Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Mar 11: To further boost tourism in Sonamarg, three Kashmiri artists have crafted a breathtaking Taj Mahal-shaped igloo out of snow, following their successful creation of an ice-horse cart last month.
The opening ceremony received praise from Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shaymbir, who lauded the initiative for its significant contribution to the region’s tourism sector.
The collaboration between the Tourism Department, Sonamarg Development Authority, and Ganderbal District Administration resulted in the creation of this impressive ice sculpture, which will attract more visitors to the tourist destination, an official said.
Zubair Ahmed, one of the artists, highlighted the igloo’s uniqueness, claiming it to be the world’s first where visitors can “actually sit inside”. It has insulation features to ensure a comfortable experience for tourists despite the cold temperatures, he said.
Deputy Commissioner Shaymbir expressed optimism about the igloo’s impact on Sonamarg’s tourism, citing the remarkable turnout witnessed during the winter season. “The unveiling of this snow masterpiece marks another milestone in Sonamarg’s journey to becoming a prominent tourist destination in the region,” he said.
There is a surge in tourist arrivals to Sonamarg, with visitors eager to capture a piece of the statue’s enchanting beauty through their lenses.
