Kashmir records heavy tourist footfall in early June

Srinagar, Jun 8: Kashmir witnessed a heavy tourist rush during the first week of June this year with stakeholders exuding hope that Valley could record one of its highest tourist arrivals this year amid improved connectivity and growing footfall at both established and offbeat destinations.
According to official data, more than six lakh tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir so far this year.
Officials attributed the increase in tourist arrivals to improved mobility and easier access to the Valley through road, rail and air connectivity.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway via Banihal continued to witness the highest tourist movement, while rail travel registered a significant increase this year.
The recently launched Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express has further strengthened connectivity between the two regions, tourism officials said.
“We are witnessing encouraging tourist arrivals across destinations in Kashmir. The response during the first week of June has been very good. We are hopeful that Jammu and Kashmir will record one of the highest tourist footfalls this year,” a Tourism Department official said.
The official said tourist arrivals have remained steady despite the brief setback caused by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Popular tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg witnessed a large number of visitors during the week. Offbeat destinations such as Gurez, Doodhpathri, Bangus Valley, Lolab and Yusmarg also reported a significant increase in tourist arrivals.
Rahul Sharma, 32, a tourist from New Delhi, said improved rail connectivity had made travel to Kashmir easier.
“The Vande Bharat service has reduced travel time considerably. The journey was comfortable and convenient,” he said.
Priya Mehta, 28, from Mumbai, said she was visiting Kashmir for the first time.
“We visited Gulmarg and Srinagar and are planning to travel to Gurez. The transport facilities have improved and travelling has become easier,” she said.
Harpreet Singh, 35, from Punjab, said he chose Kashmir for a family vacation because of the improved connectivity.
“We travelled by train and road. It was a smooth journey and we are also visiting Doodhpathri and other places,” he said.
Tourism stakeholders said hotels, guest houses, houseboats and transport operators witnessed increased business during the first week of June. Advance bookings for the coming weeks also remain strong, they said.
Notably, Kashmir has been witnessing relatively cool and pleasant weather conditions in recent weeks, with daytime temperatures remaining significantly lower than those recorded in many parts of north, west and central India.
While several states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh, have been experiencing heatwave conditions and soaring temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, the Valley has continued to offer a respite from the intense summer heat.
Tourism stakeholders said the favourable weather has emerged as a major attraction for visitors seeking relief from the scorching conditions elsewhere in the country.
They said many tourists were opting for longer stays in Kashmir, particularly in destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gurez and Doodhpathri, where temperatures remained comfortable. (KNO)