In the quiet village of Nambikolly along the Sultan Bathery–Pattavayal Road in Wayanad, a humble bus stop has captured the internet’s attention—thanks to a breathtaking canopy of purple blooms that grace its roof every monsoon.
Once an ordinary shelter, the stop is now an Instagram hotspot, luring passersby to stop, pose, and share their selfies online. The magic behind this transformation lies in the dedication of two local residents, Joy Kottukkara and E S Varghese.
Twelve years ago, Joy, a daily wage worker, and Varghese, a farmer, planted a wild garlic creeper at the bus stop. Initially chosen for its snake-repelling scent and promise of shade, the plant has since flourished—rewarding their patience with vibrant purple flowers each rainy season.
“We never thought it would turn into something this beautiful,” said Varghese. “Over time, schoolchildren, autorickshaw drivers, and shopkeepers all pitched in to care for it.”
This year, the stop gained even more popularity, with a steady stream of social media posts featuring the flower-laden shelter. In a district where many bus stops suffer from leaking roofs or poor maintenance, this spot stands out not just for its charm but for what it represents—community effort and pride.
Resident Biju S recalls a time when the shelter was a hangout for miscreants. “Now, no one dares dirty it. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when people care.”