shot-button
Home > Lifestyle News > Travel News > Article > Mid day Special What is Dark Tourism How the Wayanad landslide in Kerala highlighted the eerie travel trend in India

Mid-day Special | What is ‘Dark Tourism’? How the Wayanad landslide in Kerala highlighted the eerie travel trend in India

Premium

Updated on: 28 September,2024 01:16 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Nascimento Pinto | nascimento.pinto@mid-day.com

As people celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27, mid-day.com decided to travel off the beaten path into the lesser-known territory to explore ‘dark tourism’. While speaking to Indians who have visited or would like to dabble with it, experts also tell us why people are fascinated by it, but not without a word of caution

Mid-day Special | What is ‘Dark Tourism’? How the Wayanad landslide in Kerala highlighted the eerie travel trend in India

Cellular Jail in Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram) is regarded as one of the places for 'Dark Tourism'. Photo Courtesy: Gopinath

Key Highlights

  1. `Dark Tourism` is the practice of visiting places associated with death or tragedy
  2. In February, the film `Manjummel Boys` led many film buffs to explore Guna Caves
  3. Mental health experts say this can lead to many emotions, but must approach with caution

Chennai-based Gopinath visited Guna Caves in Kodaikanal in the early 2000s as a child. It was long before the 2024 Malayalam film ‘Manjummel Boys’ was released, but also definitely after the Kamal Hassan film, ‘Gunaa’ was released in 1991. However, Gopinath was an unsuspecting child, who had only gone there sightseeing with his family and expected nothing more. He shares, “At that point, I wasn’t aware of its dangerous history or the 16 recorded and multiple unrecorded disappearances in connection with the cave. However, I remember how petrifying the place looked and given the cold Kodaikanal weather, the chills were quite literal.”

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK