Tipoff: Purple Haze

With a unique ecosystem of high-altitude forest (or shola) and grassland, India's western Ghats are home to several species of endangered flora and fauna. Notable among these is the Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius)a primitive species of wild goat whose only viable population breeds in captivity at Munnar's Eravikulam National Park. But the real standout is the rare and beautiful Neelakurinji plant (Strobilanthus kunthianus), which grows in abundance in and around Munnar and is best enjoyed from Top Station. This exotic shrub's flowerings are few and far betweenonly once every 12 years, in factbut according to locals are worth the wait, with...