Good amount of snowfall has not only rejuvenated the glaciers of Himachal Pradesh, but also proved beneficial for tourism industry of the state, with scores of tourists heading to the hill state.

Thousands of tourists, mostly couples are expected to visit Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie and Dharamshala in the next few days. Also, hundreds of ski enthusiasts are reaching Manali to learn basic techniques of the winter sport this month. Private ski instructors have offered many courses while Atal Bihari Vajpayee institute of mountaineering and allied sports (ABVIMAS) is going to start short and long term ski courses from Wednesday as per a report in TOI by Suresh Sharma.

"This is the best time to visit Manali, when possibility to see fresh snowfall is very high, and tourists are reaching here to enjoy and capture some romantic moments," a travel agent in Manali, Roop Chand Negi said. "Tourists are inquiring about places in Himachal which have experienced fresh snowfall. Shimla and Manali are their first choice," he added.

Travel agents in Delhi said at least 5,000 inquiries per day are coming in from those keen on visiting Shimla and Manali sometime in January and February. Owner of Himalayan Holidays, Ritesh Mehta said, "Delhites are most excited about the snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. Honeymooners are going to warm up the winter tourism in Himachal. Travel agents are having good response."

Manali winter carnival which began from January 5 and for the fun of tourists and participants from across the country, several snow-related activities have been added this year. "Competitions like igloo making, snow statue, snowballs, snowman, fun races, snow mobile stunts, paragliding on snow etc would be organized in Manali. The competition would be the unique of its type," Kullu MLA Govind Singh Thakur said.

(You need to login first to read complete news).
New User? Register for FREE!
» Back to Travel News