Kerala’s Madayipara transforms into floral wonderland and tourists are amazed

The Madayipara plateau in Kannur has turned into a breathtaking canvas of colour, as monsoon rains have trigger a spectacular bloom of deep blue Utricularia flowers also known as Blue Bladderwort. Accompanied by the soft white heads of Eriocaulon and Rhamphicarpa, the laterite plateau now bursts with vivid hues of blue, violet, and white, drawing tourists, students, and nature lovers to the platea.

This annual phenomenon is a highlights Madayipara’s significance as a hotspot of biodiversity. The plateau is home to around 300 plant species and makes a stopover for migratory birds. As Onam approaches, children from surrounding areas travel long distances to gather flowers that bloom across the region. The vibrant spectacle leaves tourists amazed and draws attention towards the need for preserving the ecosystem from potential degradation.

Nonetheless, even as nature showcases its splendour in Kannur, Kerala is making strides to ensure that the state’s tourism growth remains sustainable and inclusive. Recently, Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting new entrants in the tourism sector, especially women, through its Gender Inclusive and Women-Friendly Tourism Policy.
Speaking at a state-level workshop, the minister emphasised that the action plan aligns with the broader vision of inclusive tourism development. The workshop was organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Kerala Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Society and UN Women India.

In her keynote address, Kanta Singh, Country Representative for UN Women India noted, “Kerala has been showing the way for the country in many things, and it is a privilege to partner with the state government and the RT project to do more for women in the tourism sector.”

Kerala RT Mission CEO K Rupeshkumar outlined the framework for a Gender Responsive Tourism Policy. “The major objectives of the policy include fostering women’s participation in the tourism industry, ensuring safety and security, and women’s empowerment,” he said. The policy will bring together stakeholders including local communities, entrepreneurs, tour operators, hotels, and tourists from diverse backgrounds.

Meanwhile, earlier in June, another floral attraction—Odapoo, a unique flower crafted from bamboo—captivated visitors at the 28-day Kottiyoor festival. Found only during the festival season in Kannur, the Otapoovu symbolises joy and blessings and is traditionally gifted to family members after visits to the Kottiyoor temple. Hung in homes for over a year, the flower adds a cultural flourish to Kerala’s vibrant monsoon months.

As Kerala celebrates both its natural and cultural richness, its tourism sector appears poised to embrace a more inclusive, sustainable, and environmentally aware future.