NEWS: Rare blue-violet flowers resembling Neelakurinji have bloomed along trekking trails in the Kudremukh region of Chikkamagaluru, Western Ghats.

The bloom has sparked renewed interest among trekkers and nature enthusiasts heading into the region.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Officials noted that similar blue-violet flowers had appeared in greater abundance during the 2022-23 season.
• This year, the flowers have emerged in more limited numbers across the green hills of Kudremukh.
• Local homestay owners expect a surge in tourist traffic, mirroring the high visitor turnouts seen during the previous major bloom.

KEY FINDING

• Forest authorities àwarned that plucking the flowers disrupts their natural blooming cycle and damages their delicate habitat.
• District tourism officialsà Instructed by the Tourism Department to guide visitors toward responsible, eco-friendly tourism practices.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Showcase the exceptional natural wealth and scenic beauty of Karnataka.
• Emphasizes the critical balance between promoting nature tourism and enforcing responsible, sustainable travel behavior.