Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
A colorful treat awaits nature lovers at Lonavala this year. The once-in-seven-years Karvi blossoms are vibrantly calling people from Mumbai, Pune, and even other parts of India to witness their magnificence.
Lonavala Karvi Flowers Special
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The Once-in-a-Seven-Year Magnificence
Scientifically called Strobilanthes callosa, the Karvi plant covers the entire hillsides of Lonavala. Nature lovers and botanists eagerly await the blooming of this unique plant, which flowers between August and October, only once every seven years. The purplish-blue blooms transform the entire Western Ghats, creating an extraordinary sight.
For six years, the plant remains dormant, blending into the surroundings. In the seventh year, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, blooming and carpeting the region in vibrant color. After pollination, the seeds disperse, and the original plant dies, paving the way for new growth over the next six years.
Location of the Karvi Flowers
The Karvi Flower Bloom Festival is celebrated in Ghusalkhamb village near Tiger Point, Lonavala. The plant grows on the rocky Western Ghats, storing energy for six years and blooming in the seventh year—a feast for the eyes.
There are many ways to reach this flower paradise. One option is to drive towards Lonavala, stop near Tiger Point, and view this rare natural wonder.
Karvi Flower Trekking Routes
The magic of the seven-year Karvi bloom can be experienced through trekking. Enjoy the vibrant flowers firsthand along with the monsoon. Here are some reasons why trekking is the best way to enjoy this phenomenon:
- Amazing weather: The flowers bloom during the monsoon, when the misty weather feels perfect and dreamlike.
- Abundant natural beauty: The treks pass through lush forests, sparkling cascades, and rows of stunning flowers, making it a memorable experience.
- Photography opportunities: You’ll encounter lush greenery, waterfalls, monsoon-fed rivulets, and, of course, the rare and vibrant Karvi flowers. The area is also home to colorful fauna, including butterflies and unique bird species.
- Adventure: Trekking offers different levels of difficulty, so everyone can enjoy it. Some treks are easy, while others are more challenging, but all are rewarding.
- Camping: Some treks also offer camping opportunities, allowing you to enjoy both day and night views of the beautiful valleys and the starlit sky.
Here are several trekking options that give you the opportunity to experience this special natural wonder:
- Korigad Fort Trek:
Located near Aamby Valley, this easy trek takes 2-3 hours and is perfect for families. Keep your cameras handy, as the trail is dotted with Karvi flowers and other natural marvels like forests and lakes. - Rajmachi Fort Trek:
This trek takes you through dense forests, waterfalls, rolling hills, and the beautiful Karvi blooms, leading to Shrivardhan, Manaranjan, and Rajmachi forts. It’s a relatively easy trek, suitable for beginners, and takes about 5-7 hours. Camping opportunities at Rajmachi offer a special sunset view of the Karvi flowers covering the valley. - Visapur Fort Trek:
This more challenging trek, ideal for experienced trekkers, takes about 4 hours. The trail passes through Karvi flower blooms, with some slippery paths along the way. At the top of the fort, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the valley and the stunning purple flowers. - Lohagad Fort Trek:
This easy 5-kilometer trek leads to the historic Lohagad Fort via the picturesque Pawna Lake and the Sahyadri hills, with Karvi flowers along the way. The best time for this trek is during the monsoon, when nature is at its most beautiful.
The Karvi flowers bloom between September and October for a short window of 2-3 weeks, after which they wither and die. The next bloom will occur only after seven years, so hurry! Pack your trekking gear, camera, and monsoon clothes for the special adventure that awaits at the Lonavala Karvi Flower Show.
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