Ghats witness a visual extravagance once in 12 years – blooming of Neelakurinji [Strobilanthes kunthiana]. Mostly the flowers start blooming from July.This year, a Munnar nearby valley of Kolukkumalai also blessed with Neelakurinji blooms. Kolukkumalai is a tea plantation; spread across 500 acres and around 8000 feet high from sea level. It is said to be a plantation without pesticides and chemical application and the tea from Kolukkumail is said to be of high quality and taste.