Shimla /Manali: Tourists were a excited lot at experiencing the season’s first snowfall at these popular winter resorts.

The hill city was reeling under a cold wave but it did not deter tourists from venturing out and making the best of the weather

Temperature have dipped and raised hopes of a White Christmas

 

Sanjay Dutta from Manali writes:

Manali: Much to the delight of tourists, Manali and its adjoining areas received this season’s first snowfall, bringing cheers among the local hoteliers and the farming fraternity.

It’s after many years that Manali would be experiencing a White Christmas.

The valley resort township has been experiencing snowfall since yesterday evening which at place has accumulated to over 14 inches, whereas the higher reaches like Kothi, Burwa, Shanag and Majach villages have much more.

Rohtang Pass, the high mountain pass that has closed for winter passing, is reported to have recorded more than 4 feet of snow.

The lower areas of Kullu valley are witnessing incessant rainfall, bringing the mercury down by many degrees and intensifying the cold wave in the entire region.

Mean while, this timely snowfall has brought cheers among hotel owners and other associated with the hospitality sector as now they expect to attract more tourist footfalls for Christmas and New Year holiday season.

Sunil Sharma, resort manager at Holiday Inn, Manali said “lots of people were making enquiries about likely snowfall during Christmas and New Year time and now we are very hopeful to get a decent arrivals which would help to improve the sagging tourism Industry of Manali.”