Kasauli wore deserted look on Diwali

With a few tourists visiting Kasauli and its surroundings, the area wore a deserted look this festive season, especially Diwali. Contrary to earlier years when hotels in the area were booked by tourists from Delhi to escape rising air pollution, the hoteliers have been left high and dry this year.

The situation has disappointed the hoteliers, especially those who had seen up to 65 per cent to 70 per cent occupancy after Diwali in previous years. “Not only there has been fewer queries but also the number of visitors registered a steep decline this year,” says Rocky Chimni, director, Glen View, a key resort in the Kasauli area. The hoteliers are now looking forward to the marriage season as the area has become a favourite wedding destination.

Meanwhile, no untoward incident or hooliganism was reported last night. Also, no traffic jams were witnessed, as fewer vehicles plied on roads. However, traders were upset as the number of customers in Kasauli was quite low.

“While a few tourists came to Kasauli, even the number of people buying gifts like dry fruits and sweets witnessed a steep decline,” says Aman, a trader in Kasauli. He adds that as people are becoming health conscious, sweet shops do not see a splurge by visitors. “Online shopping platforms have also done a considerable damage as people prefer to get dry fruits and gift items delivered on their doorsteps.”

This drastic transformation in shopping habits is a wake-up call for traders, who have been banking on traditional walk-in shopping by people.