{
  "id": 979533,
  "title": "Kerala’s Chokramudi hills to open for tourists as Neelakurinji blooms paint Munnar blue",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/keralas-chokramudi-hills-to-open-for-tourists-as-neelakurinji-blooms",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T06:43:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/keralas-chokramudi-hills-to-open-for-tourists-as-neelakurinji-blooms-paint-munnar-blue/article71348728.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the Chokramudi hills near Munnar in Kerala’s Idukki district began to display the rare sight of Neelakurinji flowers blooming, the Forest Department announced that the area would open its gates to tourists starting on August 24. The once-in-a-12-years event has transformed the hillsides into a vibrant tapestry of violet and blue hues, according to experts. The entry fee for adults is ₹200, while children up to 18 years old will pay ₹50. Visitors will be able to explore the hills from 7 am to 4 pm daily. KSRTC buses will also be arranged from Munnar depot to Devikulam to ease traffic congestion in the town and along the route. Neelakurinji expert Dr. Jomy Augustine predicts that the peak of the mass blooming will happen in the first week of September. Meanwhile, Meeshapulimala, the highest peak in the area, will only open to visitors once the widespread flowering occurs, with a limited ticket price of around ₹1,200 per person and a daily cap of 750 tourists.",
  "summary": "Mass blooming of Neelakurinji this year is expected to be witnessed across Chokramudi hills, Idalimedu, and Meeshapulimala in Munnar",
  "key_points": [
    "Chokramudi hills open for tourists on August 24",
    "Neelakurinji flowers bloom after 12-year cycle",
    "Entry fee ₹200 for adults, ₹50 for children"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The opening of Chokramudi hills to tourists during the Neelakurinji bloom boosts local tourism and economy, while authorities manage visitor access to preserve the area.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}