Shimla, a premier hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is experiencing a significant influx of tourists following the conclusion of the monsoon season. Thousands of visitors from neighbouring states and beyond have converged on the town and its surrounding areas, leading to near-full occupancy in many hotels.
The Chenab Times has learned that the surge in tourism is attributed to favourable weather conditions and the presence of long weekend holidays. This renewed interest in the region bodes well for local tourism stakeholders who are anticipating a robust season ahead.
The District Tourism Officer of Shimla, Jagdish Sharma, confirmed the substantial increase in tourist arrivals. He stated that approximately 80 per cent of hotels in Shimla are booked, with many operating at full capacity. Beyond the immediate vicinity of Shimla town, popular destinations such as Narkanda, Mashobra, Naldehra, and Kinnaur are also witnessing high occupancy rates, with hotels and homestays reporting bookings between 60 to 70 per cent.
Sharma highlighted that the absence of major natural disasters, unlike the previous year, has contributed to the positive tourism outlook. Despite the monsoon season, Shimla had seen some tourist activity, and with its withdrawal, a significant boost in tourism is now expected across Shimla and its nearby regions. This development is viewed as a promising indicator for those involved in the local tourism industry.
However, the increased tourist movement has presented challenges in terms of traffic management within Shimla. Significant traffic congestion has been reported at various entry and exit points of the hill station. Vehicles entering Shimla from the Chandigarh side via Taradevi experienced slow movement, forming long queues. Similar traffic snarls were observed in Totu, Cart Road, and Dhalli, which serve as access routes from the Manali and Kinnaur directions. Ongoing road repair work in the Dhalli area has further exacerbated traffic delays.
The Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), City, Mehar Panwar, provided data indicating the scale of vehicular traffic. On Friday, approximately 16,000 vehicles passed through the city’s main entry and exit points. On Saturday, this figure stood at around 14,000 vehicles, with a notable proportion of 8,000 vehicles originating from outside the state. The police department has deployed additional personnel and is actively monitoring traffic flow to ensure smoother movement.
Shimla, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and colonial-era architecture, has historically been a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers, particularly during the summer and winter months. The current influx indicates a strong resurgence in its appeal as a preferred tourist spot post-monsoon.
The Chenab Times News Desk