Himachal Pradesh to develop a new hotspot as tourism hub – CNBC TV18
When tourism officials recently conducted an inspection near Kol Dam, Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussain Sadiq noted that Kol Dam’s water level remains constant year-round, offering year-round tourism opportunity.
Once developed, Bhohat Kasol will feature over 20 adventure activities for visitors, he added.
“Bhohat Kasol will be developed as a comprehensive tourist destination for which a detailed action plan is being worked out,” the deputy commissioner told PTI. He added that the area will be developed as a rural tourist spot, allowing urban visitors to experience rural life. Sadiq elaborated that all potential tourism opportunities in the region will be thoroughly explored.
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Lesser-known places in Himachal are attracting more tourists compared to the traditionally well-known destinations like Shimla and Spiti. Recently, Solan beat Shimla to emerge as most-popular tourist hotspot in Himachal.
The state welcomed over 74 lakh tourists as from January to May 2024, marking a 3.5% rise compared to the same period last year. Manasi Thakur, Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Himachal Pradesh told PTI that 32,415 foreign tourists visited the state compared to 23,174 in 2024.
No 7. Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh | Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Kheerganga in Himachal Pradesh is a haven for trekkers seeking a snowy retreat. Celebrate Christmas in the lap of nature, immersed in the beauty of pristine landscapes.
Interestingly, more tourists visited Solan district. Kullu recorded the highest tourist footfalls at 1,497,920, followed by Solan at 1,041,074, and Shimla at 999,065. Kasauli and Chail are emerging as popular destinations within Solan, with new spots like Reva waterfall gaining popularity as they are more easily accessible.
Thakur added that efforts were being made to improve inter and intra-state connectivity by including heliports to ferry tourists and by enhancing wayside amenities, opening wellness centers, and ice-skating rinks to attract more tourists.
Moreover, actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, while promoting tourism in Himachal recently said that there is an urgent need to preserve art forms and traditions of teh hilly state, PTI reported.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour in parliament, Ranaut said that several art forms of Himachal Pradesh are on the verge of extinction and will soon become extinct. She urged the government to take steps to preserve them.
“We have the kath kuni style of building houses or the tradition of making clothes from sheep and yak wool or the musical traditions of Spiti, Kinnaur and Bharmour. They all are becoming extinct,” said Ranaut, who represents the Mandi constituency in Lower House.
She said the traditional Himachali dresses such as jackets, caps and sweaters made from sheep and yak wool fetch a good price abroad and they need to be preserved.
Ranaut sought to know from the government the steps taken to preserve the traditions of hill state.
(With inputs from PTI)