The district administration has withdrawn the tourism ban in Idukki after rain subsided and weather warnings were downgraded to a green alert across the district.
Authorities had previously imposed a tourism ban in Munnar, Pallivasal, Kunchithanny, and Wagamon villages during the first week of August after the district witnessed extremely heavy rainfall, prompting Red and Orange alerts.
According to tourism stakeholders, the district is expecting a huge tourist inflow in August and September due to the Onam vacation and the upcoming Neelakurinji flowering season in the Munnar hills.
The flowering season is expected to start in the last week of August and last through September and October. The blooms will occur on the Chokramudi hills under the Devikulam forest range, as well as Idalimedu in Munnar and Meeshapulimala under the KFDC.
A local tourism stakeholder said they expect a heavy tourist inflow during the Onam holidays and Neelakurinji season.
“We demand that the authorities take steps to avoid hours-long traffic gridlocks in Munnar,” the stakeholder added.
To boost monsoon tourism in Munnar, Greens Munnar—a local initiative—conducted “Rain 40,” a penalty shootout football tournament at the hill station on Sunday.
Saju Alakkappally, chairman of the organizing committee, stated that the fourth edition of the “Rain 40” penalty shootout was held at the Munnar High Altitude Stadium.
Devikulam MLA F. Raja kicked off the tournament, which saw a total of 32 teams participate.
Kochi Beach Club won the championship after defeating the States Club Kochi team in the final. AKG Club Munnar secured third place, while Vincos Munnar came fourth.
Published – August 10, 2026 07:48 pm IST
