“Surge in visitors brings optimism to Shimla’s tourism sector as families flock to experience snowfall, scenic train rides, and Himachal’s breathtaking beauty.”
Shimla, December 14: The hill town of Shimla, often referred to as the “Queen of Hills,” is buzzing with activity as tourists from across India flock to experience its winter charm. With temperatures dropping significantly and the promise of snowfall on the horizon, Shimla has become a weekend hotspot for families and groups eager to embrace the season’s magic.
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The picturesque capital of Himachal Pradesh offers crisp mountain air, scenic views, and the iconic toy train ride, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil yet exciting escape. Many visitors are extending their trips to explore other regions of Himachal, such as Lahaul-Spiti, known for its pristine snow-covered landscapes and serene high-altitude beauty.
Tourists Revel in Shimla’s Winter Splendor
Shatadal Chakravarty, a tourist from Mumbai, expressed his excitement about the drastic change in climate. “It’s a unique and golden experience to shift from 27 degrees to 7 degrees. We came here for a family vacation and started our journey on the toy train, which was delightful. After Shimla, we plan to visit Lahaul-Spiti. The weather is fantastic, and this trip has brought us peace and excitement. My son wanted to experience high-altitude areas, so we included it in our itinerary,” Chakravarty said.
Similarly, Sushmita Roy from Kolkata shared her enthusiasm. “It feels wonderful to be in Shimla. The weather is favorable, and we’ve already seen snowfall videos. That’s the main motivation for coming here. Ten of us are enjoying our winter vacation, and we hope this will be a memorable trip. If it turns out great, we’ll surely visit again,” she said.
Boost for the Local Tourism Sector
The influx of tourists has revitalized the local economy, providing much-needed business to hoteliers, taxi drivers, and shopkeepers. Kamlesh, a local taxi driver, highlighted the growing demand for transport services. “The toy train is running full, and a large number of tourists are arriving. We recently had snowfall, and another round is expected around December 17. This is great for business. Collectively, we’re about 250-300 taxi drivers in the area, and everyone is optimistic about December being a profitable month.”
Hoteliers are reporting full occupancy rates, while shopkeepers are seeing brisk sales of winter clothes and souvenirs. The tourism industry, which faced challenges in previous months, is now riding a wave of renewed optimism as visitors flock to Shimla to witness its winter allure.
Shimla’s vibrant markets, snow-capped vistas, and thrilling excursions make it a favored winter destination. With snowfall anticipated soon, December is poised to be a profitable month for the region’s tourism sector, reinforcing Shimla’s reputation as a must-visit hill station.