Tourist misbehavior in Chikkamagaluru has reached alarming levels, as witnessed in recent incidents at Charmadi Ghat and Rani Jhari waterfall. The situation deteriorated when a group of intoxicated youths from Mangalore caused chaos at the entry of Charmadi Ghat by colliding their I20 car with a parked Honda Civic, sparking a heated altercation.
The trouble began when the I20, en route from Mangaluru to Mudigere, collided with the parked car. In a drunken state, the youths became aggressive towards locals who questioned them about the accident, even confronting police officers present at the scene. Social worker Banakal Arif was among those assaulted during the altercation near Morarji Desai School in Kottigehara, Mudigere Taluk.
In a related incident at Charmadi Ghat, another group of youths engaged in risky behavior by bathing in an overflowing stream, climbing rocks despite the dangers. Chikkamagaluru Division police intervened uniquely by confiscating the youths’ clothes to prevent accidents. The police team lectured the youths on the hazards involved, eventually returning their clothes after issuing a stern warning.
These incidents underscore growing concerns over tourist behavior in Chikkamagaluru, prompting authorities to take stricter measures to ensure public safety and preserve natural sites.