In peak summer, Kullu, Manali totally deserted

Tribune News Service
Mandi, June 18

Amid the peak summer season, the tourist hotspots of Kullu and Manali that generally remain abuzz with activity every year wear a deserted look. The Covid outbreak has pushed the tourism industry on the verge of collapse.

The charm of snow-clad mountains in the region seems to have faded, as the popular tourist spots, which generally attract lakhs of domestic and foreign tourists round the year, are totally bereft of any tourist activity. Famous places such as the Rohtang Pass, Solang valley, Gulaba and Hamta Pass are deserted as no tourist has come here since March 22.

People from other states are keen to visit the hill state to get respite from the scorching heat these days but the state government is not ready to open the doors for tourists. In the last few days, the state has experienced a considerable increase in Covid cases, which has forced the government to put on hold its plan to open the state for tourists.

Hoteliers, restaurant owners, adventure sports service providers and taxi operators have been adversely affected. Thought the Kullu district administration has allowed opening of hotels and restaurants for official and business visits, a majority of the hotels are still shut.

Hoteliers and taxi operators said they were desperately waiting for the pandemic threat to wane so that they could pick up the pieces.