Padayappa’s wild glider roamed a tea plantation near Munnar on Friday | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The forest department has issued a high-level warning to tourists and the general public as four wild elephants in must continue to roam in areas near Munnar town.
According to Munnar Range Officer S. Biju, the elephants include the well-known tuskers Padayappa, Virinjia Kompan and Ottakompan along with a fourth tusker that recently migrated from the Mankulam forest division.
“Wild elephants are moving very close to Munnar city. We have issued a strict warning to tourists and residents not to try to take pictures or go near the animals,” the officer said. “Drivers have also been instructed not to bring their vehicles near the tuskers. The forest department has formally alerted the local panchayat, police, fire and rescue services and other agencies concerned about the presence of elephants and their state of must.
Currently, the rapid response team (RRT) of the forest department, led by Munnar Divisional RRT Chief Jayan J., is closely monitoring the movement of elephants across the hill station. While officials said the tuskers are not exhibiting aggressive behavior at this time, they stressed the need for the public to strictly follow safety recommendations. Elephants were spotted in areas including Old Munnar, Periyavarai town, Kallar and Nallathanni.
‘Shops, farms raided’
Meanwhile, local residents have alleged that elephants, including Padayappa, are causing damage to farms near residential areas. They also said that Padayappa raided roadside shops to consume stored food. Officials have confirmed that a significant number of wild elephants are currently active in the Munnar region, with a few having migrated and camped in the area after moving from the Mankulam forest division.
Published – 06 Feb 2026 18:14 IST
