Wayanad, located in the serene hills of Kerala, has long been a major tourist destination, attracting travelers from all corners of the world. Its beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage make it an essential stop for both domestic and international tourists. Over the centuries, Wayanad has been ruled by various empires, including the Vedagotra kings, the Pazhassi kings of Kottayam, and later, it was taken over by Hyder Ali of Mysore. Despite its rich past, Wayanad has also faced its share of challenges, including numerous natural disasters. One of the most tragic events occurred in July 2024, when a massive landslide caused disorder in the region, affecting the tourism industry and the livelihoods of thousands of people.
WAYANAD BEFORE THE LANDSLIDE
Wayanad has been known for its amazing beauty. With long winding hills, lush greenery, and a wide range of wildlife such as elephants and tigers, the region was a traveler’s paradise. Key tourist attractions such as Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pookode Lake attracted visitors from across the world. The number of tourists both domestic and international was significant, contributing substantially to the local economy.
TOURISM AS A LIFELINE
From small homestays to three-star hotels, Wayanad’s tourism infrastructure offered options for all kinds of travelers. Local residents worked as trekking guides, tour operators, and homestay owners, relying heavily on tourism for their livelihoods. The cool climate and breathtaking scenery made Wayanad a year round destination, with activities such as hiking, waterfall visits, bird watching, and exploration of the region’s flora and fauna being popular among tourists.
In 2022, Kerala welcomed 3.8 million domestic travelers, with 310,322 visiting Wayanad alone, highlighting the region’s importance in the state’s tourism sector.
THE 2024 – JULY LANDSLIDE
On a fateful night in July 2024, Wayanad’s Mundakai witnessed a massive landslide that shocked the state of Kerala. The disaster claimed numerous lives, left families destroyed, and also destroyed businesses that depended on tourism. Small scale hoteliers, homestay operators, and local tour guides who had once developed on tourism were forced to leave behind their dreams. Entire villages were hidden under the mud, leaving Wayanad’s tourism sector in the dark.
IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
The disaster did not just claim lives but also left hundreds of families unemployed. Hotels and homestays were abandoned, roads were destroyed, and the once lush landscape was reduced to a muddy collapse. The Mundakai and Chooralmala landslide, which displaced over 450 residents and destroyed two villages is still remembered as one of the most tragic events in Kerala’s recent history.
WAYANAD AFTER THE LANDSLIDE
Despite the efforts to recover, Wayanad’s tourism has not yet regained its former glory. Major tourist spots such as Soochipara Waterfalls, Kuruvadweep Island, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, and wildlife safaris at Muthanga and Tholpetty remain closed. The landslide has discouraged tourists from visiting, and even the popular Pookode Lake, which remains open, now receives only about 300 visitors per day, a severe decrease from its earlier numbers.
According to the District Tourism Promotion Council, this sharp decline in tourist numbers is unprecedented, and Wayanad’s tourism sector is struggling to recover.
LOOKING FORWARD : A HOPE FOR REVIVAL
While Wayanad’s tourism industry is currently in crisis, there is hope that the region will regain its former form as time passes. As the seasons change and life in Wayanad slowly improves, the local community holds on to the hope that tourists will once again flock to this beautiful destination. With continued efforts toward recovery, Wayanad’s tourism sector can return to its glory days, reviving the livelihoods of thousands who depend on it.
The 2024 landslide may have brought Wayanad’s tourism to a pause, but its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and strong community offer hope for the future. As efforts to rebuild continue, both locals and tourists look forward to seeing Wayanad rise again as one of Kerala’s most cherished destinations!