupalayam. There are no direct trains from Coimbatore to Coonoor. The best serving option is to hire private cabs from Coimbatore to Coonoor. Hiring cabs or private taxis from Coimbatore to Coonoor is pretty expensive. The only cheapest way to travel to Coimbatore is by mountain train or to hire private taxis from Mettupalayam. One can travel to Mettupalayam from Coimbatore by Nilgiri Express and hire a private taxi from here to Coonoor. The distance from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam is 33 km.  MTP UAM PASSR(Nilgiri Mountain Railway) is the only train that ply between Mettupalayam to Coonoor.

Coonoor is located 20 km from Ooty. Coonoor is connected to Ooty by the famous meter gauge railway - The Nilgiri Mountain railway. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Mettupalayam ply regularly to Coonoor.  There are multiple train timings for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway that ply regularly between Coonoor Railway Station to Ooty Railway Station  and Coonoor Railway Station  and Mettupalayam Railway Station.

Learn more about How to Reach Ooty

Distance from Peelamedu Airport to Coonoor - 77 km

Distance from Calicut International Airport to Coonoor - 110 km

Distance from Coimbatore city to Coonoor - 71 km

Distance from Mettupalayam to Coonoor - 32 km

Distance from Ooty to Coonoor  - 20 km

Image source - Google

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

Hey Nature lovers, if next time you happen to be in Bhubaneshwar, do not forget to visit the Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens. This beautiful botanical garden is a delight to nature lovers. Visit to this scenic place is de-stressing. This lush green escapade would refresh your vitals and help you rejuvenate yourself. The magic this botanical gardens cast over you is spell-bounding. The Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens is one of the most visited tourist places in Bhubaneshwar and an important tourist destinations in Odisha. Annually more than two lakh visitors are known to visit this place. From early morning joggers to nature lovers to families to picnic-goers, this park is an ideal destination. For horticulturists and botany students this place is perfect institution for nature study.

Entrance of Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens

The Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens is spread over an area of massive 500 acres of dense vegetation. This garden is the biggest botanical garden in Odisha. The botanical garden of Ekamra Kanan was established in 1985 and works towards the conservation of plant biodiversity. The interesting fact of Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens is that with it's back side wall fencing, the garden separates the city of Bhubaneshwar from the Chandaka Reserve Forest - a sanctuary for several wild animals including elephants, sambhar, bear and many more.

Cacti and succulents inside the Glass house

Out of the 500 acres of total land, 100 acres is been developed as the main attraction of this botanical garden which is the Glass House. This glass house is a huge glass pyramid which houses varied species of plants including cacti and succulents. It is said that the collection of more than 1050 species or cacti and succulents in the Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden certifies it as the only botanical garden in Asia to have these many species. And hence, this botanical garden is also locally called as the Cactus Garden.

Musical fountain inside the Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens

The rest of the Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens comprises of a large green lawn, long walkway, children park, musical fountain(an added attraction), a small lake and and rest serves as a mini forest. There are sitting benches all around the park, for the convenience of senior citizens. The lake inside the Ekamra Kanan Botanical Park allows boating facility with two and four seat paddle boats. This lake and the major wetland around it is an attraction to several species of migratory birds during winter. And hence Winter seems to be the right time to visit the Ekamra Kanan Botanical garden.

Boating at Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens

January month holds a special attraction for tourists and visitors to this park. In collaboration with the Regional Plant Resources Centre, Odisha Tourism and the Department of Horticulture, a huge state level flower show is organized. This flower show is usually held every 2nd Saturday and Sunday of January and attracts thousands of locals and tourists. A varied species of flowering plants, succulents and other saplings are on display. A plant bazar is also held during this exhibition which allows visitors to buy plant saplings of cacti, fern, roses, herbs etc, organic fertilizers and garden tools.

Best Time to Visit Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden is at it's best from mid-October to early March. One can also visit the garden during summers, as the huge trees all around the botanical park provides shade and sight of relief to it's visitors from summer heat.

Entry Fee and other details of Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

Garden Timing - 8 am to 6 pm during summer and 8 am to 5 pm during winter.

Morning walk and jog Timings - 5:30 am to 7:30 am during summer and 6:00 am to 8:00 am during winter.

Entry Fee - INR 25 per head for adult

Entry Fee for children - none

Entry Fee for senior citizen - none

Entry Fee for joggers - INR 100 per month and INR 5 per person daily

Parking Charges - INR 20/- per vehicle

Boating Charges - INR 25/- for 30 minutes (4 seater) and INR 15/- for 30 minutes (2 seater)

How to Reach Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens in Bhubaneshwar

The nearest airport for Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens is the Biju Patnaik Airport which is 6.4 km away. The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar Train Station which is 7 km from the garden. One can continue their journey to the botanical garden by autorickshaws that are available outside station. The other nearest railway station is Khurda Road Junction railway station which is 25 km away and Cuttack Train Station which is 25 km away. One can hire private cabs from here.

Distance of Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden to nearby destinations

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden to Nandankanan Zoological Park - 12 km

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens to Bhubaneshwar City - 2.5 km

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens to Puri Beach - 71 km

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens to Chilika Lake - 61 km

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens to Gopalpur Beach - 165 km

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens to Bhitarnika National Park - 144 km

Contact Details of Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens
RPRC Botanical Gardens,
Bhubaneshwar,
Odisha - 751015

Ooty Botanical Garden in Ooty

State: Tamil Nadu 

Location: Within Nilgiris in Ooty

Famous for: rare plant and flower species

Serves as: prime tourist attraction, picnic spot

About Ooty Botanical Garden:

Opened in 1847 by Marquis of Tweedale the Ooty Botanical Garden serves as a prime tourist attraction in Ooty. Spread over an area of 55 acres, this garden is home to rarest tree species, lush greenery, ornamental flowers, Italian style garden, amazing tree species and 20 million year old fossilized tree. One can find wide variety of never seen before flowers, bushes, plants, fern house, orchids and much more in the Ooty Botanical Garden. The highlight of this garden is also the variety of roses that have been planted here to add to the beauty of this garden.

The Ooty Botanical Garden is divided into many sections and each section has its own theme planned out. Few of the sections in this botanical garden are:

Lower Garden

This section within Ooty Botnaical Garden comprises of lower lawns and entrance. A fern house is located within the Lower Garden which houses more than 127 species of fern plants. Some rare species of trees and plants can be seen in Lower Garden.

New Garden


 New Garden within the Ooty Botanical Garden is a newly constructed and planned garden developed by the Government of Tamil Nadu for adding more colors to the existing garden. This garden houses some rare varieties of never seen before roses, flower beds, carpet beds, natural ponds with beautiful aquatic plants.

Italian Garden


 Italian Garden is one major attraction of Ooty Botanical Garden which is planned and developed according to the Italian pattern. This section of the botanical garden houses rare Italian species including beautiful flowers and trees.

Nursery in Ooty Botanical Garden

 There are few nurseries in Ooty Botanical Garden which comprises of 8 glass houses that introduce and breed various rare species. The terrace within the nurseries are used for growing these plants and also for collecting seeds.

Annual shows held at Ooty Botanical Garden

The Ooty Botanical Garden holds the Annual Flower Show which is held in May every year and attracts many tourists and botanists from all over the world. The Ooty Botanical Garden also holds Annual Summer Festival, an added attraction for tourists.