Shimla: Tourist destinations such as Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh have transformed into picturesque winter landscapes, accompanied by fresh snowfall and temperatures plummeting well below freezing. This weather phenomenon has delighted visitors celebrating the Christmas holiday, while simultaneously causing difficulties for vehicular movement.
As tourists enjoy a ‘white Christmas’ in Shimla, Manali, and other popular locations in Himachal Pradesh, the snowfall has resulted in the closure of over 200 roads, a significant rise in hotel reservations, and unfortunately, four fatalities due to vehicle skidding incidents.
Weather and snowfall updates indicate that Shimla, Manali, and various other towns in Himachal Pradesh have been experiencing snowfall, creating a ‘white Christmas’ on December 25, a much-anticipated sight for travelers during this season.
Social media platforms are awash with images showcasing Shimla and Manali enveloped in a beautiful layer of snow. The Meteorological Department has forecasted rain and snow in isolated areas of the state, particularly in Shimla, from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, with the heaviest precipitation expected on Saturday.
MK Seth, president of the Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders’ Association, informed the news agency PTI that hotel occupancy in Shimla has exceeded 70 percent. He noted that the snowfall has led to a 30 percent increase in room bookings.
