Thovalai flower market

What it is

Thovalai is a small place in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, near Nagercoil, with a flower market far bigger than its size suggests. Farmers from the surrounding villages bring jasmine, the pinkish pichi jasmine, marigold, globe amaranth, oleander and crossandra in baskets at daybreak. A large share goes across the state border to Kerala, and in the days before Onam the market works at full stretch to feed the demand for pookalam flower carpets. The area is also known for a tightly woven style of garland. It is a good place to see how a rural flower economy works.

Before you go

• Be there at sunrise. Trading is brisk and short.
• The week before Onam, in August or September, is the busiest time of the year.
• Combine it with a visit to Kanyakumari, a short drive away.

The flowers you will see

Arabian jasmineA small white jasmine with a strong, sweet scent, treasured in Asia for garlands and ceremoniesAztec marigoldThe golden-yellow flower of Mexican altars and Day of the Dead offeringsGlobe amaranthA round-flowered annual grown for its lasting, colorful bloomsOleanderA showy, evergreen shrub with clusters of pink, white or red flowers

Also part of it, and being written: Jasminum grandiflorum.

Read more

ThovalaiA Tamil Nadu village known for its jasmine flower market and temples

More in India

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