Tourists planning to visit Himachal for summer vacations without advance booking may face problems finding rooms in desired hotel as most of the hotels have already been booked to their capacity till mid June. Be it hotels, resorts, homestays or rest houses, booking procedure is going on at full pace in Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Kinnaur and Kasauli. Travel agents say more than 70 percent of the hotels have been fully occupied and they are not able to serve their customers well as rooms are not available in quality hotels. Summer season is picking up the pace slowly in the state and May and June months are expected to remain fully jam packed with lakhs are tourists. “Almost 70 percent of the star category hotels in all hill resorts are showing full occupancy for May and booking is at full speed for June,” a travel agent in Manali, Ramesh Kanwar, said. He added that lakhs of tourists have booked their hotels 2-3 months prior to their arrival to avoid any problem. “Though some hotels have blocked some rooms to let them to customers directly on the desk at full tariff cost but estimates say finding room in good hotels would not be an easy task for them,” he said. The frequent snowfall and rains on mountains that have maintained cold in neighbouring states of Himachal was causing delay in peak summer season here. Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation (HPTDC) assistant general manager in Manali Mohan Lal Sharma said drop in temperature is preventing tourists feel like summer vacations and their hotels are recording occupancy up to 70 percent. “We have a good number of online booking for May and June and occupancy rate would definitely rise after May 15,” he adds. Around 20 percent visitors to Himachal are only from
Tourists planning to visit Himachal for summer vacations without advance booking may face problems finding rooms in desired hotel as most of the hotels have already been booked to their capacity till mid June. Be it hotels, resorts, homestays or rest houses, booking procedure is going on at full pace in Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharamshala,
Pre-summer season in Manali has cheered the hoteliers, taxi drivers and thousands of people linked to the tourism industry as rising temperature in plains is drawing them towards hills to get respite from scorching heat. Peak summer season in Manali starts from April 15 and lasts till June 30 and around 20,000 tourists visit Manali every day during this period. As the temperature is continuously rising in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other low altitude regions, people are thronging Manali and other hill stations. After witnessing this unexpected rush, hoteliers are busy in renovation of their properties to host the flood of visitors. They are happy to see a regular flow of tourists even during the leanest season time. “What could be the more soothing feeling that Manali is experiencing a regular flow of tourists round the year and it looks like we are going to remove the term ‘off-season’ from the list of tourism activities soon,” Manali hoteliers’ association president Gajender Thakur said. “There was a time when some hoteliers used to close their hotels in winters till late March to save the unnecessary expenses. Now there is no chance for any hotel to lock their hotel as regular tourist flow is earning them good bucks throughout the year,” he said. General manager of hotel Chaman, Om Prakash, said he and his staff members are busy serving the guests and they had a wonderful winters this season. “Hoteliers have cashed this March like never before.” Manager of Whispering Valley resorts Manohar Thakur said the good flow of tourists in March is pointing towards a bumper season from the beginning of the April. Parking places being fully occupied and people parking their vehicles on the highways, Manali police is having tough time dealing with the traffic. Manali traffic in-charge Manohar Thakur
Pre-summer season in Manali has cheered the hoteliers, taxi drivers and thousands of people linked to the tourism industry as rising temperature in plains is drawing them towards hills to get respite from scorching heat. Peak summer season in Manali starts from April 15 and lasts till June 30 and around 20,000 tourists visit Manali
