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Shimla Witnesses Tourist Surge Ahead of Season, Hotel Bookings Cross 70%
Traffic jams choke city roads as thousands arrive to escape heat; travel industry sees early boost
Shimla, April 12: Himachal Pradesh’s capital Shimla is witnessing a massive tourist rush this weekend, much ahead of the official tourist season starting April 15. Triggered by soaring temperatures in the plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, thousands of visitors are heading to the cool valleys of Himachal, pushing hotel bookings in Shimla beyond 70% occupancy.
According to Shimla Police data, more than 7,000 vehicles entered the city between 8 AM and 6 PM on Saturday, leading to massive traffic congestion on key routes, particularly on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway. The stretch from ISBT Bypass to Old Bus Stand saw long queues of vehicles, with commuters reporting delays of over an hour for a 3-km distance.
Traffic jams were also reported on roads leading to Kufri and Narkanda, popular weekend getaways near Shimla. Local authorities are struggling to manage the sudden spike in traffic and are working round-the-clock to ensure smooth movement.
Tourists in Search of Cool Weather
Most tourists are arriving in search of relief from the ongoing heatwave in the northern plains. According to Prince Kukreja, Vice President of the Hotel Association Shimla,
“There has been a 30% jump in bookings compared to last week. Though the official tourist season begins next week, hotels are already seeing robust footfall.”
Manu Sood, General Secretary of the Travel Agents Association, added that several travel packages and discounts are attracting tourists, offering a much-needed boost to the local tourism industry that has been reeling from seasonal uncertainties.
Snowfall and Rain Enhance Tourist Appeal
The recent fresh snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal and light rain in lower areas have added to the scenic beauty, making the weather in Shimla pleasant and inviting. The current daytime temperature is around 23°C, a stark contrast to the scorching heat in neighboring states.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light rain in Shimla and nearby areas today, while predicting clear weather from April 13 to 16, further encouraging tourists to extend their stays or plan last-minute trips.
With early signs pointing to a strong summer season, stakeholders in the hospitality sector are hopeful for continued high footfall in the weeks to come, reviving hopes of a thriving tourism economy in the region.
