Tourists witness the remarkable blooming of Neelakurinji flowers in Chikmagalur that happens once in 12 years

There are many different things in nature that you have to see with your own eyes to believe them -- like bioluminescence or the northern lights (aurora borealis); or even the blooming of a rare kind of flower that only happens once every 12 years. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

Neelakurinji is the famed shrub found in Western Ghats, covering the slopes of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Indian Express captured this rare occurence on camera and the result is this splendid photo gallery. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

The Western Ghat is covered with purple-blue Neelakurinji flowers which, as mentioned earlier, bloom once in 12 years and look spectacular in the sunlight. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

(Express photo by Jithendra M)

Seen in these photos is Chikmagalur, a little away from Bengaluru, which is one of the regions of Karnataka where people have been travelling, to witness the serene beauty of nature. This time, tourists are also able to find these flowers in many places between Seethalayanagiri and Mullayanagiri of Chikmagalur. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

These flowers are said to grow at an altitude of 1,300 to 2,400 metres, and their peak blooming season is between August and October. Interestingly, over 250 variations of these flowers are found across the world, of which, 46 variations of Neelakurinji are seen in India. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

The flowers were in full bloom in Baba Budan Giri of Chikmagalur in 2006. The next bloom was expected to happen in 2018, but because of forest fires, Neelakurinjis were not seen that year. One could, however, spot the flowers here and there near Galikere. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

Environmentalists have pointed out that owing to climate change, the blossoming of the flowers was delayed and pushed to this year; over the years, the blooming has become unpredictable. These flowers also attract bees that pollinate; it leads to extraction of a rare kind of honey. (Express photo by Jithendra M)

These pictures are stunning and the real view is beyond breathtaking! (Express photo by Jithendra M)