The Karvi Blooms Are Back After 8 Years; Here’s Where You Can See Them

Some of India's most cherished and uncommon natural heritage comprises acres of seasonal wildflowers, with some blooming only sporadically. After an eight-year interval, the Western Ghats of India are once again adorned with the vibrant purple hues of the rare Karvi blooms. This remarkable occurrence is turning the hillsides into a mesmerising purple paradise.

About The Shrub That Blooms

The karvi shrub, scientifically known as Strobilanthes callosus, is native to the biodiverse Western Ghats region and is commonly found thriving at high elevations. It exhibits a remarkable annual transformation, bursting with lush greenery during the monsoon season, only to appear as dry and seemingly lifeless stems once the rains subside. This intriguing pattern repeats itself for seven years, with the plant's unassuming appearance dramatically shifting in the eighth year when it undergoes a breathtaking mass flowering event. These wild flowers resemble miniature funnels, with buds initially sporting a delicate pink hue before gradually unfurling to reveal a stunning purple-blue colouration.

Where To Spot The Blooms

Nature enthusiasts are eagerly preparing to witness the breathtaking blooming of karvi flowers in the Ghats. Numerous locations offer perfect vantage points to observe this natural spectacle. Lonavala boasts an impressive display of blooming karvi flowers that adorn the region's scenic meadows. Additionally, exciting plans for guided karvi trails are underway in Mumbai and are being organised by various organisations, including the Conservation Education Centre of the Bombay Natural History Society. Another fantastic opportunity to see them is at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, where the mass blooming of this flower creates a genuinely awe-inspiring display. Another place to see them is the Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra, popularly known as "Maharashtra's Valley of Flowers," which was included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2012. Known as Kaas Pathar in Marathi, its name is derived from the Kaasa tree, botanically known as Elaeocarpus glandulosus (rudraksha family). The blooming of Karvi flowers has also been reported in the hills of Raigad and Maharashtra.

In Goa, you can head to Chaukul, a pristine village in Amboli, where the large patch of laterite plateau hosts the Karvi blossom and is on slopes along the Chorla Ghat. The Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade is planning a 'Karvi Pushpotsav' at Mhadei Research Centre, Chorla Ghat, to witness the incredible phenomenon of mass flowering as a vast number of flowers blossomed.

Of Cultural And Natural Importance

The vibrant purplish-blue flowers and dense shrubs are critical in preventing soil erosion, making them invaluable to the local ecosystem. Not only are these plants native to the region, but their extensive growth also serves to safeguard other indigenous species. Beyond their ecological significance in attracting pollinators, these flowers hold profound cultural importance as they are the exclusive source of the highly sought-after karvi honey. Moreover, after the shrubs have dried out, numerous Adivasi communities in the region skillfully repurpose the dry plant stalks to construct traditional huts, showcasing these communities' resourcefulness and sustainable practices.