Wayanad’s ecotourism centres are set to reopen following a High Court order, lifting the earlier ban on tourism activities in the region. The forest department has announced new rules, including revised entry fees and reduced visitor limits, for several key destinations. This decision follows the tragic death of P V Paul, a Kuruva Ecotourism Centre employee, who was attacked by an elephant in February 2024.
Popular ecotourism spots such as Kuruva Island, Chembra Peak, Soochippara Waterfalls, Meenmutti Waterfalls, and the Kattukunnu-Aanachola trekking trail will soon welcome visitors once again. Kuruva Island will open on October 15, followed by the reopening of other sites on October 21, while Soochippara Waterfalls will be accessible from November 1.
Kuruva Island will see a significant reduction in its daily visitor cap, dropping from 900 to 400. Entry will be regulated strictly by the forest department, which previously shared control with the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). The new ticket rates are Rs 220 for adults, Rs 150 for children, and Rs 200 for foreign tourists. The best time to visit remains from October to March.
Chembra Peak’s daily visitor limit has been reduced to 75 from the earlier 200. A 5-member group can now access the trail for Rs 5000 for adults and Rs 1600 for children. The best season for trekking at Chembra Peak is from October to March.
At Soochippara Waterfalls, the daily limit has been set at 500 visitors. Tickets are priced at Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for children, while foreign tourists are charged Rs 200. The ideal time to visit is from October to March.
The Kattukunnu-Aanachola trekking trail has a reduced daily limit of just 25 visitors, with group tickets priced at Rs 5000 for adults and Rs 3000 for children. Foreigners will need to pay Rs 7000 per group, with November to April being the best season to experience the trek.
Discussions are ongoing to provide alternative employment for DTPC staff who will be affected as the forest department takes full control of operations. South Wayanad DFO Ajith K Raman is also exploring the possibility of boat rentals being managed by DTPC.
