Kerala’s Sky-Dining Experience in Anachal Interrupted by Crane Failure: Tourists Rescued from Suspended Restaurant – Everything You Need to Know About the State’s Adventure Tourism

Published on November 29, 2025

In a dramatic incident that left a family stranded in mid-air, four tourists—two adults and two children—found themselves trapped 150 feet above the ground in a sky-dining restaurant in Kerala, India. The event unfolded when the crane that was lifting the restaurant malfunctioned, leaving the diners suspended for over two hours before rescue teams could reach the site. The incident took place in Anachal, a scenic area near Idukki in Kerala, known for its picturesque views and adventure tourism activities. The sky-dining experience, a popular attraction in the region, is part of a growing trend aimed at attracting adventure-seeking tourists. However, this unfortunate mishap raised serious concerns about safety protocols and the responsiveness of local authorities.

The Incident and Its Impact

On Friday afternoon, a family from Kozhikode, Kerala, was enjoying their meal in the sky-dining restaurant when the crane, used to elevate the structure, experienced a hydraulic failure. The crane malfunction caused the restaurant to become stranded, leaving the family in a tense and precarious situation. It wasn’t until 4:00 PM that rescue teams, alerted by news reports, arrived at the scene. Prior to their arrival, the family had been stuck for over two hours in the air, with the staff of the restaurant doing their best to maintain calm.

Visual reports from the scene showed that fire and rescue personnel had to climb ropes to reach the suspended restaurant and safely evacuate those inside. The mother and children were brought down first, followed by the father and one of the restaurant’s staff members. The rescue operation was completed successfully by around 4:30 PM, and all those stranded were safely brought to the ground.

The Role of Local Authorities and the Restaurant Management

While the situation eventually ended without any casualties, the response from the restaurant and local authorities has drawn scrutiny. According to fire officials, the restaurant management did not initially seek help from the fire and rescue services. Additionally, there was no communication with the local police, and it was only after residents raised the alarm that authorities were informed. Local reports indicated that the crane’s hydraulic system was the primary cause of the failure.

It is also concerning that the management did not follow proper emergency protocols. Locals mentioned that it was the residents of the area who noticed the situation and alerted the authorities. It is essential for tourist attractions, especially those involving high-risk activities like sky-dining, to have effective emergency plans in place and to communicate promptly with the local authorities when issues arise.

What Travelers Can Learn from This Incident

For those planning to visit Kerala or any similar sky-dining attractions, this incident underscores the importance of understanding the risks involved with such high-altitude experiences. Here are a few travel tips that can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Do Your Research: Before booking any high-altitude dining or adventure experience, check reviews and ask about the safety measures in place. Always ensure the operator has a proven track record for safety.
• Know the Emergency Protocols: Make sure the operator has a clear emergency plan and has trained staff to handle unforeseen situations. Ask how quickly help can arrive in case of an emergency.
• Stay Calm: In case of an emergency, like being stranded or delayed, it’s important to remain calm. Trust in the rescue services and follow instructions from staff members who are trained to handle such situations.
• Travel Insurance: Always have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuations, especially when engaging in high-risk activities like sky-dining.

Adventure Tourism in Kerala: A Growing Trend

Kerala, with its serene landscapes and adventurous offerings, has been actively promoting adventure tourism. Activities such as trekking, paragliding, and, of course, sky-dining, are popular among tourists looking for unique experiences. The incident at the sky-dining restaurant has, however, highlighted the need for greater emphasis on safety protocols and emergency readiness at these attractions.

Despite the incident, sky-dining continues to be a sought-after experience for many tourists, especially those visiting Munnar and other hill stations in Idukki. With its breathtaking views and novel concept, sky-dining adds an element of excitement to Kerala’s tourism offerings. However, as adventure tourism grows in popularity, so too must the standards for safety and rescue readiness.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Safety in Adventure Tourism

While this incident highlights a significant safety lapse, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of proper safety measures when it comes to adventure tourism. As more visitors flock to places like Kerala, it is essential that operators in the tourism industry prioritize the well-being of their guests. Whether it’s ensuring that equipment is properly maintained, staff is trained for emergencies, or local authorities are notified promptly, every step must be taken to ensure a safe experience for all tourists.