The heartstopping moment an elephant intercepts the route of several vehicles causing them to halt due to fright in southern India.

The incident took place on December 16 in Mettupalayam-Kotagiri road, Tamil Nadu.

Visuals captured by one the tourists show the elephant stroll while the travellers wait patiently for the pachyderm to pass by safely.

The passengers, aboard the bus, were taken aback on seeing the pachyderm move towards their vehicle and later sigh a breath of relief as the mammal passes-by.

After creating a stir among the commuters along with traffic congestion on the road, the elephant slowly heads towards the bushes and disappears.

The forest officials have informed that the elephant was heading towards the forest in the mountain region.

Upon getting notified about the incident, the forest department officials have cautioned the tourists while passing through the route, especially bike riders.