Shimla, October 26 (Udaipur Kiran): The scenic hill station of Shimla is once again bustling with tourists as the winter season sets in. After a quiet spell during the monsoon, the city’s valleys are alive with activity as visitors from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and nearby states arrive in large numbers to enjoy the cool weather and mountain charm.
According to officials from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), hotel occupancy this weekend has climbed to around 60 percent, compared to just 40 percent last week — a clear sign of tourism revival. With schools in the plains currently on vacation, the footfall in Shimla continues to rise, leading to busy streets and increased traffic movement throughout the day.
The Kalka–Shimla toy train, one of the region’s biggest attractions, is running at full capacity both ways. The surge in tourist arrivals has also led to mild traffic jams on Shimla’s main roads as more tourist vehicles make their way to the hill station.
Popular spots like Mall Road, The Ridge, and Lakkar Bazaar are witnessing heavy crowds, while nearby destinations such as Kufri, Mashobra, and Narkanda are also drawing tourists in large numbers. Visitors are enjoying panoramic views and the crisp mountain air, signaling the start of Shimla’s winter tourism season.
Gajendra Chand Thakur, President of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurants Association of Himachal Pradesh, said the recent snowfall in higher altitudes and pleasant weather have contributed to the surge in visitors. “Compared to last week, we’ve seen nearly a 20 percent rise in tourist numbers. Online hotel bookings have also picked up significantly, and several hotels are already fully booked for the coming days,” he said.
He added that after a drop in visitor numbers during the rainy months, the clear skies and cool temperatures have brought tourists back to the hills. As winter deepens in the coming weeks, Thakur expects even more visitors to flock to Shimla and nearby hill stations, giving a major boost to the state’s tourism sector and local economy.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.