Thusharagiri waterfall dries up in searing heat; tourist numbers drop

Kozhikode: As the scorching summer sun beats down, the Thusharagiri waterfall has dwindled to a mere trickle, amidst the parched landscape. With this, the number of visitors to the ecotourism centre has plummeted significantly.

In April alone, there was a shortfall of 2,000 visitors. While Thusharagiri welcomed 12,000 tourists in April 2022, the numbers surged to 17,000 in April 2023, and 15,000 in April 2024, marking a significant decline this year.

The diminished water flow coupled with scorching temperatures have dissuaded tourists from visiting the falls. Erattumukku falls, a prime attraction within Thusharagiri, and the nearby lake have lost their allure in the face of these adverse conditions. Thusharagiri's proximity to the route leading to Wayanad has not shielded it from the ripple effects of reduced tourist influx, with concerns over encounters with wild animals further dissuading visitors. Restrictions on trekking activities have also discouraged adventurous travellers, contributing to the decline in footfall.

During Eid ul-Fitr holiday, which typically sees a surge in tourist activity, Thusharagiri has witnessed a stark decline, with visitor numbers dwindling to around 1,500 compared to an average of 3,000 last year. The eco-tourism centre acquired approximately Rs 80 lakhs the last financial year from admission fees alone. 

Thusharagiri has long been recognized as one of the top-earning ecotourism destinations in Malabar, with tourism operations managed by the Forest Department since 2005.