India, Aug. 18 -- As the monsoon begins to retreat, the hills of the Western Ghats suddenly turn purple. That's the magic of Neelakurinji, a rare flower that turns some of India's most beautiful mountain landscapes into a sea of violet. For travellers, it's the perfect excuse to take the scenic route, passing through winding hill roads, quiet valleys and cloud-covered peaks to catch a bloom that won't wait around for long. If you're wondering where to go to spot the Neelakurinji blooms, we have rounded up some of the best places to spot this spectacular mountain spectacle.

Also, check out our story on the best hill stations to visit in South India.

What is Neelakurinji and why is it so rare? Neelakurinji flower | Image credit: Kiran Nir...