Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Wildlife refuge in Idukki district, Kerala, India.
Kurinjimala Sanctuary is a wildlife refuge in the hilly Idukki district where grasslands meet dense forests across different elevations. The landscape hosts many plant species that are native to the Western Ghats, creating varied habitats within the protected area.
The site was formally designated as a protected zone in 2006 to safeguard the habitats of native plant species in this region. The establishment aimed to secure one of the key areas for Western Ghats flora for the long term.
The Neelakurinji plant shapes how people relate to this landscape, as its blooms mark time in a special way that locals have observed for generations. This rare flowering cycle connects the sanctuary to the identity of the region and how communities understand their surroundings.
The site has marked trails that let visitors walk through different forest types and open areas at their own pace. Guided walks are available to help you learn about the plant life and how the area is being protected.
A special plant grows here that flowers only once every twelve years, producing blooms in a striking blue shade. This rare event draws visitors who plan trips specifically to witness the unusual flowering cycle.
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