The Blooming Bus Stop of Wayanad: How a Village Shelter Became an Internet Sensation!

Faraway in the quiet village of Nambikolly, along the Sultan Bathery Pattavayal Road in Wayanad, Kerala, stands a bus stop unlike any other. Not because of modern design or technology, but because of something far more natural and far more moving. Each monsoon, this humble shelter erupts in a canopy of purple wild garlic blooms, drawing Instagrammers, schoolchildren, and tourists alike. But behind this unlikely "Insta" spot lies a deeply human story of two local men, a flowering vine, and twelve years of care, hope, and quiet dedication.A Flowering Dream Rooted in PurposeThe story begins over a decade ago with Joy Kottukkara, a daily wage laborer, and E. S. Varghese, a local farmer. The bus stop was nothing special, just another public structure prone to misuse, neglect, and decay. Miscreants often roamed there at night. In 2012, the two men planted a wild garlic creeper at the stop not for beauty, but for practical reasons. “We thought it would help keep snakes away because of its scent,” Varghese recalls. “And it would grow over time to give more shade.” They didn't know then that they were planting more than just a vine; they were planting the seeds of a transformationTwelve Years of Silent DedicationUnlike projects with publicity or funding, this effort was silent and personal. Joy and Varghese watered the plant regularly, protected it during dry spells, and trimmed it to guide its growth. For 12 years, they watched it stretch, twist, and rise until finally, it covered the bus stop’s roof in green, then burst into vibrant purple flowers every monsoon. Over time, their care began to inspire others. Residents who passed the stop every day—schoolchildren, office-goers, traders, and autorickshaw drivers—began helping maintain it. From Local Shelter to LandmarkIn recent years, especially this monsoon, something unexpected happened: the bus stop became Instagram-famous. Youngsters began taking selfies in front of the violet-draped structure and sharing them online. The soft cascade of blossoms and the natural charm of the stop created the perfect backdrop for social media posts. As the images spread, so did the story. What was once just a resting place for tired feet is now a landmark of Nambikolly, drawing people from beyond the village. More than just a photo opportunity, it has become a symbol of community pride, of what can grow when people nurture not only plants but places. In Wayanad, like in many parts of rural India, bus stops are often neglected. Leaking roofs, broken benches, and exposed electrical wires—they are often places people avoid rather than admire. But this one, lovingly transformed, stands in beautiful contrast. The purple flowers don’t just brighten the roof; they elevate the surroundings. They dignify the space. The stop is clean, respected, and protected by the people who use it.Two Men and a LegacyWhat makes this story so moving is not the viral posts or even the flowers; it’s the people behind it. Joy and Varghese, two ordinary villagers with no expectation of fame or reward, gave 12 years of their time and effort to something most would overlook. They did it without asking for anything in return—no grants, no recognition, no headlines. And yet, through patience and purpose, they’ve created a legacy.