MASROOR AHMAD
SRINAGAR: As a ‘punishing’ heat wave grips much of the country, many are finding refuge from the extreme heat in the cool environs of Kashmir. Tourists across the country have been flocking to the Himalayan region in recent weeks to escape the extreme heat.
The influx is evident at the Srinagar International Airport, where over 95 to 100 flights are now operating daily on an average, significantly higher than 70 or so flights per day during the winter months.
“Currently on an average over 100 flights are operating from Srinagar Airport, which is higher than the winter month ,”confirmed Javed Anjum ,Director of Srinagar Airport, adding:”The increase in flights is due to the influx of passengers.”
While the summer tourist season typically brings more visitors to Kashmir’s picturesque mountain vistas, resorts, and lakes, this year’s heat wave in other parts of the country has turbocharged the demand. With temperatures soaring well above 40 degrees Celsius in cities like Delhi, many compatriots are seeking a reprieve in Kashmir’s milder climes. Hotel booking and air travel to Kashmir have surged as a result. Temperatures in Srinagar have remained around 30 to 32 degrees Celsius-relatively cool compared to the rest of the country.
Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Hoteliers Club said that the Valley’s pleasant weather was a natural draw compared to other parts of India suffering extreme heat.
“Kashmir is normally a cool place in comparison to the rest of the country and it is like natural air conditioning .” he said, adding: “If you go to Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Doodhpahtri, tourist feel like they are in heaven.”
He credited the government and local administration for promoting tourism in Kashmir saying it is reaping dividends. He expressed optimism for a strong season, urging visitors to take advantage of Kashmir as “the best place in India to beat the heat”.
President Travel Agents Society of Kashmir also pointed to the heat wave as driving the influx of tourists.
Tourist arrivals have increased with the heat wave across the country ,” he said, adding:.”Hotel bookings have increased though due to elections in the past few weeks the influx was a little less, but now it has increased and it is good for Kashmir’s economy particularly those related with the tour and travel business.
The influx of tourists to Srinagar has caused spike in travel costs. The average flight from Delhi to Srinagar is currently priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 13,000 – substantially higher than normal rates.
Despite the elevated fares, many are still opting for air travel to find refuge from the oppressive heat. In addition to air arrivals, travel agents report a huge number of tourists reaching Kashmir by road to beat the heat elsewhere in the country.
