Madikeri: The once-in-12-years blooming Neelakurinji or Strobilanthes kunthiana has become a sensation in Kodagu and tourists from all over are making a beeline to Mandalapatti, Kotebetta and also Kumara Parvatha to witness the rare spectacle of hills bathed in flowers of purplish-blue hue. 

The tourists are arriving in hordes at a time when COVID-19 cases are still not showing a rapid declining trend and amidst restrictions like weekend curfew. As there are no restrictions on travelling and moving on own vehicles from one place to another, there is literally no obstruction for the tourists to visit the hills for some fresh sights and photographic moments. 

The actual blooming of flowers started last week and the entire hillock region will be covered with rare flowers for a few more days. Photos and videos of the purple hills have gone viral in almost every social media platform and also in the mainstream media. Among residents in the region, they are called ‘Kurinji’ flowers. 

But the darker side of the tourist arrival, apart from the risk of spreading the virus is the tourists spoiling the beauty of the place and desecrating places that are considered holy by the local residents. Liquor bottles, plastic bottles, covers and other soft drink pack wastes have been found at the Lord Shiva Temple at Kotebetta. 

The Bottlappa (the father of hills) Temple at Kotebetta is dedicated to Lord Shiva and till now people used to visit the Temple premises only for religious purposes and also when the temple fair is organised. Tourists come here with picnic materials and food and after staying the entire day enjoying the purple-painted hill ranges, they leave behind the trash. The Temple comes under Garwale Gram Panchayat limits in Somwarpet Taluk. 

Despite signboards being placed around the Temple that footwear is prohibited in the Temple surroundings, people wear slippers and shoes. Villagers say that the Temple has a historical significance and weekly pujas are conducted there for the deity. “There are two Temples at Kotebetta. While one is at the foot of the hill the other is right on the top. There is a belief that a tunnel links the two,” said villagers. 

“People come here with liquor and beer bottles taking along non-vegetarian food to party. This is a sacred place for us but the tourists are desecrating the entire place. The Police and Forest Department must take action against the culprits,” demanded villagers M.K. Lingappa, Pasura Pandu Madappa, Ajay Nanaiah and Sudhi who are long-time residents of the area. 

According to villagers, a few days back, a group of youths were found consuming alcohol at Kotebetta and when they were questioned, the enraged youths assaulted the villagers. The issue reached Somwarpet Police Station. “Such incidents have become common these days and the sacredness of the place that we have safeguarded till now is lost,” villagers lamented. 

Heli Taxi cashes in on nature

Cashing in on the increased visitor inflow to see the purple hills of Kodagu, Thumby Aviation has launched a Heli Taxi service to Kodagu for tourists to have an aerial view of the hillocks. The ‘aerial view of Neelakurinji at Mandalapatti Hills’ trip will start from Bengaluru where tourists can book the whole helicopter for Rs. 2,30,000. The company has also launched a package on Aug. 25 and 26 where one person can pay Rs. 8,500 for a trip while a family pack (six passengers) will cost Rs. 48,000.