Movement of tourists to popular hill destinations in Kerala from Karnataka has been affected owing to heavy rain even as the Kerala government on Monday issued a travel advisory against travelling to Munnar and other hill destinations in Idukki district.
While travel agencies have reported cancellation of vehicles, travel desks have been asked not to book any rooms in Munnar and Thekkady — two popular destinations among travellers from Karnataka — for the next one week. Though August is not a big travel season, tourists plan their trip to enjoy Monsoon rains, tourism industry insiders say.
According to M. Ravi of Arjun Tours and Travels, all bookings in Munnar and Thekkady have been cancelled or rescheduled. “We have been asked not to book any hotels (by the managements) in these places for one week. Though it is not a season, there were good bookings due to long holiday season during Ramzan and Independence Day,” he added.
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The cancellations, H.V. Subramanya of Mysore-based Sri Balaji Travels, said started from Sunday evening. “Hotel managements in Munnar and other places suggested to their guests to cancel owing to heavy rainfall. We have had cancellation of vehicles,” he said.
Several travel agencies are also offering its customers to reschedule their travel plans. “Though we have had no cancellation so far, we have also given option for our customers to reschedule their plans to these places. We will have to wait and watch,” an official at Cox & Kings said. He added that travellers may have to cancel their plans if nature’s fury continues.
An emergency response number 1800-425-4747 has been established by Kerala government to provide information and assistance, a press note said.
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The cancellation towards Munnar could be a boon to some destinations in Karnataka.