Sat Dec 27 08:24:07 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Munnar, Kerala is experiencing a surge in Christmas-New Year tourists due to an early and intense winter, with sub-zero temperatures and frost covering the landscape. While the tourism sector is booming, the tea industry is suffering significant crop losses due to the frost. The influx of tourists has also led to severe traffic congestion, particularly on the road to Eravikulam National Park. Local authorities are considering measures to alleviate the traffic.
News Article:
Munnar Sees Tourist Boom Amidst Freezing Temperatures, Tea Industry Suffers
Munnar, Kerala – December 27, 2025 – A sharp drop in temperatures has transformed Munnar into a winter wonderland, attracting a surge of tourists eager to experience the early frost and sub-zero conditions. While the tourism sector is celebrating a Christmas-New Year boom, the region’s tea industry is grappling with significant crop losses.
On Saturday, Chenduvarai recorded a chilling -1°C, with other areas like Letchmi and Silent Valley hovering just above freezing. Climate experts confirm the early onset of winter, with temperatures plummeting weeks ahead of the usual schedule.
The influx of tourists has created hours-long traffic congestion, particularly affecting access to Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park. G. Sojan, coordinator of the “My Munnar Movement,” acknowledged the traffic issues and suggested using the Munnar High Altitude Stadium as a pickup point for transport to Rajamala to ease congestion.
However, the frosty conditions are not welcome news for the tea industry. Major producers like Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP) and Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) are reporting substantial damage to tea plantations due to the frost.
While Munnar revels in its newfound winter appeal, the challenge now lies in managing the influx of visitors and mitigating the impact on the vital tea industry.
First Piper 