Neelakurinji in Bloom: A Rare Floral Spectacle at Club Mahindra Munnar

There are flowers, and then there are phenomena. The Neelakurinji, a rare and ethereal bloom, belongs to the latter category. This exquisite shrub, a member of the bear's breeches family, graces the misty shola forests of the Western Ghats, thriving exclusively in the pristine, high-altitude ecosystems of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This violet-blue marvel blooms once every 12 years, transforming the lush green slopes into a dreamy canvas of colour. And this year, guests at Club Mahindra Munnar are witnessing the magic unfold right outside their windows and within the property.

A Once-in-12-Years Miracle

The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is as elusive as it is beautiful. Its bloom marks time not in seasons but in cycles, appearing with a kind of poetic punctuality once every 12 years. This year’s sighting is especially significant. As the first few buds burst into colour at the start of the Karkkidaka month, a time for rejuvenation and spiritual reflection, our property comes alive in ways words can barely capture.

Our own gardeners, who have tended these hills for decades, remember the last bloom with fondness. To see it again now, in full colour beside the winding paths of the resort, is both nostalgic and awe-inspiring. With a lifespan of just a week, this fleeting bloom is nature’s gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and marvel.

A Front-Row Seat at Club Mahindra Munnar

Guests at Club Mahindra Munnar enjoy something truly special this year, the Neelakurinji blooming right within the resort grounds. From the comfort of your room or a quiet corner on our garden trails, you can soak in the rare beauty without the crowds that typically flock to the hills during bloom years.

Set amidst 18 acres of tea plantations and mist-laden valleys, our property offers premium comfort with a deeply immersive natural experience. Wake up to panoramic views, enjoy spa treatments inspired by Kerala traditions, and dine on local delicacies after a serene walk through violet-dotted trails.

Getting There

The nearest airport to this resort in Munnar is Cochin International Airport (approx. 130 km), with scenic drives through the Western Ghats. You can also reach Munnar by train to Aluva or Ernakulam and continue by road. The journey, winding through forests, waterfalls, and plantations, is part of the charm.

For those seeking a front-row seat to one of nature’s rarest shows, Club Mahindra Munnar is not just a stay—it’s an experience you’ll talk about until 2037, when the next Neelakurinji bloom is due.

Book your escape while the bloom lasts.