With winter setting in, hundreds of travel-starved people are heading to Himachal Pradesh to enjoy the snowfall and behold the snow-capped mountains.
Malayalam actor Antony Varghese Pepe, who recently visited this north Indian state in the Himalayas for work, gives a feel of the icy winds of Himachal through some jaw-dropping photos posted on Instagram. Pepe, who entered Mollywood with a bang through ‘Angamaly Diaries’, is seen gazing at the blue sky in the backdrop of serene Himalayan ranges in one snap and having a blast in snowfall in another breathtaking shot.
People have started holidaying in Himachal with the advent of winter season. Bollywood celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor, Yami Gautam, Jacqueline Fernandez and Malaika Arora were recently on vacay at this sought-after tourist destination and had also uploaded their holiday pictures on social media.
Pepe has also shared the charm of Himachal’s countryside and the photo of beautiful village Kalga is out of the world. Not many tourists visit the amazing villages of Kalga, Pulga and Tulga in the state. These hamlets have a heavenly presence and are replete with apple orchards and pavements draped in low-hanging mist. A 90-minute walk from Pulga will take one to Kalga and Tulga is 45 minutes away from Kalga, and the villagers grow apples for a living.
A pocket-friendly travel
One can visit to Himachal Pradesh, which is known as India’s Switzerland, without burning a hole in the pocket. It doesn’t cost much to stay in snow-capped mountain ranges or to go on a trekking spree in this astounding state with numerous hill stations. Many tourists are now travelling to Himachal to ring in the New Year, according to reports. As a precautionary measure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, night curfew is in place in Shimla, Dharamshala and Kullu districts until January 5. Moreover, commercial establishments, including hotels and restaurants, will remain closed on Sundays in the capital city of Shimla.
Considering the increased tourist footfall in the state, the Hotels and Restaurants Association has requested the state government to relax the restrictions imposed on restaurants. The COVID-19-triggered curbs have also affected the winter queen contests in Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala. As there is a spike in COVID-19 cases in the state, the officials concerned have not given the nod to organize these competitions.
Meanwhile, temperature dipped remarkably due to snowfall in Himachal Pradesh. Last week, temperature in Keylong, Lahaul and Spiti plummeted to minus 12 degree Celsius.