Idukki Collector advises tourists to avoid trips to Munnar in Kerala

The road near the Munnar CSI Church where a crack has developed on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi State Highway. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Amid growing mudslide threats on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, Idukki District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt has urged tourists to avoid traveling to the hill station of Munnar.

The Collector has issued a travel advisory after a large crack and mudslide appeared on the highway near the Old Munnar CSI Church. After the crack was discovered, the residents of the surrounding buildings were immediately evacuated.

The Collector said police and motor vehicle department officials have been instructed to impose strict traffic restrictions in the area. Officials said heavy rain in Munnar poses a threat of mudslides, especially in stretches where road widening work is underway.

In addition, the Collector ordered the installation of accident warning boards in high-risk zones along the highway.

A risk analyst of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has also been directed to inspect the site, study the terrain and submit a comprehensive risk assessment report.

Traffic jam

Meanwhile, traffic restrictions led to a massive traffic jam in Munnar for over six hours on Sunday (July 5, 2026). A crack formed outside the Munnar CSI Church on Saturday evening, prompting officials to block vehicles traveling on the Munnar-Adimaly route. However, this move led to a serious bottleneck lasting several hours at the RO junction at the top station.

Local tourism stakeholders said both tourists and residents stayed in the city for more than six hours on Sunday.

G. Sojan, coordinator of the My Munnar Movement, pointed out that the absence of a flyover was the main cause of such prolonged traffic blocks in Munnar. “Though the 2016 state budget earmarked ₹38 crore for the construction of a flyover to prevent the hill station from witnessing hour-long traffic jams on weekends and holidays, the project never materialised. Without a flyover, Munnar’s chronic traffic woes cannot be solved,” Sojan said.

Published – 06 Jul 2026 20:36 IST