Nelu Spring (වසර 12 කට පසු පැමිණි නෙලූ වසන්තය)

Most awaited gregarious blooming of Nelu has made Horton Plains National Park remarkable in appearance. Nelu flowers which bloom once in 12 years are now in full bloom and the most parts of the Horton Plains are covered with a white, pink and purple carpet of Nelu flowers.

Author – Ruwan Herath (www.ruwanh.blogspot.com)

Period	No of days	Team	Weather	Transport
November 2013	02	05 Members	Windy & Cloudy	Bus & Hired Vehicle
Route
Nittambuwa > Bandarawela > Ohiya > Kirigalpoththa
Accommodation
Ohiya
Travel Tips & Special Notes
Be ready to strong wind & cold conditions
Be prepare for enough water before traveling
Leave only your foot prints

 

Photographer – Lakshan Rajapaksha

Dedicated to Team “LakRoo” (www.lakrooec.blogspot.com)

The flower has been in bloom from the last week of October and may continue for another two weeks. There is limited time to experience this wonder of nature. The flower bloomed in 2001 and if you missed this opportunity this year you will have to wait till 2024 or 2025.

According to botanists, Nelu is a plant of the Strobilanthes family. In the Horton Plains you can find eight varieties and seven of them are endemic to the Horton Plains. Strobilanthes Pulcherrima, Strobilanthes Viscosa, Strobilanthes Dianadra, Strobilanthes Hookeri, Strobilanthes Sexennies, Strobilanthes Calycina, Strobilanthes Nockii and Strobilanthes Anecps varieties are found in the Horton Plains.

Flowers can be seen along the Pattipola and Ohiya entrances of the park, in Thotupola Kanda, Kirigalpoththa kanda and around the Baker's fall. The Thotupola Kanda area is fully covered with a white, pink and purple carpet of flowers.

Hope to see you soon with another beauty & Adventure journey

Thank You