In what could be the better way to provide best hospitality to domestic and international tourists with a tourist-friendly atmosphere, Himachal government is planning to add tourism subject to the middle classes in schools, a source attending board of tourism development meeting in Dharamshala disclosed on Friday. Tourism is the second most source of income in Himachal after apple production. Now state is planning of making tourism the religion of every resident to create a friendly atmosphere for the tourists. Plans are that books on freedom fighters of Himachal would also be taught in the schools. Also, the Himachal tourism development board has given its nod to enforce ‘quality tourism certificate’ to encourage international standards along with secure environment to the tourists. Now, each dhaba, hotel, restaurant, resort, travel agency and taxi operators will have to fulfil around 35 parameters to obtain the quality tourism certificate. “Efforts of HP tourism development board and Manali hoteliers’ association have finally paid off and quality tourism certification scheme would be enforced soon so that our visitors would feel the world class comfort at ordinary cost,” executive member of the board Gajender Thakur said. He said that this certificate would ensure that tourists are safe and would not be defrauded. For the convenience of tourists, Manali hoteliers’ association has prepared a documentary on all famous attractions of Kullu-Manali which would be shortly available on websites of all the hotels of district. Documentary would also help advertise the tourism of the state. Former Kullu MLA Chander Sen Thakur said that Manali is the most popular hill station of the country and some firm steps are needed to be taken to develop its infrastructure and quality. “We have discussed about making Manali development authority with the tourism board and state chief minister. We hope that it
In what could be the better way to provide best hospitality to domestic and international tourists with a tourist-friendly atmosphere, Himachal government is planning to add tourism subject to the middle classes in schools, a source attending board of tourism development meeting in Dharamshala disclosed on Friday. Tourism is the second most source of income
Hotels in Kullu have fully occupied while occupancy rate in hotels in Manali have gone up from 15 percent to 50 percent within a week as thousands of tourists from country and abroad have flocked to see Dussehra festival. Occupancy rate in hotels in Kullu-Manali was below 15 percent in September. Suddenly the district is witnessing crowd of tourists and hoteliers are cheering the festival season. Ahead of honeymoon season, Kullu-Manali is expected to have witnessing well rush of tourists for a month. According to Manali hoteliers’ association president Gajender Thakur, thousands of tourists are reaching Kullu-Manali every day. “Festivals have rejuvenated the tourism in valley. Honeymooners too are heading towards hills. Hotel occupancy rate has increased 50 to 60 percent in Manali while most of the hotels in Kullu are already fully occupied,” he said. Tourists in Dussehra are dancing to the tune of drums and trumpets. Not only travelling and adventure enthusiasts but many education and research students from Great Britain have arrived in Kullu Dussehra. A research student from University of Liverpool, Boadicea said she along with her mates is on a project at primary school in Kullu and they have got opportunity to glance the Dussehra festivity. “We need at least 50 years to complete research on Kullu Dussehra and deities present here. Everything is unique here. We are lucky that we have chance to spend a week here,” she said. Manager of hotel Shobla International in Kullu Rakesh said tourists from across the world have thronged Kullu to see the Dussehra festivity and most of their rooms are already booked. “90% rooms of hotel are occupied. This time Kullu is witnessing peak festival tourist season,” he said. Travel agents are busy selling Dussehra and Diwali packages. Ravi Thakur, a travel agent in Manali, said special
Hotels in Kullu have fully occupied while occupancy rate in hotels in Manali have gone up from 15 percent to 50 percent within a week as thousands of tourists from country and abroad have flocked to see Dussehra festival. Occupancy rate in hotels in Kullu-Manali was below 15 percent in September. Suddenly the district is
Marking World Tourism Day, Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation (HPTDC) and Manali hoteliers’ association officials on Tuesday accorded a warm welcome to tourists arriving Manali. All the passengers arriving by flight and HPTDC buses were offered flowers and traditional Himachali caps. Kulluvi folk dance was arranged on Mall to make them cheered. Some tourists too joined the dance and enjoyed the moment. Happy to have this unexpected honor, a tourist from Kochin, Rajan Chanderkumar said at first he was upset as the bus was taken beyond the bus stand but he was surprised to see the arrangements for their welcome. “We had not expected of this honor. It was fantastic. We are feeling so proud of being part of this wonderful hospitality,” he said.
