Ooty: Extreme cold conditions are intensifying in Ooty, with the minimum temperature dropping to minus 2.7 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Heavy frost was reported in low-lying areas. The Forest Department has imposed restrictions on entry into marshy areas as a safety measure to prevent accidents. The restrictions have been in place for the past few days.

As a result, tourists viewed the scenery from roadsides and other safe locations. Visitors are continuing to arrive at Thalaikundha mainly to enjoy the views.

Heavy tourist rush

Ooty: Following the Christmas holidays, Ooty has witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals. All major tourist spots were crowded, leading to traffic congestion across the town. To manage the situation, authorities introduced a circuit bus service connecting major tourist destinations.

Vehicles arriving from the Gudalur side were stopped at HPF, with tourists allowed to proceed only via the circuit buses. Long queues of vehicles were seen at Pine Forest and Shooting Point.