KOCHI: As the blooming season of the Neelakurinji came to an end, more than 1.20 lakh tourists visited Eravikulam National Park near Munnar from September 1- October 28 to witness the spectacular event which takes place once in every 12 years. Tourists are now moving to Kolukkumalai where the blooming will countinue for two more weeks.
According to forest officials, 1,19, 757 tourists arrived at the National Park to witness Neelakurinji during the current season. Officials say that the number was lower than expected due to the floods and landslide in the state that took a toll on the tourism sector.
The usually busy roads of Munnar were closed for several weeks and many foreign countries had issued alerts against travelling to Kerala.
"The flood had an adverse effect on tourist arrivals during this season. From September 15, tourists started to arrive in Munnar. In October, several tourists from different parts of the country come in huge numbers. Around 2 lakh tourists have reached Munnar and the adjourning areas to witness Neelakurinji bloom, but we expected eight lakh visitors, " KS Shine, Joint Director, Kerala Tourism said.
Officials added that only 827 foreign tourists visited Eravikulam National Park this year. While 666 tourists booked tickets at the ticket counter, 161 bookings were made online.
"There was a substantial cancellation of online tickets following the floods, including from foreigners," Shine said.
Although the online booking is in place, very few availed the facility. As per the data available with the forest department, only 34,603 tourists availed online booking. "In September, 12,502 tourists booked tickets online, but only 22,101 online bookings were done until Sunday this month," added officials.
A total revenue of Rs 1,43,86,920 was collected from September 1 to October 28. "Considering the importance of the Neelakurinji season, the government had repaired the road to Munnar on a war footing. The damaged bridges were repaired within a short duration. After the flood, we expected around 2-3 lakh tourists. The blooming may countinue for one or two more weeks and efforts are on to attract a maximum number of tourists in the coming days," said a Tourism department officer.