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Madras HC orders to issue e-passes to enter Ootty, Kodaikanal from May 7 to June 30

The Madras High Court has ordered to issue e-passes to tourists for entering Ootty and Kodaikanal between May 7 to June 30 in view of environmental emergencies. The respective district authorities have to be contacted for the e-passes. The epochal tourist places have been battered by influx of tourists for decades and related decadence of the eco-system and infrastructure facilities. The perpetual traffic snarls and pollution have made the life of local residents in the hilly townships miserable. According to the tourism department, around 8 lakh visitors flock to Kodaikanal during the peak summer months and the floating population leave a trail of environmental hazards in the form of garbage, pollution, resource depletion and so on.

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Kashmir on Edge as Avalanches and Landslides Block Highways, Travel Disrupted

On Monday, a significant avalanche occurred in the Sarbal region of Sonamarg within central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, coinciding with intense rain and snowfall. Footage of the event showed the avalanche cascading down a snow-laden mountainslope. Officials confirmed that there were no injuries or financial damages as the avalanche impacted an uninhabited forest area in Sonamarg, avoiding any structural damage. Concurrently, heavy rainfall triggered landslides across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. The adverse weather conditions also caused roadblocks in Mehar, Gangroo, Mom Passi, and Kishtwari Pather within Ramban district. Additionally, on the preceding Sunday, thirty-five vehicles were reported stranded in the snow at Razdan Top along the Bandipora-Gurez route in the region. Significant destruction was also observed on April 27 in Pernote village, roughly six kilometers from Ramban town, where landslides damaged roads, homes, and power infrastructure. In the last three days, relentless rain has elevated water levels in all rivers, lakes, and waterways across Kashmir. The local Meteorological (MeT) office anticipates that this weather will continue for a few more days. In response, numerous schools in flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas have temporarily shut down as a safety precaution.

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Shimla in Himachal Pradesh experiences rise in number of tourists over the weekend

Given the soaring temperature in most of the north Indian destinations, people are making their way to all hill stations including Shimla. Recently, Shimla experienced a tourist influx over the weekend. Across most parts of India, the sweltering heat is becoming unbearable, with mercury levels soaring and heat waves engulfing many regions. So to escape the current situation, a number of people visited Shimla. Presently, Shimla stands out as one of India's most bustling hill stations, teeming with visitors seeking respite. Its picturesque landscapes offer an ideal setting for exploration and a chance to indulge in a refreshing holiday. The tourism industry is brimming with optimism this year, buoyed by the influx of visitors from both within India and abroad. The surge in demand and bookings signals a forthcoming increase in visitors, promising to breathe new life into various businesses and the hospitality sector as a whole. This remarkable surge in tourism serves as a beacon of hope, promising to rejuvenate revenues after a lackluster 2-year period. As per data from the Himachal Pradesh tourism department, over a thousand tourists flock to the hill state each year. In 2019, the state welcomed nearly 1,720,000 tourists, including nearly 400,000 foreign visitors. This marked a significant increase of almost 5 percent compared to the previous year, highlighting the enduring popularity of Himachal Pradesh as a tourist destination. Shimla, from 2021 to 2022, tourist arrivals witnessed a decline due to the pandemic, but now, they are gradually picking up again. However, recent bouts of rain and floods have posed fresh challenges. The tourism sector in the state of Himachal Pradesh plays a pivotal role, generating an economy of over 11,000 crore rupees. It is widely regarded as the backbone of the state's economy, contributing approximately 7.3 percent to the state's GDP. Shimla, the 'Queen of Hills,' stands as a beacon of charm and tranquility amidst the rugged Himalayan landscape. Renowned for its colonial architecture, lush greenery, and panoramic vistas, Shimla beckons travelers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The town's pleasant climate, with cool summers and snowy winters, makes it a year-round destination. Visitors to Shimla can explore its timeless landmarks, such as the iconic Ridge, Mall Road, and Viceregal Lodge, which offer glimpses into its colonial past. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like trekking, paragliding, and skiing in nearby areas like Kufri and Narkanda. Shimla's vibrant culture, reflected in its festivals, handicrafts, and delectable cuisine, captivates the hearts of tourists. From leisurely strolls through pine-scented forests to thrilling experiences atop Jakhu Hill, Shimla promises an unforgettable journey steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage, leaving visitors enchanted and yearning for more.

