Srinagar: Kashmir, the famed paradise on earth, is witnessing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals, providing a much-needed boost to the region’s local economy. In the last six months alone, over 13 lakh tourists have flocked to Kashmir, generating lakhs of jobs and infusing new energy into the tourism industry.
However, what has truly added to the record influx is the scorching heat wave sweeping across India, with Kashmir’s cool climes providing a welcome respite for tourists seeking an escape from the sweltering temperatures.
A group of tourists from Nagpur told itv network “We come from Nagpur , where the temperature is hovering close to 50 degrees Celsius. Here, it’s less than 12 degrees, and we feel like we’re in heaven.
Many tourists were wearing winter clothes like jackets, sweaters, in Gulmarg even in summer and they are finding this weather quite good because as the heat wave continues throughout the country, the weather is cold in the tourist places of Kashmir. Kashmirs weather is attracting tourists from many parts of the country.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a must-visit attraction for tourists. With high flow of tourist at Gulmarg Cable Corporation had to stop providing Gondola tickets to tourists due to pre-bookings for the next two weeks.
A family from Maharashtra talking to us said that they had a Gondola ride and enjoyed it very much. The tourists while talking to us said that they are feeling safe here and the weather is very pleasant here considering the effect of the heat wave in the country.
A tourist told us that there was a time when people were afraid of Kashmir, but times have changed, now people walk in Kashmir even at night, shops are open and the flow of tourists has increased in tourist places.