Aryankavu: Visitors have been banned from the stretch between Ambanad and Achankovil along the Achankovil–Priya Estate–Ambanad–Kazhuthurutty forest path that passes through the Thenmala Valley plantation. The Achankovil forest division issued the ban to ensure visitor safety after reports of increased wildlife activity along the 13 km stretch.

The presence of a herd of wild elephants, a leopard, and even bears has heightened safety concerns, prompting the restriction. With the ban in place, visitors reaching the Ambanad tea plantation will now have to take the longer route via Kazhuthurutty through Tamil Nadu to reach Achankovil.

Normally, travelling through Priya Estate provided easier access to Punalur and Pathanapuram via Alimukku. The restriction has also cut off the most direct route to popular spots such as the Kumbavurutty and Manalar waterfalls, as well as the Sree Dharma Shastha Temple in Achankovil.

The distance between Kazhuthurutty and the Ambanad tea plantation is 15 km, and from there another 13 km leads to Achankovil through Priya Estate. Now, with the entry ban, visitors must travel 15 km back to Kazhuthurutty and then proceed via Chenkotta in Tamil Nadu to reach Achankovil, making the journey nearly 50 km in total.

The forest region falls under the Thenmala, Punalur and Achankovil forest divisions. Travellers have argued that the ban will adversely affect tourism. Adventure-seekers, including off-road enthusiasts, have demanded that the decision be reconsidered. They have called for the deployment of a special squad to enhance safety instead of shutting the path entirely.

Plenty of projects, but nothing on the ground
The Ambanad road is also a vital route for Achankovil residents to reach the Aryankavu panchayat office. With the road remaining unmotorable, residents are forced to take circuitous routes through Tamil Nadu or via Thenmala through Punalur. Currently, KSRTC operates services only up to Ambanad.

Several projects announced to develop the 28 km Ambanad–Priya Estate–Moonnu Mukku–Achankovil road never materialised. The foundation stone for the construction of the Achankovil–Kazhuthurutty road was laid in 2016 by then Forest Minister K Raju. Though the Priya Estate road was restored in two phases using MLA funds, traffic continues to be disrupted.