Just three kilometres from the town lies Puthumala crematorium – ‘July 30 Hridayabhoomi’. When I reached there, an elderly mother asked quietly, “Have you come to see...?” She and others were clearing overgrown grass from around the graves.

“It’s been almost a year. Everything needs to be cleaned. Everyone will come to visit,” she added, as her voice wavered, eyes filled with tears, and her words broke mid-sentence.

These expressions carry a silent pain. Visitors may offer sympathy, but often, they simply take photographs, share condolences, and leave. For many grieving families, their presence can feel like being placed on display. Such moments call for reflection on how we travel—and whether we take responsibility for the impact of our presence.

Over the past year, thousands have travelled to Wayanad, Chooralmala, the Bailey Bridge and Hridayabhoomi. For the local community, this influx has provided not only visibility, but also a lifeline.

Some locals say tourism has emerged as a renewed source of income and hope. They believe this should not be treated as a passing sentiment. Instead, visitors must engage in what is increasingly being called ‘responsible tourism’—a form of travel that supports the local economy and respects the emotional weight of the landscape.

The family of Sakiya, who runs a modest tea stall near the army-built Bailey Bridge in Chooralmala, depends heavily on the tourists who come to see the site. Similarly, Suma from Puthumala explained that she managed to survive the past year by making and selling tea and snacks to visitors.

These examples demonstrate how tourism can play a vital role in economic recovery at the local level—especially in areas touched by tragedy.

While critics argue that only a limited number of state-run campaigns have promoted tourism in Wayanad, efforts like ‘Revisit Wayanad’ and the ‘Wayanad Vibes’ initiative—featuring vloggers invited exclusively to the region—have begun to attract attention.

However, experts point out that this is just a start. They note that Nepal, which lost nearly 9,000 lives in the 2015 earthquake, was able to return to the third spot in Asia for international tourist arrivals by 2018. Wayanad’s own revival, they argue, must also be long-term and strategic.

Dr Vishnu KP, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Management in Kerala (IMK), University of Kerala, said: “Even if Chooralmala is not a major tourism destination, tourism remains an important source of income for local residents.” He added that the revival of tourism in the region should focus on “a responsible tourism model”.

Wayanad tourism to bounce back despite challenges, says Minister Riyas

Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas expressed confidence that Wayanad’s tourism sector is on the path to recovery despite recent setbacks. “The tourism department has planned initiatives for complete revival in every respect,” he said, adding that tourist data “indicates the region is overcoming the impact of the disaster”.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi, the minister said responsible tourism training programmes have been launched to support those affected by the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide and will be integrated into broader tourism development schemes.

“We invited vloggers from outside the state exclusively to Wayanad to introduce various tourism destinations,” he said. A musical event titled Wayanad Vibes was also organised, alongside global solidarity programmes, to attract attention and support for the district.

To counter social media misinformation labelling Wayanad as unsafe, Riyas said targeted promotional campaigns were undertaken to restore public confidence.

The minister also highlighted coordinated efforts by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), district administration, tourism associations and trade bodies. “Given these combined efforts, Wayanad tourism will certainly overcome all challenges and move forward,” he said.