About Kurinjimala Sanctuary
Kurinjimala Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats of Kerala, established in 2006 to conserve the endangered Neelakurinji plant. Spanning approximately 32 square kilometers across Kottakamboor and Vattavada villages, it features shola forests and grasslands at elevations between 1300 and 2400 meters. The sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife including Nilgiri tahr, elephants, and gaur.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore rolling hills covered with shola forests and grasslands in the Western Ghats. The sanctuary offers scenic landscapes with opportunities for trekking through designated trails. During the 12-year blooming cycle, the hills transform with blue-purple Neelakurinji flowers. Wildlife sightings may include Nilgiri tahr, elephants, gaur, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Key highlights
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Core habitat of the endangered Neelakurinji plant that blooms once every 12 years
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Shola forest and grassland ecosystem in the Western Ghats
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Home to threatened species including Nilgiri tahr, elephant, and gaur
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Scenic trekking trails through high-altitude landscapes
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Located near Top Station with views of surrounding valleys
History of Kurinjimala Sanctuary
Kurinjimala Sanctuary was officially notified on October 6, 2006, by the Government of Kerala to protect the endangered Neelakurinji plant. The area was formerly revenue poromboke land that faced encroachment issues before being designated as a protected sanctuary.
Culture & Context
The sanctuary is named after the Neelakurinji flower, which holds cultural significance in the region. According to historians, the earliest known inhabitants of southern India were hunter-gatherers who inhabited the Kurinjimala region.
Route
| By air | Nearest airports are Coimbatore (160 km) in Tamil Nadu and Kochi/Nedumbassery (170-176 km) in Kerala |
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