The Forest Department has restricted public access to Neelakurinji blooming sites in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris due to the plant's protected status and increased elephant movement.
The flowers have bloomed across the Gudalur forest division, including Nadugani, Gudalur, Oosimalai, and O'Valley.
Authorities warned that plucking Neelakurinji flowers is punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act and urged visitors to stay away for their safety.
