Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Dec 12: Gulmarg, the picturesque hill station in Kashmir, came alive with excitement on Thursday following a fresh snowfall.
Ranjeet Kumar, a tourist from Ranchi, Jharkhand, expressed his happiness after witnessing the snowfall for the first time.
“I arrived here with my family on December 10, and yesterday we reached Gulmarg. This morning, waking up to a snowfall felt like a dream come true,” he shared with excitement.
Calling Kashmir the “pride of the country,” Ranjeet added, “This is truly heaven on earth. I appeal to all my fellow Indians to visit this beautiful place and experience its charm. The hospitality of the local people has been incredible and made our trip even more memorable.”
Another tourist, Priya Sharma from Delhi, said, “This is my first trip to Gulmarg, and the snowfall has made it an unforgettable experience. The view of the snow-laden pine trees and mountains feels like a scene from a fairytale. I will cherish these memories forever.”
The tourists were seen engaging in various activities, including sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen, while others chose to capture the stunning vistas through their cameras.
Local guides and adventure service providers reported a significant uptick in activity as visitors eagerly signed up for skiing lessons and cable car rides.
Authorities have taken extra measures to ensure the safety of visitors. With roads becoming slippery due to the snowfall, vehicles heading toward Gulmarg are only allowed after equipping their tires with snow chains. “This precautionary step is necessary to avoid accidents and ensure a smooth travel experience for tourists,” an official said.
Local shopkeepers and hoteliers are delighted with the tourist rush. “The fresh snowfall has been a blessing for us. It has brought a lively atmosphere to Gulmarg, and we’re hopeful it will boost the local economy this winter,” said Aslam Mir, a hotel manager in the area.
Tourism officials are optimistic about the season ahead. “Gulmarg continues to be one of the most sought-after winter destinations in India. Its natural beauty combined with the warmth of its people makes it unique. We encourage more tourists to visit and experience the magic of Kashmir,” said a representative from the tourism department. (KINS)
