Despite repeated warnings and police cases, tourists arriving at Munnar continue to flout road-safety norms and engage in dangerous acts like riding atop vehicles and with doors open on the winding roads of the hill town.

A group of youths on Thursday (June 25, 2026) rode their SUV dangerously near Chithirapuram and a video of the same, recorded by a resident, got shared widely on social media. Officials said they have not identified the individuals involved yet. The video showed three youths standing through the moving vehicle’s sunroof, one person sitting on the left door, and another on the bonnet. The vehicle bore a Karnataka number plate.

Devikulam Joint Regional Transport Officer James P.J. said he has not seen the viral video. “Once we obtain the footage and details, we will take further action,” he said.

Idukki District Police Chief A. Naseem told The Hindu that the police would conduct a special inspection drive in Munnar to crack down on such offenders. “I will direct the Munnar Deputy Superintendent of Police to take immediate action regarding the recent incident,” Dr. Naseem said.

An official with the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) said this was one of the several such incidents in Munnar. “The MVD took action against several vehicle owners in recent months, but tourists continue the practice. It is mainly tourists from neighbouring States who engage in such dangerous stunts,” an official noted.

Officials further warned that riding on the exterior of a vehicle poses a severe risk of accident. “If the driver brakes suddenly or if another vehicle hits them, those sitting on the top or bonnet will be thrown under the wheels, which could result in a major tragedy,” the official added. 

G. Sojan, coordinator of the ‘My Munnar Movement’—an initiative to promote tourism in the region—remarked that while such incidents are frequently talked about, only a few are officially reported. “While it happens, tourism stakeholders absolutely do not encourage such dangerous behaviour. Tourists often do this to enjoy the weather or to ‘chill,’ but it can easily lead to a huge disaster,” Mr. Sojan said.