What is the Karvi Flower?
It’s most often called the Karvi Flower or Strobilanthes callosa and is a biennial flowering plant native to the Western Ghats of India. It is special in the way that the plant blossoms only once in seven years, which produces bright purple-blue flowers in the mountains of Lonavala; Matheran, and many other parts of Maharashtra. Its marvelous beauty makes this a wonder for any tourist, especially the nature lover, who might consider the Karvi flower a pride of the region due to its seven-year cycle of blooming when the plant has to accumulate nutrients to support the blooming. Once it flowers the plant dries up seeds are formed and the new plants grow from the seeds forming another circle. This uncommon flowering pattern makes the plant of Karvi a festival and a quite rare enjoyment for the tourists.
Why Does the Karvi Blossom Only in Seven Years?
Karvi plant is classified as a monocarpic plant that is the plant blooms only for one time in its entire life cycle. It takes seven years to build up the stored energy needed before flowering when it mainly reproduces and releases seeds. This is a survival strategy, it means that the plant seeds will be more likely to survive without competition from other flowering plants.
Where does Karvi Flower Blossom?
Karvi is a collector’s item which blooms in the lean season, and the place best known for its Karvi is Lonavala which lies midway between Mumbai and Pune. The region is characterized by hills and cool weather making it privileged in offering the best view of this natural phenomenon. Apart from Lonavala, Matheran, Bhimashankar and the Sahyadri range hillsides are also places to get a glimpse of the Karvi flower.
Directions to Reach the Karvi Flower Blossom: from Pune and Mumbai
Here’s how you can reach the Karvi flower blossom from Pune and Mumbai:
From Pune:
By Car: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway will cost of approximately an hour & half or 1.5 hours to cover the distance of 65 kilometers.
By Train: There are straight trains from Pune to Lonavala station, the journey takes nearly 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Cab: Guys please go for Rcabs it will provide a comfortable and full of enjoyment traveling experience from Pune to Lonavala.
From Mumbai:
By Car: Take the Mumbai Pune Expressway which would approximately take 2 hours at 85km.
By Train: The journey from Mumbai to Lonavala takes anywhere from 2 hours to 2.5 hours by train.
By Cab: Rely on Rcabs for a comfortable road transfer from Mumbai to Lonavala with beautiful views.
How to Reach There?
In case you are a forgetful type who does not want to stress over public transit or buses, hire a taxi from Rcabs. At Rcabs we provide Pune to Lonavala cabs or Mumbai to Lonavala cabs which help you have a comfortable and on-time trip to your favorite destination without any hassle. They can be easily booked via the app or the website to make your entire travel process convenient.
A look at the cultural value of the Karvi flower blossom
The beauty of the Karvi flower is found to be equivalent to its usefulness in the context of the Western Ghats biome. It benefits local biota by offering nectar to insects such as bees and butterflies for example. Its blossom also revitalizes the forest to support several plant and animal life throughout the planet. The inhabitants, in addition to the frequents, are still able to use the settling presence of the Karvi bloom for cultural fame as well as associating the flowering region with echoes of tourism and collective consciousness.
Suggestions to watch the Karvi flowers bloom at Lonavala
Here are some handy tips if you plan to visit Lonavala during the Karvi bloom:
Plan Your Visit During Peak Bloom: On average, the display stays for a few weeks and hence the best time to go is during these weeks.
Wear Comfortable Footwear: There are so many ways to get to the best locations so be sure to wear a pair of comfortable shoes for walking.
Stay Hydrated: Take water along since some of the trekking trails are strenuous.
Photography: Both early morning and late in the afternoon is the best time to reflect the true beauty of flowers.
Respect Nature: They are also informed not to cross the trails and be careful not to step on or around the plants or drop litter.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Karvi Flower Blossom in Lonavala
There is beauty is discovered everywhere in Karvi Lonavala, and the beauty gets enhanced and more vivid during the Karvi days. The slopes gradually descend into a giant field of purple blossoms; the view that is easy to remember. Regardless of whether you are an ascetic nature observer or a person who just needs a few hours of escape from the urban environment, it is very unique to watch the blossoming of Karvi.
Visitors getting down at Lonavala must spare some time to visit the following places of interest:
In fact, there is more to Lonavala than just the Karvi flower. Here are some other amazing places to explore during your visit:
Korigad Fort View: A historical fort that gives the surrounding view of the hills and dales. Compared to other treks, this trek is quite easy and can be used to sample what the area holds while as having a glimpse of history and natural resources.
Tiger Point: Tiger point is one of the noticeable viewpoints in Lonavala which displays the striking greenery of valleys and mountains more elaborately during sunrise and sunset. There is no better place to have a short stop before getting to the plateau of Karvi flowers.
Some Highlights of the Fun Astronomy Trip and Great Viewing of the Snow-Capped Mountains and the Apprehensive, Scenic Valleys: The hills and valleys are-hamlet’s most famous attraction and the beauty of the region increases during the Karvi season. Once you are on the trails make sure to look around and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It takes about 2km to walk the entire flower plateau. The beauty of the plateau where the Karvi flowers are grown can be best enjoyed at a leisurely walk of 2 km. The trail is gentle and suitable for families or groups.
Aamby Valley: Aamby Valley is a luxury township near Lonavala that provides accommodation, restaurants, and recreational facilities. In order to spend a peaceful and comfortable time away from the Karvi bloom, Aamby Valley is perhaps the best destination.
Leisure Tour: Visit beautiful tourist attractions including lakes, dams, and waterfalls within the region around Lonavala. One can go from sale Bhushi Dam all the way to Pavana Lake and have their fill of everything natural that Lonavala has to offer.
Conclusion
Karvi flowers bloom in Lonavala on very few occasions and the people watching the flowers enjoying greatly. Dyed in its beautiful purple color which spreads across the hills and valley, it really is a wonder to be seen only once in seven years. Whether you are traveling from Pune or from Mumbai, Rcabs guarantee that you will have a comfortable journey to your destination, so that you don’t have to spend your time stressing over your trip. Do not lose out on this stunning flower in bloom and the other great sights that are found in Lonavala!
FAQs
At what time of the year is it ideal to take a trip to Lonavala for these flowers to blossom?
The flower does wither and blooms only once every seven years, it generally blossoms during the Late Monsoon or Early autumn. On the exact time, they can differ so it is better to be tuned to the local news.
What is the distance of Lonavala from Pune and Mumbai?
Lonavala too is connected to both Pune and Mumbai; Lonavala is approximately 65 kilometers away from Pune and approximately 85 kilometers away from Mumbai. By car or cab, it will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from both cities.
What other things can I do in Lonavala when the Karvi is in bloom?
Apart from observing the beauty of the Karvi flowers, the tourists can go sightseeing places like Tiger Point, Korigad Fort, and Aamby Valley, and if interested in leisure tours of the region.
Is Rcabs a safe and reliable service for travel to Lonavala?
However, Rcabs offers safe and affordable taxi services to Lonavala and you can book from both Pune and Mumbai. They are best booking through their mobile application or through their website.
How many hours would it take for anyone to cover the entire length of the Karvi flowers plateau?
Stretching to approximately 2 km wide, you could take a round trip in approximately half an hour to an hour if you’re not a very fast walker and stop to take photographs of the flowers.
