Continuous heavy rainfall over the Western Ghats has left the Athirappilly Waterfalls in spate for the third consecutive day, prompting the Forest Department to restrict tourist entry and issue advisories amid rising water levels and increased wildlife movement in the Valparai region.
Coimbatore: Continuous heavy rainfall over the Western Ghats has left the Athirappilly Waterfalls in neighbouring Kerala in spate for the third consecutive day, prompting the Forest Department to restrict tourist access and issue advisories amid increased wildlife movement in the Valparai region.
The persistent southwest monsoon has also affected normal life in Valparai and surrounding areas, with several parts of the hill station continuing to receive heavy rainfall. As water levels at the Athirappilly Waterfalls continue to rise, forest officials have prohibited tourists from venturing into the waterfall and adjoining river stretches as a precaution against flash floods.
Athirappilly, one of Kerala’s most visited waterfalls located near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, attracts thousands of tourists every year and has served as a filming location for numerous Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English movies.
Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has triggered increased movement of wild animals across the Valparai landscape. Forest officials said herds of elephants have been frequently spotted in areas including Malukkaparai, Pannimedu, Sholayar and Mudis. Leopards, tigers, sloth bears, gaur and deer also inhabit these forest ranges.
Estate workers have been advised to remain vigilant while travelling through forest fringes, and anti-poaching watchers have intensified round-the-clock patrols to monitor wildlife movement.
The Forest Department has also appealed to tourists visiting Valparai not to approach or provoke wild elephants, avoid stopping vehicles to photograph or record them, and refrain from sharing such encounters on social media, as such actions could endanger both people and wildlife.
The persistent southwest monsoon has also affected normal life in Valparai and surrounding areas, with several parts of the hill station continuing to receive heavy rainfall. As water levels at the Athirappilly Waterfalls continue to rise, forest officials have prohibited tourists from venturing into the waterfall and adjoining river stretches as a precaution against flash floods.
Athirappilly, one of Kerala’s most visited waterfalls located near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, attracts thousands of tourists every year and has served as a filming location for numerous Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English movies.
Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has triggered increased movement of wild animals across the Valparai landscape. Forest officials said herds of elephants have been frequently spotted in areas including Malukkaparai, Pannimedu, Sholayar and Mudis. Leopards, tigers, sloth bears, gaur and deer also inhabit these forest ranges.
Estate workers have been advised to remain vigilant while travelling through forest fringes, and anti-poaching watchers have intensified round-the-clock patrols to monitor wildlife movement.
The Forest Department has also appealed to tourists visiting Valparai not to approach or provoke wild elephants, avoid stopping vehicles to photograph or record them, and refrain from sharing such encounters on social media, as such actions could endanger both people and wildlife.