Kullu emerges as top tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh

Nearly 15 lakh tourists visited Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh by May this year, making it the most popular destination in the state. Many tourists ventured beyond Kullu to explore the higher ranges of Lahaul and Spiti, and even traveled to Leh during the summer. The overall tourist footfall in Himachal Pradesh reached over 74 lakh, a modest 3.5% increase from last year. Among these visitors, 32,415 were foreigners, a significant rise from the 23,174 foreign tourists recorded during the same period last year, according to tourism and civil aviation director Manasi Sahay Thakur.

The Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest tunnel at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, has greatly boosted tourism in the tribal districts of Lahaul and Spiti since its opening in 2020. This all-weather tunnel has spurred a surge in tourist activity, benefiting the local hospitality sector. Many locals have converted their traditional houses into homestays, increasing the number of homestays in the region from 74 to 594.

Tourism growth and homestay surge

The director of tourism expects even more tourists to visit by the end of June, thanks to improved inter and intra-state connectivity, including the construction of heliports and new infrastructure like wellness centers and wayside amenities. The growing tourism sector has also led to a rise in homestay options, especially around major tourist destinations. The Kandaghat-Sadhupul area, in particular, has become a notable hotspot.

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Solan district, due to its proximity to Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab, saw a significant increase in tourist numbers, surpassing Shimla with 10.4 lakh visitors compared to Shimla's 9.9 lakh. Tourist towns like Chail, Kasauli, and Barog in Solan experienced a high influx of visitors, with Reva Waterfall becoming a popular attraction.

The scenic districts of Lahaul and Spiti, as well as Kinnaur, continue to attract tourists with their stunning valleys and snow-capped mountains. Kangra also saw a surge in visitors, particularly during the Navratras, due to the presence of Shakti Peethas temples.

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Hotelier associations in Himachal have called on the government to regulate the increasing number of illegal homestays, which can impact revenue and harm the industry. Currently, there are 4,289 registered homestays offering 17,222 rooms and 26,727 beds. Kullu district leads with 1,040 homestays, followed by Shimla with 805, and Lahaul and Spiti with 718. The government has formed a three-member sub-committee to address the issue of illegal homestays.