After experiencing a trail of destruction due to heavy rains and floods earlier this year, Himachal Pradesh is back on the tracks of recovery ahead of the festive season. On Christmas Eve, a huge influx of tourists thronged the Himalayan state, particularly the two popular tourist destinations Shimla and Manali are witnessing a surge in tourist footfalls.Meanwhile, hotel occupancy is nearly full in the state and hoteliers advise tourists to check room availability. The heavy influx of tourists is considered beneficial for the tourism industry, which suffered losses during the monsoon season due to disastrous rains triggering landslides and floods.
Hotel occupancy in Shimla and Manali is reported between 80 to 90 percent. The hotels in these popular destinations are almost fully booked given the Christmas and upcoming New Year’s celebrations, as reported by the media.“We welcome the tourists, who have come to the state in such a huge number, crossing over lakhs,” Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu mentioned on X adding that around 65,000 tourists were recorded at Atal Tunnel, Rohtang on December 24 with over 12,000 vehicles ferrying them.CM Sukhu also praised the efforts of the district administration and the Police officials for efficiently managing the huge tourist rush, making their visit memorable, particularly at the North and South Portal of Rohtang Tunnel, where the local administration and the police force have been managing the traffic in minus 12 degrees celsius temperature.
For peaceful and safe celebrations, special arrangements have been made by the district police, and a police action plan has been prepared for better traffic management during Christmas, including rescue and evacuation operations as well, Kullu district police said.
“Strict vigilance is being maintained through CCTV cameras and drones. Kullu Police is committed to maintaining proper law and order within the district. Kullu Police is working day and night to ensure that the trip of tourists is safe, especially given slippery road conditions during the evening due to snow and black ice,” Kullu district police mentioned in a statement.
Offbeat destinations and Shimla’s Winter Carnival
Not only popular destinations like Manali and Shimla, but tourists are also exploring other offbeat destinations like Tirthan Valley, McLeod Ganj, and Jibhi Valley to avoid the rush.
Meanwhile, the state summer capital Shimla is hosting its first-ever Winter Carnival to attract tourists. The week-long carnival, starting today (Christmas), will last until New Year’s Eve and aims to revive tourism.
The carnival will be inaugurated by CM Sukhu and it will showcase Himachal’s rich culture and cuisine.