Relief for Wayanad and tourists: More tourist spots, including Edakkal cave, reopen after landslide

Wayanad: In a boost for Wayanad’s tourism, several popular attractions, previously closed due to monsoon-related disasters, are set to reopen this Friday. Edakkal Cave, one of the district's key tourist sites, will once again welcome visitors after being shut since 30 July following the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide.

The cave will be open daily except Mondays, with a cap of 1,920 visitors per day. To ensure safety, the road to the cave has been repaired and the surrounding area thoroughly cleaned. The Disaster Management Authority has received a report affirming that Edakkal Cave is secure and visitor-friendly.

The reopening comes as a relief after an incident on 9 August, when a loud noise from Ambukuthi Mala sparked panic among locals, with fears of a possible earthquake. The situation prompted authorities to delay the reopening of tourist spots until the area was assessed. Geologists have since confirmed there was no earthquake, declaring the area safe for visitors.

In total, nine tourism centres, including Pazhassi Park and Priyadarshini Tea Gardens, will now be accessible to tourists, marking a significant step towards the revival of Wayanad's tourism sector post-disaster.