Tourists battle traffic jams, increased hotel prices to celebrate New Year in Manali, Shimla
The New Year's Eve crowd in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is steadily increasing. Thousands of vehicles are continuously carrying tourists through the Atal Tunnel, heading to the mountainous regions of Rohtang and Lahaul to see the snow.
New Delhi: Shimla, the quaint, picturesque hill town in Himachal Pradesh, is gearing up to welcome a heavy influx of tourists before the impending New Year celebrations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted snowfall around December 31. It has excited the visitors, who are eager to celebrate the New Year with the snowfall.
Increasing crowd in Manali
The New Year's Eve crowd in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is steadily increasing. Thousands of vehicles are continuously carrying tourists through the Atal Tunnel, heading to the mountainous regions of Rohtang and Lahaul to see the snow.
Although a snowfall alert has also been issued on December 30 and 31, the weather is currently clear. Tourists who reached Manali have said that they may be facing problems due to crowd and traffic but on the occasion of New Year they have arrived at the place and such things are common during the season and hotel tariffs have also increased but that is also not a big problem.
The charm of Shimla
Shimla has become one of the main attractions for tourists visiting there for the New Year. The city administration has put all arrangements in place as weather conditions are changing and tourist footfall is steadily increasing.
The Winter Carnival in Shimla takes place for nine days and ends on January 1. It has become a very popular attraction, and tourists from across the country go there to celebrate the New Year with festivities, cultural events, and winter cheer. Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan has hailed the Winter Carnival, noting the rising tourist inflow in the place and how snowfall on New Year's Day can be the icing on the cake.
Also, he urged the visitors to keep Shimla clean. He said, "Our trees, greenery, and environment provide clean air and a pleasant atmosphere. Tourists should enjoy this clean environment and also take special care of cleanliness." As Shimla decks up to celebrate the New Year, tourists are navigating problems to keep the festive spirit alive.