Tourists continue dangerous actions on road in Munnar

Tourists drive dangerously in Chithirapuram, Munnar on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Despite repeated warnings and police cases, tourists coming to Munnar continue to violate road safety norms and engage in dangerous acts like driving vehicles and with open doors on the winding roads of the hill town.

A group of youths were driving their SUV dangerously near Chithirapuram on Thursday (June 25, 2026) and a video of the same, recorded by a local resident, was widely shared on social media. Officials said they have not yet identified the people involved. The video shows three youths standing over the sunroof of a moving vehicle, one person sitting on the left door and another on the hood. The vehicle bore a Karnataka number plate.

Devikulam Joint Regional Transport Officer James PJ said he had not seen the viral video. “The details of the vehicle have been handed over to the enforcement wing for further action,” he said.

Idukki District Superintendent of Police A. Naseem told The Hindu that the police would conduct a special inspection drive in Munnar to crack down on such offenders. “I will direct the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Munnar to take immediate action regarding the recent incident,” said Dr. Naseem.

An official from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) said this was one of several such incidents in Munnar. “MVD has cracked down on several vehicle owners in recent months, but tourists continue this practice. It is mainly tourists from neighboring states who engage in such dangerous stunts,” the official noted.

Officials further warned that riding on the outside of a vehicle poses a serious risk of an accident. “If the driver brakes suddenly or is hit by another vehicle, those sitting on the top or hood will be thrown under the wheels, which can lead to a major tragedy,” the official added.

G. Sojan, coordinator of ‘My Munnar Movement’ – an initiative to promote tourism in the region – noted that although such incidents are often talked about, only a few are officially reported. “Even though it happens, tourism stakeholders absolutely do not support such dangerous behavior. Tourists often do it to enjoy the weather or to ‘cool off’, but it can easily lead to a huge disaster,” said Sojan.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 18:59 IST