Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 11: To beat the heat currently sweeping across the country, tourists from different regions are flocking to Kashmir in large numbers.
Gardens in Srinagar and tourist spots in other districts of Kashmir are experiencing a surge in visitors, with the banks of Dal Lake presenting a distinctly tourist-only look.
Jotika, a tourist from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, speaking with Excelsior at Nishat Garden, said her primary reason for visiting Kashmir was to escape the scorching heat.
“There is a huge difference in temperature between Rajasthan and here; it is a great relief for people like us to come to Kashmir and relish the tranquil and cool environment,” she said.
On her first visit to Kashmir, Jotika noted the hospitality of the people and the breathtaking scenic beauty the region has to offer.
“This place is fascinating. We have planned to visit the gardens first, followed by the lakes. We are enjoying it to the fullest,” she added. Click here to watch video
Another first-time visitor to Kashmir, Sajid Ali from Faridabad, said he had always heard about Kashmir being heaven on earth. “After coming here, I realize it indeed is heaven,” he said.
Sajid mentioned that his primary aim in visiting Kashmir during the summer was to escape the soaring temperatures across the country, especially in the Delhi-NCR region.
“It is tough living in Delhi-NCR these days due to the soaring mercury; it is maddening. To get a much-needed relief from the heat, we have come to Kashmir, and I really do not want to go back; we want to stay here,” he said.
He suggested that people from other parts of the country, especially Delhi-NCR, visit Kashmir in the summer as a form of relief. “People should visit Kashmir in this season instead of facing the unbearable heat,” he added.
Last year, according to official figures, nearly 500,000 tourists visited Kashmir. This year, as well, authorities have reported a significant increase in both domestic and international visitors.
Also, a variety of entertainment activities are being organized to attract even more tourists, enhancing Kashmir’s appeal as a travel destination.
Additionally, authorities have emphasized that tourism infrastructure is being developed both overall and at key tourist spots such as Gulmarg—a major attraction for foreign tourists—Pahalgam, and various other places to attract more foreign and domestic visitors.
Meanwhile, locals associated with the tourism sector have also noted an increase in tourist arrivals, observing that it is better than what they witnessed last year.
Muhammad Afzal, a photographer working in Nishat Garden, capturing pictures of tourists in traditional Kashmiri attire, said, “Tourism has picked up this year, and it is better than what we saw last year; there has been a huge influx of tourists, and as a result, our work has also seen a boost.”
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