The Tamil Nadu forest department has barred tourists from bathing at Manimutharu Falls and the Thalaiyanai check-dam in Tirunelveli district after continuous rainfall in the surrounding hills increased water flow at both sites. The restrictions were imposed as a precaution against sudden surges that could endanger visitors.
At Kalakkad’s Thalaiyanai check-dam, tourists have also been prohibited from visiting the eco-tourism site until further notice. Visitors commonly bathe in water flowing over the check-dam, but the forest department said continued rainfall in the upper reaches could cause a sudden increase in flow and pose a threat to tourists.
The restriction at Thalaiyanai was issued on the orders of the deputy director and wildlife warden of Kalakkad. The site falls within the Kalakkad forest range of the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, placing visitor access under the jurisdiction of the forest department and its wildlife administration.
At Manimutharu Falls, the department has introduced a narrower restriction. Tourists may still visit the site and observe the higher water flow, but bathing has been prohibited temporarily. The department has advised visitors to maintain a safe distance and comply with instructions issued by forest officials.
The two sites attract visitors because of their natural water features, particularly during periods when rainfall increases the flow over the falls and check-dam. However, the same conditions can make water levels and currents difficult to assess from the visitor area. The department’s restrictions are intended to limit exposure to those changing conditions while rainfall continues in the hills.
The forest department has asked tourists to follow the restrictions and safety instructions until water flow returns to safe levels. No reopening timeline has been announced for the Thalaiyanai eco-tourism site, while the bathing ban at Manimutharu Falls will remain in place temporarily.
