The Forest Department has banned visitors from entering Thalakundha near Udhagamandalam in Nilgiris. This comes after many tourists flocked to see the ground frost covering the area over the last week. Videos and pictures posted online led to a sudden rise in visitors. Thalakundha is inside the forest and serves as a catchment for the Kamaraj Sagar Dam. Officials warn the area is home to wildlife and has dangers like deep water spots. "The area has a number of potential hazards, posing a risk to tourists. People unaware of the risks can potentially injure themselves or even drown, as there are very deep spots within the catchment area," said a Forest Department official. Despite signs warning people to stay out, visitors kept coming. To ensure safety, the department has posted staff to monitor and stop tourists from trespassing. The warning was officially issued on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.