There has been a steady rise in the number of visitors for viewing Neelakurinji, especially to Rajamala inside the Eravikulam National Park (ENP).
The entry to Rajamala is limited to 3,500 persons a day. As many as 2,921 people visited the place last Sunday.
There is provision for visiting Rajamala through online reservation. Also, tickets are issued at a counter at Ancham Mile. An official of the ENP said on Friday that they expected more number of visitors this Sunday. There has been an increase in the number of visitors on working days too.
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will start services from Old Munnar to the ENP after a trial run on Sunday.
The visitors can move to Ancham Mile, the entry point to Rajamala, on KSRTC buses from Old Munnar. From there mini-buses of the Forest Department will conduct services. There are facilities at the High Altitude Stadium and Hydel Park at Old Munnar for parking vehicles.
Fully prepared
Munnar Wildlife Warden R. Lakshmi said the ENP was fully prepared to receive the visitors and 20 more officials would be deputed there in a few days.
A meeting was held on Thursday to review the situation following the increase in the number of visitors.
After the floods, traffic from the Adimali side of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway and Marayur on the Udumalpet road was disrupted and only one-way traffic is possible in areas heavily damaged.
However, it will take more time to fully restore the traffic as the Periyavarai bridge connecting Ancham Mile has only been temporarily restored for traffic.