The Kerala Police have issued a warning against 'Dark Tourism' in Wayanad following devastating landslides triggered by heavy rains on July 30, which resulted in at least 256 deaths and over 200 injuries.Authorities stressed that sightseers could hinder ongoing rescue efforts, urging the public to avoid disaster zones and call 112 for assistance.
The term "dark tourism," coined in 1996 by professors Lennon and Foley from Glasgow Caledonian University, refers to visiting sites associated with tragedy, violence, or unusual events. Such sites often include disaster areas, crime scenes, battlefields, memorials, prisons, execution sites, cemeteries, and mausoleums. The phenomenon has gained popularity through shows like *Chernobyl* and *The Dark Tourist*.
Globally recognized dark tourism sites include the Chernobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine, Auschwitz Concentration Camp in Poland, the 9/11 Memorial in New York, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan. In India, notable locations include Kuldhara in Jaisalmer, Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand, and Port Blair's Cellular Jail.
Visitors are often drawn to dark tourism sites for the emotional connection they offer, allowing individuals to engage deeply with the history and context of the tragedies that occurred. This form of tourism provides a space for reflection on significant historical events and a way for people to pay respects to those affected. The rise of social media has further fueled interest in these destinations, as people share photos and videos, piquing the curiosity of others.