Manali wears white mantle, tourists & hoteliers elated

Tourists had a gala time today in Manali, witnessing the snowflakes and capturing the snow-capped mountains. The day started with overcast weather, followed by light snowfall in the afternoon. The higher altitudes were covered in white mantle, while the lower areas experienced intermittent rainfall, which further lowered the temperature. With the suburbs receiving ample snow, residents are hopeful for more snowfall in the coming days. The town had witnessed first snowfall of the season on December 9.

The tourism industry is buzzing with excitement, as the white Christmas is expected to draw more visitors. Local businesses are optimistic about a surge in tourist numbers during the Christmas and New Year period. Last weekend, around 60,000 tourists visited Manali, with hotel occupancy generally surpassing 70 per cent.

Hospitality units are offering attractive packages for the holiday season. The local administration also organises bonfires on Mall Road and many tourists enjoy dancing during musical nights held between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Various other events are also planned to entertain the tourists, especially on December 31.

HPTDC DGM Balbir Singh Aukta said special arrangements have been made in the Corporation’s hotels for the holiday season. He said, “Dine and dance events will be held at Kunzum Hotel, and a grand celebration will take place at the Club House on December 31. During this event, the ‘New Year Queen’ will be crowned, and various competitions, including couple dance, lemon dance, tambola and Kullvi Nati, will be organised for the tourists.”

The Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti police are fully prepared for the expected heavy influx of tourists during this season.