Neelakurinji [ strobilanthes kunthiana ] also known as Kurinji is a rare purplish-blue flower which only blooms once in 12 years in the lush hills of Munnar in Kerala. The season starts in July and lasts till October. Neelakurinji is a shrub that is found in the shola forests of the Western Ghats in South India. In 2018, Neelakurunji flowered again in Kerala and Tamil Nadu after a gap of 12 years. Kurinjimala Sanctuary protects the kurinji in approximately in Munnar, Kottakamboor and Vattavada villages in Idukki district of Kerala. In 2018, the beautiful hills of Munnar shall once again attract people from across the planet to view a very special phenomenon in person. This monumental event is the blooming of the Neelakurinji flower, which appears once every 12 years, and can only be viewed here in Munnar. In Munnar, one can view this great sight from Kovilur, Kadavari, Rajamala and Eravikulam National Park.