Shimla: The tourism sector in Himachal Pradesh is expecting the comeback of snowfall in Manali, a prominent and beloved tourist destination in the region. After a challenging period caused by floods earlier this year, tourist areas like Shimla, Kullu, and Manali faced significant setbacks. However, officials express optimism that the onset of the winter tourism season will mark a turning point. The reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following the floods is expected to attract more tourists and improve the situation.
The monsoon floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh had a severe impact on popular tourist spots like Shimla and Manali, resulting in casualties among locals and tourists alike. Despite gradual improvements, the tourism sector continues to grapple with the aftermath, witnessing a substantial decline in the number of visitors. Despite the government’s various innovations, the sector has struggled to regain its former vibrancy.
Currently, hotel bookings in Manali cover around 40–50 percent of capacity. However, with the snowfall, hoteliers anticipate a surge in reservations, aiming for full occupancy during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s weeks. To attract tourists, hotels are organising numerous events and extravagant New Year celebrations.
Presently, regions like Lahaul Valley are already experiencing heavy snowfall, affecting areas such as Keylong and Sissu and disrupting road traffic. Authorities have issued warnings in these areas. Manali itself has seen a temperature drop to 2.9 degrees Celsius. It is anticipated that by the end of December, the winter season in Manali will reach its zenith.
Manali, situated in the Kullu Valley by the Beas River, serves as a gateway to Lahaul, Spiti districts, and the city of Leh in Ladakh. Renowned for its scenic beauty, the region has several captivating attractions. Some of them are:
- Rohtang Pass: Situated at an altitude of 3979 metres (13,050 feet), offering panoramic views of towering mountains and a nearby lake called Dassaur Lake.
- Beas Kund: Housing an igloo-shaped temple that marks the origin of the River Beas.
- Hidimba Temple: An ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi from the Indian epic Mahābhārata.
- Maa Sharvari Temple: Worshipped as a manifestation of Durga, revered as the Kuldevi by the early kings of Kullu.
- Monasteries: Known for their glistening architecture, which is maintained through community donations and carpet sales in temple workshops.
- Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art: A repository of regional culture situated near the Hadimba Devi Temple.
- Old Manali: Famed for its orchards, old guesthouses, and the remnants of Manaligarh Fort and Manu Maharishi Temple.
- Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple: A small village known for its natural sulphur springs is located around 3 km from Manali.
Discussion about this post