Tourists rush to Shimla as snowfall continues

Shimla: Heavy tourist footfall has increased significantly in Shimla following fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. “We have come here to see snowfall. We had come for one or two days but eventually plan to extend it as more snowfall has been forecast for the next 2-3 days,” a tourist said. “We have come here for the snowfall and we are enjoying the weather and expecting fresh snowfall here in the town. My daughter loves snowfall and she is also enjoying it. It is good to be here,” said a tourist.
Large number of tourists added, that we have come to see snowfall in Shimla. The higher reaches in Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Kinnaur, Sirmaur and Shimla districts have received fresh snowfall during the past 24 hours. The fresh snowfall continues in Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla districts.
A young tourist with his friends said, “Watching snowfall in Himachal Pradesh is my first experience, we are just waiting for more snowfall here, if we get it here we will be happy if not we might plan to move further towards Kufri or wherever we can see more snow.”
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has decided to offer 40 per cent discounts on its properties to visiting tourists.
The tourism department of the state has issued directions to the authorities and also is appealing to the tourists to follow the advisory directed by the authorities to avoid any inconveniences.
Heavy snowfall is also reported to have continued in the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. Parts of two National Highways in the district– NH 305 closed at Jalori Pass and the NH that goes beyond Manali to Rohtang Tunnel– were also closed due to snowfall.
Notably, the Kufri and Mashobra areas of Shimla have also been covered under a white layer of snow.