Marking World Tourism Day, Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation (HPTDC) and Manali hoteliers’ association officials on Tuesday accorded a warm welcome to tourists arriving Manali. All the passengers arriving by flight and HPTDC buses were offered flowers and traditional Himachali caps. Kulluvi folk dance was arranged on Mall to make them cheered. Some tourists too
Tourism in Spiti has suffered major drop in number of tourists who are fearing their safety in tribal mountains following landslides and heavy rains this month. Chandertal, Kibber, Kaza, Losar, Nako, Tabo, Kunzum pass, Dhankar monastery, Kungri Gompa and Thang Yug gompa are the main tourist destination in Spiti, the cold desert of Himachal. Due to snowfall and frequent landslides on connecting roads to Spiti, tourists, mostly domestic, are not daring to visit this hill resort. Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti which is well known as the first choice of foreigners, is recording a major drop in tourists this year. “My jeep and clients trapped between snows at Chandertal for six days,” said Pritam Thakur, a driver, adding, “I had to bring my clients, all trekkers, to Manali from Chandertal on August 14 but snowfall blocked all the highways. We camped in Chandertal for two days and reached Rohtnang on August 16. Another landslide had blocked the highway here. Having no other option, my clients had to walk on foot but my jeep could reach Manali on August 20. Many tourists fear only with the name of Spiti.” Being blocked for a while after landslides, Spiti-Kinnaur highway remains operational for most of the time but tourists prefer a round trip of Manali-Spiti-Kinnaur which covers all the attractions of cold deserts. In such if landslide or snowfall blocks highway at any place, tourists have no other option than to wait for its reopening. Otherwise, they will have to travel back on the same route for many days in vain. A shopkeeper in Kaza, Satpal Mahajan, said landslides and rains are posing threat to the tourism, ruining season in the second consecutive year. Recalling last year’s season, Mahajan said, “Incessant rains had ruined last year’s tourism season in Spiti and again this
Tourism in Spiti has suffered major drop in number of tourists who are fearing their safety in tribal mountains following landslides and heavy rains this month. Chandertal, Kibber, Kaza, Losar, Nako, Tabo, Kunzum pass, Dhankar monastery, Kungri Gompa and Thang Yug gompa are the main tourist destination in Spiti, the cold desert of Himachal. Due
With water of rivers flowing above the normal level, Kullu administration has sounded an alert to avoid the unnecessary movement near rivers while a complete ban has been imposed on river rafting. The incessant monsoon rains on mountains have raised the water level of Beas, Parbati, Sarvari, Manalsu, Allain and other rivers of the district. Given that sudden increase in water level could be fatal for thousands of tourists who are unfamiliar with mountain rivers, the administration has instructed people not to go near the rivers. Also, river rafting and other adventurous sports associated with rivers have been banned till September 15. Provisions of strict punishment and fine have been made for lawbreakers. As scores of adventure enthusiasts are coming Kullu-Manali every day, the ban on rafting was going to slash the adventure industry of the region badly. For river rafting paralyzed completely, more than 150 rafters will have to face huge losses. District tourism development officer Balbir Thakur said water level of rivers have climbed up abnormally due to monsoons, so imposing ban on river rafting is the only way to avoid danger to lives of tourists. “We shall keep an eye on the water level of rivers. If everything goes well, rafting would be resumed. But no one will be allowed to play with the lives of people,” he said. Thakur said the tourists and local residents have been alerted to stop unnecessary venturing close to the rivers. If anybody organizes the river rafting illegally, their license would be cancelled, he said.
With water of rivers flowing above the normal level, Kullu administration has sounded an alert to avoid the unnecessary movement near rivers while a complete ban has been imposed on river rafting. The incessant monsoon rains on mountains have raised the water level of Beas, Parbati, Sarvari, Manalsu, Allain and other rivers of the district.
Warm clothes are back in Manali. The heavy pre-monsoon showers have brought down the temperature at a single stroke on Saturday. High altitude peaks around Manali experienced nominal snowfall, while lower regions received heavy rain. With Manali-Leh highway receiving rainfall, the entire root has become slippery, bogey and dangerous. Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and most of the regions of the state experienced moderate rainfall providing relief from the scorching heat. The continuous showers have given rise to the water level of river Beas and Parbati. However no alerts have been issued but tourists were hesitating riding the river rafts as the sludgy water was terrible. Manali on Saturday recorded minimum temperature of 9 degree Celsius and maximum temperature was recorded at 19 degree Celsius. The weatherman has predicted more showers in coming 24 hours.
