Shimla:
With temperatures soaring in the plains, tourists have started heading to the cool hills of Himachal Pradesh in large numbers, giving an early boost to the summer tourism season.
Popular destinations like Shimla, Manali, Kufri and Dharamshala are witnessing heavy footfall, with hotels reporting 40 per cent advance bookings even before the official summer season begins on April 15.
Weekend rush creates traffic chaos
Shimla, Manali, Chail and Kasauli saw massive crowds over the weekend, leading to traffic snarls in several areas.
Tourists thronged the Ridge, Mall Road and other places in Shimla. Snow in Narkanda and Manali’s North Portal attracted adventure seekers.
In contrast, the Dharamshala-McLeodganj twin towns saw relatively fewer visitors, with private hotels reporting 30 per cent occupancy and Himachal Tourism hotels reaching 50 per cent.
Kalka-Shimla train running packed
Advance bookings for hotels in Shimla, Kufri, Manali and Khajjiar have surged, with the Kalka-Shimla train running packed. Waiting lists extend till May 15, with the Himalayan Queen being the most sought-after.
“Snow in Narkanda and Manali is a big draw,” said Anil Chandel, owner of Hotel Rocky Knob in Shimla suburb Sanjauli.
The early influx signals a promising season for tourism-dependent businesses. “With plains getting hotter, tourists are arriving in large numbers, and we expect a good season ahead,” said Anil Chandel.
Sunil Chadha
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