PARADISE IN PERIL

A Mumbai traveller's ordeal in Munnar highlights the need for Kerala to be more tourist-friendly

- BY JOE MATHEW

In her first post on Instagram after landing in Kerala, Mumbai-based Janhvi had this to say: “I never thought I would travel to Kerala alone, but it has become possible. I know there are a lot of people who want to visit this beautiful place. You can also do it.” Three days later, she posted another video that ends with this message: “I don’t want to visit Kerala again.”

She deleted the video later, but her ordeal had by then become a talking point across the country. Janhvi had booked an online taxi from Kochi for her Munnar trip, but a group of taxi drivers in the tourist town stopped her, saying online cabs are banned there. She informed the police, who refused to help her. Left with no option, Janhvi had to hire another vehicle, but feeling unsafe, she cut short her visit and returned to Mumbai.