Warm clothes are back in Manali. The heavy pre-monsoon showers have brought down the temperature at a single stroke on Saturday. High altitude peaks around Manali experienced nominal snowfall, while lower regions received heavy rain. With Manali-Leh highway receiving rainfall, the entire root has become slippery, bogey and dangerous. Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and most of
Thousands of air travellers who are seeking flights to Kullu-Manali are unhappy with the limited flight services in the district. At present only two airlines are providing their services on Delhi-Kullu route but they have already been booked till July. Kingfisher is the only airline that is operating daily flights between Delhi and Kullu. Air India is offering its services only four days a week. Only two 40-seather flights a day were not able to meet the demands of travellers in summer season. As a result, either most of the air travellers are cancelling their trips or they are forced to cover the 14-hours-long boring road trip between Delhi and Manali. Situation does not look good in next month too as the tickets are being sold in advance. Air India in-charge at Kullu Airport Satish Kumar talked to Discover Kullu Manali that more and more people are preferring air travel than travelling by road every year. “Trend of air travelling is increasing in country. That’s why the seats for a month have already been booked. Now we are planning to operate an additional flight to Kullu,” he said. Travellers were purchasing a Volvo bus ticket from Delhi to Manali for Rs 1,000 and Air India was selling a t-class ticket for Rs 3,380. But the reservation was hold to waiting. Kingfisher airline has been a hope of quick reservation on Delhi-Kullu airway but the unavailability of seats has left travellers annoyed. “One can get a seat in Kingfisher only if reservation by others is cancelled due to any reason,” Omkar Singh, owner of a ticket reservation agency said. He said the domestic travellers were declining such booking in Kingfisher as the ticket was costing for around Rs 12,000. Being connected only by road and airways, Kullu-Manali is longing for strong
Thousands of air travellers who are seeking flights to Kullu-Manali are unhappy with the limited flight services in the district. At present only two airlines are providing their services on Delhi-Kullu route but they have already been booked till July. Kingfisher is the only airline that is operating daily flights between Delhi and Kullu. Air
When money is the matter of prime concern, then who want to know the meaning of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Making ‘Money Devo Bhava’ their favourite quote, most of the travel agents, hoteliers and taxi drivers in Shimla, Manali and other tourist places of HP are making fool out of the innocent tourists. “I booked through internet and my travel agent promised me to provide best services at nominal prices. He sold me a Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Delhi package for Rs 19,500.00. We were asked to provide a luxury room in hotel but the hotels were worst in the town. Our Volvo, food, taxi, everything was in worst condition. As per the rule when one of representative of travel agency came to collect the rest amount, he forcibly demanded Rs 10,000 more than the actual package price. He told us that government has raised the room and taxi rents. XXX XXX travel agency was registered with Himachal Tourism Department. I’ll advise all the travellers to check for the authenticity and facilities they are being given by the agents,” a tourist from New Delhi Ajit Agrawal said who was travelling with his wife. Many tourists are complaining about the fraud and poor services given by the travel agencies and hotels. Even the taxi drivers are making them fool. Rafting, paragliding, skiing, warm clothing, they are duping them with sky high prices. According to police sources, most of the travel agencies were confirming bookings with very low prices and once the tourist reaches his destination, they are forced to pay extra money by showing them extra expenses made by them, rise in taxes, rents or similar things. Room given to many guests are more similar to ‘public sarai/dharamshala than the hotels/resorts. Tourism Development Officer Balvir Thakur has advised tourists to ensure the authenticity of travel agency
When money is the matter of prime concern, then who want to know the meaning of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Making ‘Money Devo Bhava’ their favourite quote, most of the travel agents, hoteliers and taxi drivers in Shimla, Manali and other tourist places of HP are making fool out of the innocent tourists. “I booked through
