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Tourists Flock to Himachal's Manali, Escape Delhi's 'Gas Chamber' Pollution

Tourists are pouring into Manali and other parts of Himachal Pradesh for the holidays. Many are specifically escaping the severe pollution in Delhi, where one visitor described it as feeling like a "gas chamber." Local officials confirm the surge, noting bookings are up for Christmas and New Year’s, and they’re hopeful snowfall will bring even more visitors. It’s a welcome boost for the local tourism

Key Points: Delhi Pollution Drives Tourists to Himachal's Manali, Kullu for Clean Air | ANI

  • Delhi-NCR tourists cite severe air pollution as primary reason for visiting Himachal
  • Kullu district sees over 15,000 vehicles boosting local tourism industry
  • Officials attribute tourist surge to festive season of Christmas and New Year
  • Hoteliers in Manikaran Valley organise events for holiday season tourists
3 min read

Tourists flock to Manali, other parts of Himachal; pollution in Delhi causes further influx

Tourists from Delhi-NCR cite severe pollution as key reason for visiting Manali and Kullu district, boosting Himachal's tourism ahead of Christmas and New Year.

"The pollution in Delhi is so bad that it's difficult to even breathe, so we thought we'd make a plan to go somewhere where the AQI is less. The AQI here is approximately below 50, while in Delhi it's around 700. It seems like Delhi has turned into a gas chamber. - Tourist from Delhi"

Manali (Himachal Pradesh), December 21

Manali is witnessing a surge in tourist footfall ahead of Christmas and New Year. Along with that, to escape the pollution, they are flocking to popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

A tourist from Delhi said, "The pollution in Delhi is so bad that it's difficult to even breathe, so we thought we'd make a plan to go somewhere where the AQI is less. The AQI here is approximately below 50, while in Delhi it's around 700. It seems like Delhi has turned into a gas chamber."

Earlier on Saturday, tourists said they felt relief from respiratory heaviness, coughs, and eye irritation caused by high air pollution.

Pankaj, a tourist from Faridabad, said that the air in the city is bad at the moment, which is why he planned a trip to Manali with his friends.

"This is my first day in Manali, we visited the Hadimba Devi Temple and then went to Mall Road. We plan to visit Club House, Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Rohtang Pass, and Gramphu with their friends," he said.

Saurav Pandey, a tourist from Gurugram, said that in his area, some shopkeepers have shut their shops temporarily to escape ill effects of pollution.

"Pollution has increased so much that even shopkeepers have closed shutters. I feel at peace and refreshed after coming to Manali," he said.

Kullu district also has seen a rise in the inflow of tourists. Over 15,000 vehicles from across the country have arrived in Kullu-Manali, which has given a boost to the state's tourism industry.

Kullu District Tourism Development Officer Rohit Sharma said there has been an increase in tourist arrivals across the district, including Manali, Manikaran, Kasol, Tirthan, Banjar, Jibhi, and surrounding areas.

He also attributed the recent increase in tourist flow to the festive season of Christmas and New Year, saying that many people have made bookings.

"With Christmas and New Year approaching, tourists from across the country are making advance bookings, and if there is snowfall in the coming days, it will further benefit the tourism business," he said.

Manikaran Valley Hotel Association President Kishan Thakur said that the tourism business is getting back on track since the natural disasters in the area.

"In the last two weeks, a large number of tourists from across the country have been arriving in the Manikaran Valley. Hotel owners have made various preparations for Christmas and New Year, including organising live music and aarti (religious ceremony) for tourists coming from all over the country," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Just returned from Manali! The air there is like a blessing. But we must think about the locals. This sudden huge influx puts pressure on their resources and infrastructure. We tourists should be responsible and not litter. Carry your own water bottles and avoid plastic. Let's not turn their paradise into another dump.
R
Rohit P
Great news for the hotel owners and taxi drivers in Himachal after the tough monsoon they had. Economy needs this boost. But AQI of 700 in Delhi? That's an emergency level. Why is there no panic or serious action? We adjust our lives, but the problem remains.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from Canada and currently in Kasol. The difference is staggering. I see many Indian families here with small children and elderly parents, all trying to escape the toxic air. It's a heartbreaking situation. The mountains are beautiful, but no one should be forced to flee their home for clean air.
V
Vikram M
While I'm happy people are finding relief, this is not a solution for the common man. Not everyone can afford a sudden trip to Himachal. What about the auto-rickshaw driver, the street vendor, the office worker who has to report daily? They have to breathe that poison. Our policies are failing the most vulnerable.
K
Karthik V
Planning a trip for New Year! This article is timely. Hope there's snowfall 🤞. But seriously, the comparison is shocking - 50 vs 700 AQI. Delhi needs to look at long-term green solutions, more public transport, and strictly control stubble burning. We can't just export our pollution problem to the hills every year.

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