Kurinjimala Sanctuary

Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Idukki

Must Visit

Kurinjimala Sanctuary is the home to many rare species of flora and fauna. It covers areas of Idukki district as well as Vattavada and Kottakamboor villages in Devakulam Taluk. Moreover, it preserves the Neelakurinji plant in an area of around 32 km2, which is an endangered species. At the Neelakurinji Fest of 2006, this place was declared a sanctuary. The blooming of the Neelakurinji in that year drew nearly 1,000,000 visitors to Munnar and neighbouring places.

The sanctuary also protects the unique biodiversity of the area and is the abode of animals like elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, deer and Strobilanthes Kunthiana. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies to near the Kurinjimala Sanctuary and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The other National parks near the sanctuary include Eravikulam National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park. The upcoming Palani Hills National Park will be in the east direction.