Himachal Pradesh News
Shimla News : Holiday season buzz returns as tourists begin flocking to Shimla
Tourist arrivals pick up in Shimla ahead of the holiday season, boosting optimism among hoteliers as preparations for the Winter Carnival gather pace.
With the holiday season fast approaching, tourists from across the country have begun thronging Shimla, one of India’s most popular hill destinations. Visitors from Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and other parts of Himachal Pradesh poured into the town over the weekend, bringing much-needed cheer to local hoteliers and traders.
On Sunday, thousands of tourists were seen strolling along the iconic Ridge and Mall Road, besides visiting other prominent attractions in and around the town. The historic Christ Church and the Lord Hanuman Temple at Jakhu also witnessed a steady stream of visitors throughout the day.
Deepak Chawla, a tourist from Delhi visiting Shimla with his family, said they had been planning the trip for several months and finally decided to come this weekend. “We are enjoying the pleasant weather and the festive atmosphere, though we were hoping to witness some snowfall,” he said.
Another tourist, Kiran Sharma from Punjab, said she had come to Shimla with her friends and was also planning to return to celebrate New Year here. “Shimla has always been our preferred winter destination,” she said.
Meanwhile, hoteliers and tourism stakeholders are optimistic that tourist footfall will rise sharply in the coming days with Christmas and New Year holidays around the corner.
Mohinder Seth, president of the Shimla Hotels and Tourism Stakeholders Association, said hotel occupancy was expected to surge during the holiday period, providing a significant boost to the tourism and hospitality sector. “Christmas and New Year celebrations in Shimla are extremely popular among tourists, and we are expecting a large influx in the state capital,” he said.
To further enhance the festive appeal, the Shimla Municipal Corporation is organising the Shimla Winter Carnival, preparations for which are in full swing. A stage is being constructed at the Ridge, while decorations are underway along the Mall Road. Special ‘selfie points’ have also been set up at key locations to attract visitors.
The Winter Carnival will feature a series of cultural performances and entertainment activities and is scheduled to begin on December 24 and conclude on January 1, adding to the town’s holiday charm.
