KOCHI: When over 40 cars roared from Durbar Hall Ground in Kochi on Saturday morning on a road rally to Munnar winding through the hilly terrain, it rightly sounded the bugle on the Munnar Flower Show (MFS) to be held on exotic hill region from April 23 to May 5.
Ernakulam District Collector M. G. Rajamanickam flagged off the rally at 10 in the morning, to reach Munnar by 6 pm. With the state is in the grip of elections, the MFS carried its logo with the message 'My vote is my right'. "What distinguishes MFS from other flower shows is its grand venue," said Dileep Pottankulam, president of Munnar Hotels and Resorts Association (MHRA), the key organisers of the event.
"The Hydal Park, located nearby the banks of River Muthirappuzha and the Kannan Devan Hill Tea Estates have their own importance in Munnar tourism. The recently renovated park gives a fulfilling experience with features like landscaped mountains, gardens, artificial waterfalls & lawns, light arrangements, rock garden, migratory water birds and mountain butterflies," he added.
Munnar continues to be the natural choice for Keralites to relax. It has its own flora and fauna.
Now, with summer taking its toll, MHRA is beckoning more tourists to enjoy Munnar's exquisite climate. The one time summer resort of British Raj elite is all set with flower displays, floral statues and sculptures, food courts, aqua show, adventure activities and trade shows as part of the MFS.
Munnar's own flowers are given more importance in the show, though foreign species are also included. Last year’s show had been a huge success with more than 85,000 visitors, and the organisers are expecting at least double numbers this time. The flower show is being organised in association with the Tourism Department, DTPC, KFDC and other travel and trade associations and local bodies.
