Munnar’s famed jacaranda or neela vaka trees—cherished for more than a century for their striking violet blooms—may soon vanish from the hill town’s landscape as widening works progress along the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway. Although the trees have not yet been cut, officials and residents fear they may soon face removal to make way for the project.
A century-old canopy under threat
From February to May, the violet blossoms of jacaranda trees have long created one of Munnar’s most photographed contrasts—lavender canopies arching over endless green tea estates. Their blooms, from both ground-level and aerial views, have been central to Munnar’s visual identity.
However, decades of neglect and earlier roadwork-related damage have already reduced their numbers. Environmental enthusiasts note that the last bloom season saw vibrant clusters only in a few remaining pockets, such as at the foot of Umiyamala rock in Vaguvarai.
Where to see them now
For travellers who do not want to miss the jacaranda colours this summer, tourism officials recommend heading to Marayoor, about 40 km from Munnar, particularly the Vaguvarai region near Thalayar, where multiple trees still flourish along the roadside.
A few saplings have also been planted inside the Government Botanical Garden, Munnar, though they have yet to flower. Last season, the jacarandas near Umiyamala rock in Vaguvarai were among the most photographed.
Trees with a colonial origin
Jacaranda trees were introduced by the British more than 125 years ago, when they established the first tea plantations in Munnar. The trees were brought from abroad and planted along plantation boundaries and roadways to provide shade and enhance scenic beauty.
Locals call the jacaranda Pareeksha Maram—loosely translated as “exam tree”—because students once believed its February blooms coincided with examination season. They are also known by the nickname Violet Panic.
Jacarandas shed their leaves in December and begin blooming by the end of February, marking the start of Munnar’s summer colour cycle.
Growing concerns over landscape loss
Residents, tourism stakeholders and nature lovers worry that losing these iconic trees will permanently alter Munnar’s historic charm and ecological balance. Several environmental groups have appealed for alternative alignments or preservation measures to retain at least a portion of the surviving jacaranda canopy.