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Sikkim witnesses record tourist influx; projected to reach 1.2 million visitors by year end

Sikkim, known for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and enchanting weather, experienced an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024. The Himalayan state's allure lies in its unique blend of culture, weather, and scenic locales, attracting nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural aficionados alike. Tourism and Civil Aviation Department statistics reveal that Sikkim welcomed a record-breaking 290,401 tourists—256,537 domestic guests and 30,864 overseas visitors—up to March 31, 2024. This surge is attributed to the rebuilding of Sikkim's hospitality industry, which suffered greatly from the devastating flash floods in October 2023. Over the past decade, Sikkim has seen a steady increase in tourist numbers, with figures rising from 576,749 in 2013 to 1,625,573 in 2023. With a strong start in 2024, estimates suggest that if the current growth rate continues, the destination might receive 1.2 million tourists by the end of the year. A primary factor driving the surge in footfalls is Sikkim's vibrant cultural tapestry. Home to diverse ethnic communities such as the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese, Sikkim boasts a rich heritage reflected in its festivals, traditions, and cuisine. Additionally, the state's favorable weather conditions year-round make it an all-season destination. While summer offers respite from the scorching heat elsewhere, winter transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Whether trekking in Himalayan trails or paragliding over picturesque valleys, Sikkim offers activities for travelers of all interests. Gangtok, the capital city, serves as the gateway to Sikkim's wonders, blending modern amenities with traditional charm. Its bustling markets, vibrant monasteries, and panoramic viewpoints provide a glimpse of Sikkim's essence. While Sikkim's tourism industry has been growing steadily, the surge in arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 has been unprecedented. With its unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness, Sikkim continues to captivate the hearts of travelers, promising memorable experiences for all who visit.

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Srinagar: Rains lash valley; vital routes shut due to snowfall

For the second consecutive day, the Mughal road and Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road remained closed as fresh rains swept through the Kashmir valley on Sunday, causing a dip in temperatures across the region. According to traffic police officials, the closure of the Mughal road, which is the vital route for connecting south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts, persisted due to precipitation at Peer ki Gali. Similarly, the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road, leading towards Ladakh from Sonamarg, was also shut down due to the inclement weather and poor road conditions, as reported by an official from the traffic control room. If reports are to go by, various parts of the region, including the summer capital Srinagar, experienced light to moderate rains during this period. The Meteorological Centre (MeT) in Srinagar noted, "Fresh spells of rain have once again commenced across most places in the Kashmir division and a few areas in the Jammu division. Currently, moderate rainfall is occurring over many parts of south Kashmir." Furthermore, the Jammu and Kashmir disaster management authority issued an avalanche warning for four districts in the Kashmir valley. The advisory highlighted a medium danger level avalanche threat above 3000 m in Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts over the next 24 hours. Residents in these areas were urged to exercise caution and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone regions. The MeT department stated, "The weather forecast from April 29th to 30th predicts generally cloudy skies with light rain and scattered thunderstorms. From May 1st to 5th, dry weather conditions are expected." With regard to this, the department has advised farmers to halt farm operations until April 30th. The advisory also added that temporary disruptions in traffic are anticipated over higher reaches such as Zojila, Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, and Razdan Pass. Additionally, waterlogging in low-lying areas is possible. There is also a risk of landslides, shooting stones, and a temporary rise in water levels in the Jhelum River, its tributaries, and other local streams and waterways. Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of 10.5°C, consistent with the previous night and 1.2°C above the city's normal temperature for this time of year.Pahalgam witnessed a low of 6.3°C, up from 5.2°C the previous night, marking a deviation of 1.9°C from the resort's usual temperature. Kupwara town saw a minimum temperature of 8.1°C, down from 8.5°C the previous night, with a deviation of 0.3°C from the town's normal temperature. Gulmarg reported a low of 2.4°C, down from 4.8°C the previous night, indicating a deviation of 1.8°C below the skiing resort's usual temperature. Reports further add that no vehicular traffic will be permitted on the road until weather conditions improve and clearance operations are completed.

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Travel to Bhutan Made Easier as Its Govt Lifts Mandatory Travel Insurance Requirement

Individuals intending to visit Bhutan are no longer required to present travel insurance along with their visa application. Such a decision was introduced on April 23, 2024, by Bhutan authorities in an effort to make travel more accessible for tourists, VisaGuide.World reports. The Bhutanese authorities introduced such a requirement during COVID-19 as a protective measure against unforeseen emergencies, including medical expenses associated with the pandemic. Although travel insurance is no longer mandatory, the Department of Tourism still recommends that visitors have it as a precautionary measure. Bhutan Reduced Tourist Fees to Attract More Visitors The Bhutanese government has announced several measures aimed at attracting more tourists and helping the industry recover from COVID-19. These measures include reducing the tourist daily fee from $200 to $100, which entered into force in September 2023 and is valid for four years until August 2027. Bhutan Welcomed a Record Number of Over 25,000 Tourists in Q1 of 2024 Bhutan saw a notable increase in the number of tourists during the first three months of 2024, according to official statistics. More specifically, 25,003 tourists visited Bhutan during this period, as revealed by the Department of Tourism. Such a figure represents a 97 percent increase compared to the 12,696 arrivals recorded in the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the busiest month during the first quarter was March 2024, with nearly 15,000 arrivals. As further revealed, most of the tourists – accounted for 60 percent – were from India. The rest of the tourists that visited Bhutan during this period were from the US, China, the UK, Germany, Singapore, France, Italy, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, and Canada. According to Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer of the Department of Tourism, the almost double growth in tourist figures can be attributed to several reasons, such as the reduced daily fee to $100 per night. As further revealed, Bhutan has expanded its tourism efforts at new global markets, and the authorities anticipate a strong tourism year in 2024.

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