June 17, 2025 — Panic erupted at the popular Kempty Falls in Mussoorie after a snake was spotted slithering through the water, sending hundreds of tourists fleeing in fear. The incident, captured in a viral Instagram video, has triggered widespread concern over tourist safety and wildlife monitoring at the renowned hill station destination.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Monday afternoon when the area was crowded with visitors enjoying a summer retreat. What began as a routine day of relaxation quickly turned into chaos as the snake appeared in the middle of the waterfall pool. In the video that has since gone viral, the reptile can be seen swimming through the water, leading to immediate panic among the bathers. Screams can be heard as people rush to get out of the water, with several slipping in the commotion.
Forest officials confirmed that the snake was likely a non-venomous water snake, possibly displaced by recent rainfall in the region. “Initial investigation suggests the snake was not venomous. It might have been washed down from higher terrain due to increased water flow following recent rains,” said Divisional Forest Officer R.K. Rawat.
The video, which has attracted thousands of views on social media, has raised fresh concerns about safety arrangements at Kempty Falls, one of Uttarakhand’s most visited tourist spots. Keywords such as Kempty Falls snake, Mussoorie tourist safety, and viral snake video trended across platforms throughout the day, prompting authorities to take immediate action.
In response to the incident, the Mussoorie administration has issued an advisory urging visitors to exercise caution while bathing in natural water bodies. Additional forest department personnel have also been deployed in the area to monitor for potential wildlife presence.
Tourism officials stated that the area will undergo a temporary review of safety protocols. “We are working with the forest department to ensure this does not happen again. Tourists’ safety remains our top priority,” a tourism department spokesperson said.
Environmentalists highlighted that such incidents are a result of increasing human encroachment into wildlife habitats. “Tourist spots like Kempty Falls are located close to forested regions. Encounters with wildlife are bound to happen unless we rethink how tourism is managed in ecologically sensitive areas,” said wildlife conservationist Priya Thakur.
No injuries were reported in the incident. However, the unsettling episode has drawn attention to the need for improved safety infrastructure and better awareness among visitors regarding the natural ecosystem.
As the monsoon approaches, authorities have urged travelers to remain vigilant and follow all safety advisories while visiting natural attractions. The forest department also plans to install warning signage and conduct regular patrolling around major tourist sites.
