Koomapatti, June 30:
Koomapatti, a quiet village nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats near Watrap in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, unexpectedly became a trending topic on Instagram recently. But what began as a viral moment celebrating its scenic charm has taken a sudden turn. The very youth who put Koomapatti on the digital map is now pleading: “Please don’t come.”
Thangapandi, a local youngster from Koomapatti, had earlier uploaded a video of himself enjoying a swim in a nearby check dam, showcasing the village’s lush green surroundings with an engaging commentary. The video went viral, capturing the imagination of nature lovers and curious tourists. Even schoolchildren began chanting the village’s name, and an influx of visitors began.
As the village gained unexpected fame, several travel vloggers and tourists began flocking to the area, hoping to witness the serene beauty that had gone viral. Many even posted their own videos exploring the village.
However, things changed drastically when authorities from the Public Works Department and Forest Department decided to temporarily close access to the check dam area, citing safety and regulation concerns. There is currently no official permission for tourism activities in Koomapatti.
Faced with a growing number of disappointed visitors, Thangapandi released a heartfelt follow-up video. In it, he said:
“The dam has now been closed by the officials. Tourists who come after seeing my video are being turned away. It pains me deeply. People travel from far-off places trusting my words, only to return disappointed. My conscience doesn’t allow that.”
He added that the dam had been reopened briefly after five years, but was now shut again. He urged tourists to avoid visiting the village for now, until proper permissions are in place.
“It is very difficult for me. I feel guilty. Please don’t come right now,” he said with emotion.
His sincere appeal has drawn mixed reactions from netizens. While many appreciated his honesty and concern, some expressed disappointment that they couldn’t experience the beauty shown in his viral video.
As of now, tourism in Koomapatti remains restricted. Local officials have not given a timeline for reopening, and authorities are advising visitors to wait for official announcements before planning trips to the area.