COVID-19 scares tourists away from Nilgiris

“A majority of tourists visiting The Nilgiris are from Kerala and Karnataka. Following the corona outbreak and its rapid spread in the neighbouring state, the tourist footfalls from Kerala have come down. Even the ever crowded boat house remains empty. I had never seen Ooty being empty like this before,” said an official of the Tourism Department.

Most of the tourist attractions like Government Botanical Garden, Boat House and other sightseeing locales wore a deserted look. As the Centre has issued an advisory against foreigners visiting India, the local Tourism Department has begun to enumerate the number of foreigners staying in the region.

“There are no new foreign tourist arrivals. And the district administration has asked hotels to give details on foreigners, who came earlier and continue to stay here,” he added.

Though several tourist places were being shut to prevent mass gathering of people, no decision has been taken on closing tourism destinations in The Nilgiris.

“However, awareness is being created for tourists by the health and tourism departments. This besides, the tourists are provided with masks and hand sanitizers in tourism spots to prevent spread of infection,” he said.

In Coimbatore, Aliyar Park near Pollachi, Baralikadu eco-tourism centre and Kovai Kutralam were closed for tourists. Coimbatore District Collector K Rajamani issued an advisory asking people to avoid unnecessary travel to neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka, where many were infected by the novel virus.

The Collector said that a special 200 bedded quarantine facility has been set up in a building near Coimbatore international airport. “Malls and theatres have been asked to shut down. Also Kerala students, who commute daily, will be monitored. It is advisable to avoid any crowded events,” Rajamani said.