Wayanad, known for its lush greenery and cool climate, continues to attract nature lovers, vloggers, and travel enthusiasts. With the summer season in full swing, tourist activity in the region is on the rise. However, the Kerala police have issued a strong advisory urging visitors to avoid specific zones in the district due to serious safety concerns. In particular, Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages have been declared ‘prohibited zones’ following repeated landslides and ongoing instability in the terrain. Authorities have enforced restrictions to prevent tourists from entering these vulnerable areas and contributing to the strain on the already fragile ecosystem.
According to Wayanad District Police Chief Taposh Basumatari, entry to the aforementioned zones will be strictly limited to essential groups such as landowners, agricultural workers, and plantation vehicles. While restrictions were temporarily eased to allow for the harvest of seasonal crops like coffee and pepper, the police have once again clamped down on tourism in the area due to the rising influx of visitors and the associated risks. Tourists have been explicitly warned not to include these villages in their travel plans. Law enforcement officials emphasize that any attempt to breach these restricted zones will be met with strict legal action.
Adding to the seriousness of the situation, reports have emerged of thefts in the abandoned homes of these villages. Many residents, displaced by previous landslides, are now living in rented accommodations elsewhere, leaving behind valuables in locked homes. There have also been troubling reports of certain groups arranging unsanctioned tours to the landslide-hit areas, prompting the police to increase surveillance and enforcement. Tourists are advised to plan their Wayanad visit responsibly, sticking to approved destinations and respecting local regulations to ensure both their safety and the preservation of sensitive zones.
