Kurinji flowers, the special flowers which grow in & around Kodaikanal cannot be found any where else in the world.
Kurinji flowers are blooming on the declivity of the Kodaikanal hills, particularly near the Kurinji Andavar temple.

The Kurinji flower is native to South India, growing only in the Anamalai, Nilgiris and Palni hills in Tamil Nadu. It does not grow anywhere else in the world.
50 varieties

Though there are about 50 varieties of Kurinji, the blue coloured variety blooms only once in 12 years, environmentalists say.
Some plants started flowering in October 2005 itself. But 2006 is the peak season. Flowering of each plant commences after completing its cycle.

The peak flowering season will continue till 2006-end and may extend up to 2007, all plants do not flower at one time. With high germination rate, multiplication of this species in this region will also be high.
To protect and preserve the species, areas where the Kurinji grow should be protected and preserved, feel botanists.
A large valley with numerous Kurinji plants, between the Pambar river and Vattakanal below Coakers' walk, was identified for creating a sanctuary in April 2004.
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Labels: hill stations in tamil nadu, kodaikanal, kurinji, kurinji flowers