Latest in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is set to host its annual Winter Carnival from December 24, 2024, to January 2, 2025. THE TRIBUNE This 10-day event will feature a blend of cultural performances by renowned artists from Punjab and local talent, highlighting the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh’s 12 districts. THE TRIBUNE The Ridge and Mall Road will be adorned with festive lights, and approximately 50 stalls, including food stalls, will be set up, offering visitors a variety of traditional cuisines and crafts. INSTAGRAM Live music, traditional Himachali dance performances, and other cultural attractions are planned to entertain tourists and locals alike. The Winter Carnival is expected to draw a large number of tourists from India and abroad, enhancing holiday celebrations while promoting the state’s heritage. The event aims to provide a platform for students and local artists to showcase their talents, with the popular Voice of Shimla competition making a return. THE TRIBUNE Visitors can look forward to a festive atmosphere, with traditional Bajantari bands greeting tourists at entry points, and each day of the carnival spotlighting one district’s unique cultural heritage. HIMBUMAIL The Shimla Winter Carnival promises to be a grand celebration, offering a cultural extravaganza with a dash of Christmas magic

The historic Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway, known for its breathtaking views and British colonial heritage, has resumed train services after a temporary suspension caused by heavy monsoon rains. The railway, built in 1898, connects Shimla, the erstwhile summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the Indian rail network. The recent disruption lasted for 7 days and resulted in damage to tracks and bridges along the route. Skilled engineers and workers swiftly repaired the infrastructure using a combination of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship. Efforts are ongoing to fully restore train services up to Shimla, preserving the railway’s historical significance and vital role in the local economy. The local hotel industry is eagerly awaiting the resumption of this iconic heritage site, anticipating an influx of tourists seeking to experience its unique charm and scenic beauty.

After a two-month closure due to heavy rains, paragliding operations have resumed in Billing, Himachal Pradesh. The hiatus not only affected the adventure sport but also brought tourism in Bir Billing to a halt. On the first day of reopening, around 30 pilots soared into the skies from Billing, although there were relatively few tourists present. As the tourist season regains momentum and paragliding activities resume, tourism in the region is expected to thrive once more.

Tourist Footfall in Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable surge, with a record one crore visitors in the first six months of the year, the highest in six years. This includes nearly 99.8 lakh domestic tourists and over 0.28lakh foreign tourists. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attributes this success to the government’s efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure. The state has consistently worked on promoting tourism, making it a favored destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. The numbers have fluctuated in recent years, with a dip in 2021 but a significant increase in 2022, emphasizing the state’s allure as an all-season destination. The government has set an ambitious goal of welcoming five crore tourists annually and is actively developing Kangra as the tourism capital, with a proposed investment of Rs 3000 crore. Improving transportation infrastructure, including expanding Kangra Airport and establishing heliports, is a priority. Himachal Pradesh is committed to sustainable tourism to ensure a clean environment and create employment opportunities. The tourism sector is crucial to the state’s economy, supporting numerous families, underscoring the government’s dedication to its growth.

Due to the G20 Summit in New Delhi, many tourists have come to Shimla for a holiday. To attract more tourists, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Stakeholders Association organized a special flying festival at the Ridge in Shimla where many paragliders participated. This has led to more people staying in hotels in Shimla in the last two days, and they expect more tourists to come in the future. The president of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Stakeholders Association, Mohinder Seth, mentioned that tourism is starting to pick up in Shimla. Different festivals and activities are on the cards to attract tourists that will start on September 27, the World Tourism Day