Travel warning: Tourist destinations closed across Kerala amid heavy rain

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain has forced authorities to close several tourist destinations across Kerala. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said entry has been banned at all tourist spots in Kozhikode, Idukki and Wayanad districts. Strict restrictions have also been imposed at major destinations, including Ponmudi, Athirappilly and Nelliyampathy.

The restrictions come as red alerts remain in place for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. In Kozhikode, entry has been completely banned at all eco-tourism centres and water bodies, including Kakkayam and Kariyathumpara, following the red alert.

The Idukki District Collector urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to the district and asked residents and tourists to remain extremely cautious. Tourists currently staying in the district have also been advised to remain at safe accommodation. In Wayanad, all trekking activities, adventure tourism centres and homestays have been temporarily closed.

Authorities have also shut down the Ponmudi Eco-Tourism Centre, the Kallar-Ponmudi Road, Palaruvi Waterfalls and Kumbhavurutty Waterfalls in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. In Kottayam district, entry to Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu and Marmala Waterfalls has been prohibited. Night travel on the Erattupetta–Vagamon route has also been banned until August 4. Tourist destinations including Nelliyampathy in Palakkad, Kava in Malampuzha and Athirappilly in Thrissur have also been closed as a precaution due to the heavy rain.