Himachal Pradesh records 7.4 million tourists by May; Solan tops the chart of visitor numbers

Tourism in Himachal Pradesh has seen a great hike, with over 74 lakh tourists visiting the state by May this year, marking a 3.5% rise compared to the same period last year. And this time Solan district has taken the crown of highest tourist footfall surpassing Shimla, the capital of Himachal.

Prime destinations like Kasauli and Chail are gaining popularity, with newer spots like Reva Waterfall gaining the attention of tourists. The rise in homestay options and accessibility has bolstered tourism in areas like Kandaghat-Sadhupul.

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Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Manasi Sahay Thakur, highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and infrastructure. “Efforts are afoot to improve inter and intra state connectivity through construction of heliports. Major focus is on infrastructure development like creating wayside amenities besides opening wellness centres, construction of ice skating rinks, promoting eco and adventure tourism with the funding of Asian development Bank (ADB),” she told the PTI.

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Plans include constructing heliports, developing wayside amenities, and establishing wellness centers and ice skating rinks. Funding from the Asian Development Bank supports initiatives in eco-tourism and adventure tourism.

The minister also reported that by the end of May, Himachal Pradesh had welcomed 74,64,184 tourists, including 32,415 foreign visitors. This marked a 3.5% increase from the 72,02,956 tourists, including 23,174 foreign tourists, during the same period last year.

Throughout the year, Himachal Pradesh remains a magnet for tourists, offering Spiti’s landscapes, Kinnaur’s serene beauty, and Dharamsala’s spiritual allure as the residence of the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama. Shimla charms with its colonial architecture, while Kullu-Manali beckons snow and adventure sports.

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Additionally, Himachal Pradesh’s spiritual significance draws tourists to Shakti Peethas in Kangra, Bilaspur, Una, Sirmaur, and Mandi, revered as Chhoti Kashi for ancient Shiva temples. Foreign tourists and adventure enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to the unspoiled terrain of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and Chamba, offering pristine landscapes and cultural richness.

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