Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s love for Dhauladhar: Shanta Kumar calls for expanding Himachal Tourism beyond Shimla
Tourism in Himachal Pradesh is at an all-time high, according to former Chief Minister and Union Minister Shanta Kumar. He revealed that Shimla recently saw an unprecedented influx of one lakh vehicles, leaving hotels fully booked and some tourists forced to sleep outdoors in freezing temperatures, as reported in local newspapers.
Arvind Sharma
Dec 30, 2024 03:50
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Dharamshala, December 30, 2024: Tourism in Himachal Pradesh is at an all-time high, according to former Chief Minister and Union Minister Shanta Kumar. He revealed that Shimla recently saw an unprecedented influx of one lakh vehicles, leaving hotels fully booked and some tourists forced to sleep outdoors in freezing temperatures, as reported in local newspapers.
Addressing the issue, Shanta Kumar emphasized that Himachal Pradesh's allure extends far beyond the popular destinations of Shimla and Manali. He urged the government to promote lesser-known but equally enchanting locations across the state, such as Palampur.
Recalling a moment with the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Kumar shared an anecdote of the former Prime Minister's awe upon witnessing the snow-clad Dhauladhar range. “Atal Ji, while serving as Foreign Minister, compared the Dhauladhar's beauty to global vistas, saying such a close and pristine view is rare worldwide,” Kumar recounted.
Palampur, known for its Kayakalp Health Center, attracts visitors from across India and abroad. "Many guests tell me they visit not only for health benefits but also to marvel at the snow-covered Dhauladhar," he said. Kumar added that even his daughter in Canada remarked that while snow is common there, the unique beauty of the snow-laden Dhauladhar is unparalleled.
In light of the recent heavy snowfall, Kumar reiterated his plea to the government to promote tourism in regions like Palampur and beyond. Highlighting the state's vast untapped potential, he called for targeted efforts to disperse tourism, ensuring all of Himachal Pradesh benefits from the boom.
