Heavy rush outweighs demonetisation blues

MC Thakur

MANALI, DECEmBER 29

For fun and merriment, tourists are making a beeline for Manali with the hope of a White New Year, forgetting the pain of demonetisation.

According to green tax barrier officials at Aloo ground, nearly 770 vehicles from other states entered Manali on December 27. The number increased to about 789 vehicles on December 28 and is likely to increase on December 29.

Besides, hundreds of commercial and non-commercial state vehicles also entered Manali. The number of tourists has gone up in the last two days. Hoteliers in Manali are ready for the New Year celebrations. The famous ski slopes of the Solang valley, which is popular for paragliding and other adventure activities, and Gulaba witnessed a heavy rush of tourists for the New Year celebrations. The Hidimba Devi temple, Club House, Buddhist monasteries, Vashisht Rishi temple, which is famous for its hot water springs, and nearby tourist places of Manali saw a huge rush of tourists today. Mall Road also witnessed a big crowd of tourists this evening.

To boost the winter tourism in Kullu-Manali, the Winter Carnival Committee is also organising a five-day National Winter Carnival from January 2 to 6. Manali Hoteliers Association president Gajender Thakur said hotels were getting a good response of tourists for the New Year celebrations. Hoteliers also offering special packages to attract more tourists.

AGM, HPTDC, Manali, Dhiraj Bali, said the corporation was also organising dance contests for couples and children and the Manali queen contest and other competitions with attractive prizes on the New Year eve at Club House, Manali.