Repeated attacks on tourists cast shadow over Munnar’s tourism appeal

Munnar: Attacks on tourists have become increasingly frequent in Munnar, prompting many visitors to reconsider their plans. Despite strict police action against the perpetrators, incidents of lawbreaking continue. Minor disputes often escalate into serious assaults, creating an atmosphere of insecurity.

Thousands of domestic and international tourists visit Munnar daily, but the rising incidents of attacks have led many to avoid the area, dealing a big blow to local tourism.

Students and families attacked as trivial disputes turn violent

On Sunday evening, tourists from Karunagappally, Kollam, were attacked near Pallivasal Randam Mile after taking photographs while sitting on the bonnet of a jeep, allegedly without permission. The assault was carried out by local taxi drivers and tourist guides.

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Six people were injured during the incident, and seven sovereigns of gold belonging to the tourists were stolen. The police from Vellathooval arrested a suspect, Shiyas, a resident of Anachal, while investigations into other accused are ongoing.

In October 2025, tourists were attacked three times in the region. One incident at Attukad in Pallivasal involved a dispute after a minor vehicle collision. Three locals from the Factory Division area of Pallivasal blocked a vehicle and assaulted two students from Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu with stones, causing head injuries.

Munnar police arrested the suspects and charged them with attempted murder.

In an earlier case, tourists from Kollam travelling in a mini-van to the Top Station were attacked after a dispute over urinating by the roadside. A group of locals, including women, assaulted the tourists using wooden sticks and damaged the vehicle.

In another incident, a family that arrived in Munnar town at night was attacked. A local tourist guide had offered them a room in the town, but they declined due to the distance. In retaliation, a group of youth blocked their vehicle and attacked them using chairs from a roadside shop. The suspects were later arrested by police.

Earlier in November, 2025, Kerala Police had suspended two officials and took two taxi drivers into custody following the viral video of a woman tourist being harassed by local taxi drivers in Munnar. The incident highlighted the monopoly of local taxi unions in the area as well as the challenges faced by app-based cab services. 

The repeated attacks have sparked protests across the tourism sector. Traders, hotel and resort operators have raised concerns, warning that continuous assaults threaten to damage Munnar’s reputation as a tourist destination.