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Snowfall enthrals tourists in Manali in Himachal
by Rajiv Kimta

     Manali: The unexpected snowfall early this winter in Manali, the hill resort of Himachal Pradesh, has brought cheer to tourists and hoteliers here. The local hospitality industry has geared itself up to welcome the guests by introducing many attractive schemes.

    The hotel industry has announced discount rates ranging 10 to 40 per cent. And, the latest attractions are a variety of dance performances by local troupes showcasing Himachal Pradesh culture. Winter games like skiing, snow scooter rides and others are also proving to be a big draw. Usually, the tourists from different parts of the country start thronging the place during the Chirstmas season, which also coincides with the wedding season. About 10,000 tourists already staying in over 500 hotels and guesthouses here. And, this number is likely to rise in the days to come. The chilly winds in Manali has failed to dampen the spirit of the tourists, especially the newly weds. "This is our first visit to Manali and we have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. We never imagined it could be so much fun being here during this time of the season especially when there is a snowfall. It is really very nice. The skiing also is very enjoyable. Manali is really worth seeing," said Amandeep, a newly-wedded from Mumbai. "We have come from Gujarat. We had decided before our marriage itself that we will come to Manali. We are really enjoying. We never thought that there will be so much of snowfall here," added Anitaben, another newly-wedded woman from Gujarat. The mid and lower hills, including Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, are experiencing cold wave conditions. This is for the first time in the last ten years that Manali has witnessed snowfall at this time of the year. Normally, January to February are considered as peak months for tourists' arrival during winter and May-June for the summer. About 70 per cent of the hotels have already been booked ahead of Christmas and New Year. "We are lucky enough to have an early snowfall this year. And this snowfall is expected to last for long time, which is again a good sign for our trade. During this season, we will have enough opportunity to have winter games like snow scooters, skiing that are a big draw from tourists' point of view," said Satish Kachru, an hotelier in Manali.

      Keylong, the headquarters of the upper reaches of Lahaul and Spiti, also had ample snowfall of 15 cms with the temperatures touching minus 10 degree.
-Nov 28,  2006

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