Travelling in Kerala? Note these road restrictions as state braces for early monsoon

As Kerala braces for an early onset of the southwest monsoon, authorities across the state have imposed travel restrictions, intensified safety measures and issued warnings over landslides, flooding and strong winds in vulnerable regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala on May 26, nearly a week ahead of its usual June 1 onset. Kerala is traditionally the first mainland state in India to receive the monsoon each year.

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The IMD has issued Yellow Alerts for most districts in the state, warning of isolated heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm. Squally winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are also expected along coastal areas. Authorities have warned residents in hilly regions to remain alert due to the risk of landslides, mudslides and soil erosion.

Travel restrictions

The early monsoon is expected to affect Kerala’s tourism sector, particularly as the summer vacation season remains at its peak. Popular tourist districts such as Wayanad, Idukki and Kottayam are already witnessing restrictions and heightened monitoring in landslide-prone areas.

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Officials have enforced strict night travel bans and safety restrictions across several high-risk hill routes. Tourist centres in vulnerable hilly regions have also been temporarily shut as a precautionary measure.

Traffic ban

Authorities have meanwhile banned traffic on the Athirappilly-Malakkapara interstate highway due to heavy rain and ongoing road repair work. The forest stretch connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu has been temporarily closed to vehicular movement.

Vehicles entering Kerala from Tamil Nadu through Pollachi and Valparai are being stopped at the Malakkapara check post, while vehicles travelling from Chalakkudy and Athirappilly towards Valparai are being halted at the Vazhachal check post.

Tourists and regular commuters have been advised to avoid the Athirappilly–Malakkapara forest road until repair work is completed. Travellers heading towards Thrissur and Ernakulam from Tamil Nadu have been asked to use alternative routes through the Palakkad-Mannuthy National Highway (NH 544).

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Despite the warnings, several hill destinations remain open with cautionary advisories. In Munnar, heavy rain has significantly reduced visibility at viewpoints, although lower-altitude areas like Mattupetty Dam remain relatively safer.

In Wayanad, destinations like Karapuzha Dam are accessible, but trekking near Soochipara Waterfalls has been discouraged due to slippery terrain and strong water flow. Vagamon’s mist-covered pine forests continue attracting tourists, though authorities have flagged active landslip risks and night travel restrictions.

El Nino effect

Meteorologists said the unusually early onset of the monsoon has been triggered by a low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea combined with a strong atmospheric trough that accelerated moisture inflow and cloud formation.

Also read: Two Indias, one weather: Heatwaves scorch North while rain drenches South