Delhi Residents Flock to Hill Stations Amid Rising Temperatures and Election Schedule

Delhi residents are escaping the scorching heat by heading towards hill stations in states like Uttarakhand. The iconic tourist spots in the mountainous regions are witnessing severe traffic jams as a result.

Uttarakhand administration has appealed for people to avoid undertaking the Char Dham Yatra without registration. The looming presence of the elections in Delhi on May 25 has added urgency for many residents to return before casting their votes.

Rajeev Mehra, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), noted that most individuals are aiming to plan trips of four to five days before the elections or considering travel post-elections.

Many Delhiites are prioritizing hill stations such as Char Dham, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Shimla, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Kullu-Manali for their vacation getaways. With summer vacations commencing in numerous schools, families are venturing to mountainous locations.

The surge in tourists is resulting in a steep rise in hotel rental prices in these mountainous regions. To accommodate the election day on May 25, several individuals from Delhi are planning to head out post-noon on the same day.

Rajiv Mehra highlighted that current trends indicate Delhi residents are strategically planning their holidays around the grand festival of democracy.

However, some individuals have already booked flights or trains along with hotel accommodations before the election announcement, leaving them with limited options. Additionally, a few individuals are gearing up to celebrate an extended break by taking a day off on May 24, considering Buddha Purnima holidays.

Ajay Agarwal, a resident of Karol Bagh, intends to spend a few days post-election with family, prioritizing the voting event.

The Nainital Hotel and Restaurant Association’s President, Digvijay Singh Bisht, mentioned a significant number of bookings from Delhi residents have been recorded prior to May 25, with reservations extending until June 30. Currently, hill station packages around the vicinity range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000.

Delhi tourists are also considering destinations such as Sri Lanka due to cost-effective air travel options and visa convenience. Similarly, bookings for Dubai and Bali are on the rise. Vijay Tiwari, manager of a tour travel agency in Paharganj, highlighted the inclination towards budget-friendly trips to nearby countries.

Kundal Ray, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators Assam, noted a substantial influx of Delhi tourists making bookings or heading to their states. Particularly, many are directing themselves towards Meghalaya through Assam, with the revered Kamakhya Temple serving as a center of faith. While bookings are currently low until May 25, inquiries for post-dates are escalating.