The tourist attractions are fully functioning adhering to COVID protocols. Meanwhile, tourists are not welcomed at Malakkappara as it falls in the tribal areas. With Athirappilly waterfalls reopen, travelers are experiencing great enthusiasm. It is a great place for nature lovers and offers scenic beauty. Although half of the tourist spots in Kerala had been opened for tourism from October, Athirappilly remained remarkably closed. Firstly, the tourists can witness the beauty of the waterfalls from the viewpoint that will surely bring a plethora of tourists.
The authorities are making everything safe and leaving no stone unturned to keep it disinfected as per the safety rules. In addition, the pathways have been smoothened and the weeds around the area have been cleared for the travelers. However, the Thumboormuzhy dam and the butterfly garden will not reopen until the safety precautions are given. It might take a while to reopen the Malakkapara hill station that rested near the Sholayar forest and Idamalayar Reserve Forest. Since the hill station is near an Adivasi settlement, they have put a curfew there.
Other rules for all the tourists visiting the destination include, only those tourists between 10 and 60 years are allowed and no more than 100 people at a time can visit the falls. The new website provides tokens and the area is open from 9 am to 4 pm. The visitors have to strictly follow the timings allotted in the token and they can’t stay for more than 60 minutes at the waterfalls. People who are suffering from heart diseases and other health issues are not advised to visit the waterfalls. The tourists are advised to follow the instructions of forest police officials properly.
Since the pandemic hits in the country, the traders from Chalakudy to Athirappilly had hit a rough way as their income was particularly dependent on tourism in the area. This time they had to drop the main festive seasons which usually experience a gush of tourists. The lockdown not only affected the traders but also the resort and hotel owners. With this decision of reopening, they are hoping for things to get back to normal.
Adivasis in the Athirappilly and Vazhachal areas were other victims of the lockdown and most of them ran out of work. Some of them returned to their hometown for occupations like fishing and assembling forest produce. The process of the move back also offers them a chance to sell traditional artifacts. There are fewer corona cases reported in the Athirappilly area and that’s why the Malakkapara route remains closed. There are strict measures implemented at the entrance of the region and they are making sure that the forest officials and volunteers are always equipped with masks, gloves, and sanitizers. Restrooms will be sanitized regularly and there will be extra parking space during weekends. If the tourists stick strictly to the rule of social distancing, there is nothing to worry about.