The tourism sector in Wayanad has been witnessing a lull after the deadly landslides that destroyed Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The livelihood of hundreds of people working in this sector has been severely affected. Meanwhile, the district administration says that the district is safe and tourists can safely visit the tourist spots here. The image of Wayanad, which was synonymous with lush greenery and natural beauty, changed in the minds of tourists after the massive landslides. For many, Wayanad is now a symbol of death and destruction. The national highways and the border checkposts have deserted and bleak looks. Even though the tourist centres that have been closed since the disaster were opened partially, the tourist inflow dried down.
Those who rely on tourism to earn a living have been suffering as hotels and homestays remain closed. There has been a severe dip even in the income of autorickshaw drivers. Meanwhile, the district authorities have opened six major tourism spots including Pookode Lake and the Karappuzha dam, hoping that things would get better soon. Three wards in the Meppadi panchayat have been hit by the landslides. The tourism centres were temporarily closed as part of precautionary measures. Currently, Wayanad is safe and as per the recent DTPC press release, the following are some of the places that are safe for tourists now:
Pookode Lake
Karlad Lake
Heritage Museum Ambalavayal
Town Square Bathery
Pazhassi Memorial, Pulpally
