Heavy tourist rush heals Manali’s ‘wounds’, five months after rain devastation
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The Newz Radar
DHARAMSHALA: Manali has been witnessing a revival in tourism, marking a recovery about five months after a devastating disaster struck the region due to heavy rain. The spirit of Christmas and New Year festivities has played a significant role in rejuvenating the tourism business, bringing solace and merriment to locals and visitors alike.
Reports indicate that several hotels in Manali are packed to capacity while most others are 70 per cent full. This year’s Manali Winter Carnival is set to elevate the celebratory atmosphere, offering an unforgettable experience for tourists.
A highlight of the Christmas festivities includes the grand ‘Maha Nati’ procession along Mall Road during the day, featuring the participation of over 1,000 women from more than 100 mahila mandals of areas on the left bank of the Beas in Manali Assembly constituency. As night falls, the air will be filled with the infectious beats of DJs, providing an exuberant backdrop for tourists to dance and celebrate.
The excitement is expected to extend into the New Year, with a similar Maha Nati scheduled for December 31, promising a vibrant end to the year. Mall Road has been transformed with the addition of Tambola where tourists are delighting in the game well into the late evening hours. The convergence of Christmas, New Year and weekend holidays has resulted in a twofold surge in tourist inflow, with the number of tourist vehicles crossing the Green Tax Barrier escalating from around 900 to over 2,100 in just two days.
Diki Thakur, who is into tourism business, expressed optimism about Manali’s resurgence, stating that the hill station had become even brighter after the disaster. “Bookings for New Year are robust, and it is anticipated that Manali will be completely packed on the 31st of December, signalling a heartening recovery for the picturesque destination,” she said.
